SFO - SEA

$79 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Seattle - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$135
Typical prices: $202-$387
Frontier, Alaska Airlines
Tue 11/6Fri 11/9
SFO - SEA • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$136
Typical prices: $202-$387
Alaska Airlines
Mon 10/1Thu 10/4
SFO - SEA • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta. Average duration is 2h 17m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 84% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 54% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 33% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $176 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 13h 10m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Seattle!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Seattle (SFO-SEA)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Seattle

Fri, Nov 6 - Mon, Nov 9
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:02 am - 3:12 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
9h 10m1 stop Denver Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:33 pm - 10:45 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 12mnonstop
$135Multiple Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:07 am - 8:20 amSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 13mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:16 pm - 2:20 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
17h 04m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$135Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Sun, Oct 4
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:36 am - 12:51 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 15mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:39 am - 8:49 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 10mnonstop
$136Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Sat, Oct 3
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:36 am - 12:51 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 15mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:36 pm - 10:49 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 13mnonstop
$136Alaska Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sun, Oct 18
United Airlines Logo
9:07 pm - 11:27 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 20mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:19 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 19mnonstop
$137United Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Sat, Oct 17
United Airlines Logo
9:07 pm - 11:26 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 19mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
1:22 pm - 3:37 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 15mnonstop
$137United Airlines
Fri, Nov 13 - Mon, Nov 16
Frontier Logo
6:02 am - 3:12 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
9h 10m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
8:09 pm - 8:32 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
24h 23m1 stop Los Angeles
$139Frontier
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 3:12 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
9h 12m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
4:27 pm - 12:15 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
7h 48m1 stop Denver Intl
$140Frontier
Thu, Oct 8 - Thu, Oct 29
Delta Logo
6:20 am - 8:41 amSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 21mnonstop
Delta Logo
7:16 am - 9:38 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 22mnonstop
$147Delta
Thu, Oct 8 - Thu, Oct 15
Delta Logo
6:20 am - 8:41 amSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 21mnonstop
Delta Logo
7:16 am - 9:38 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 22mnonstop
$147Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Francisco to Seattle flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from San Francisco to Seattle with more confidence.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Seattle, it is 8% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 9% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Seattle at $195 round-trip.
  • July ($333) and June ($329) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 70% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Seattle the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Seattle are cheapest 24 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 54% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Seattle

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on Alaska Airlines and SEA

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and Delta

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Key details for San Francisco to Seattle flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 33% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 14% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Seattle

When to book flights from San Francisco to Seattle

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Seattle based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Francisco to Seattle flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Is bag storage available at Seattle Tacoma International Airport?

    Smarte Carte offers not only rentals of carts, strollers, and wheelchairs but also provides baggage storage as well with their Baggage Storage Seattle service. They provide both short and long-term baggage storage in their secure facility. The facility is conveniently located on the arrivals level at baggage claim 9.

  • Is there a private area at Seattle Tacoma International Airport that nursing mothers can use?

    Inside the children's playroom, there is a Mother's Room which is private and quiet and also offers rocking chairs for you and your baby. This room comes with adjustable lighting as well as footstools, side tables, and electrical outlets. The airport offers a total of eight of these rooms throughout the various terminal buildings.

  • Does Seattle Tacoma International Airport have a cell phone lot?

    There is a complimentary cell phone lot featuring a large sign with a QR code. Drivers can simply scan the code on their smartphone to receive detailed arrivals information. The lot is located adjacent to the South 170th Street exit on the Airport Expressway. Drivers may park for free for up to twenty minutes.

  • If I have brought along my pet on my flight from San Francisco to Seattle in an animal carrier, where can I pick it up after my flight?

    All animals that traveled in the baggage compartment in animal carriers can be picked up in the baggage claim area. If your pet was sent via the airline’s cargo service, you must contact your individual airline to find out where their individual cargo service office is located at the airport to pick up your pet.

  • Are there car rentals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?

    Passengers arriving at SEA from SFO and wanting a car to explore the city flexibly will find many options at their disposal. Although there are desks at the terminal, all the parking garages are off-site. Take a shuttle outside on the lower drive on the baggage claim level, and it will drop you at the car rental pick-up area within 5min.

  • Which is the best way to get to downtown Seattle from SEA?

    The city center of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport lies about 13.8 miles apart. The best way to get there is via a light rail which covers the distance in about 40min. Another option is to take the airport shuttle, which takes about 1h to travel between the two points. However, a taxi is handy for a quicker alternative as it completes the journey in 25min.

  • Are there lactating rooms at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?

    Families arriving at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from SFO will be glad to note that the property caters to the needs of moms and little ones. If you want to pump or breastfeed in privacy, head to Concourse D on the lower level of D Annex, adjacent to Gate D24.

  • Is there a smoking room at SEA?

    SEA operates on a smoke-free policy within the terminals. However, upon landing, you can light your cigarette on the North end of the terminals, outside door 26 by Alaska Airlines, at the luggage claim level.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Francisco to Seattle flights?

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to Seattle flights:

    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from San Francisco to Seattle?

    3 airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Seattle. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Alaska Airlines
    • United Airlines
    • Delta

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to Seattle?

    Flights from San Francisco to Seattle usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Francisco to Seattle flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Delta: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Seattle:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Francisco to Seattle?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $176 round-trip via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS), compared to $291 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $35–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    The Airbus A320-100/200 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to Seattle pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to Seattle most commonly connect through:

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 41% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 29% of one-stop connections
    • Ontario (ONT) - 29% of one-stop connections

    Denver Intl (DEN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 16% on the San Francisco to Seattle route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $269 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $319, a difference of $50. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Francisco to Seattle?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Francisco to Seattle route, 18% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 15 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from San Francisco to Seattle spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Seattle flights, with 37% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 32%, evening flights for 26%, and night flights for 5%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Seattle?

    Some of the most popular sights in Seattle are Pike Place Market, Pier 66 and Lumen Field. These are among the most viewed places in Seattle on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Francisco to Seattle:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:00 am and lands at 8:17 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:45 pm and lands at 1:02 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 17m.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to Seattle flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 53% above the route average of $291. Book 24 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Seattle?

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Seattle takes 2h 17m, covering 679 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • Have flight prices from San Francisco to Seattle changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $135 to $798. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to Seattle looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Seattle are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $80, which is 59% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on San Francisco to Seattle flights?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Delta has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San Francisco to Seattle flights are:

    • United Airlines: 84% on time
    • Delta: 83% on time
    • Alaska Airlines: 80% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 82% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from San Francisco to Seattle?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Francisco to Seattle?

    Flying via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 10h 08m, compared with 13h 10m via Denver Intl (DEN) and 14h 45m via Ontario (ONT).

  • What car rental options are available at Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA)?

    Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $4 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Fox
    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Budget
    • Dollar

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to Seattle flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Seattle range from $202 to $387, with an average of $291 over the past 12 months. Anything below $202 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Seattle flights?

    Three airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Seattle flights:

    • • Alaska Airlines
    • • Delta
    • • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Seattle flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $269 - about $50 less than Sunday (16% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 24 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 54% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Seattle trip for February. Fares historically average $195 round-trip in that month - typically $138 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 84% of United Airlines flights from San Francisco to Seattle arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 82%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 15 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $176 round-trip on this route - about $115 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport.
    - Seattle Airport Marriott
    - Coast Gateway Hotel
    - Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Seattle Sea-Tac Airport
  • What trip to the San Francisco area is complete without a bit of wine tasting? If you missed out this trip, or you did not get your fill, then SF Uncork'd is just what the doctor ordered. Located in Terminal 3 near Gate 85 in San Francisco International Airport, this bar offers a large selection of all varieties of wines by the glass, including a unique selection of wine flights.
  • One unique business you usually do not find at an airport comes the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Store, located in the International Terminal of San Francisco International Airport. Not only is this a great place to just browse and wonder, it also features great gifts and even offers excellent coffee.
  • Who does not love a brand new gadget or the latest piece of technology? If this sounds like you, then InMotion Entertainment is just your type of place. Located in the International Terminal of San Francisco International Airport, this store features headphones, cameras, and travel solutions like backpacks and travel pillows.
  • When looking for a Seattle hotel that is both convenient and affordable, there may be no better choice than the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center. This hotel features a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service, is close to the rail station that can quickly bring you to downtown Seattle, has two separate business centers with free WiFi and remote printing, and houses a fitness center with whirlpool.
  • What says Seattle better than a booming and lively music scene? This is just as true at Seattle Tacoma International Airport, where you will find the Sub Pop Store. Imagine having a complete record store tucked away in an airport -- that is what you will find at Sub Pop. Located in the Central Terminal of Seattle Tacoma International Airport, this store may enchant you so much you may forget to ever leave the airport.
  • Multiple airlines run several lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), including the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club. If you’ll be flying aboard United Airlines, you’ll depart via Terminal 3. You’ll find the Admirals Club in Concourse F (inside security). As a member, you’ll enjoy priority access, fast clearance at security desks, and a better connection to your next destination.
  • Those departing to Seattle should know that there are four terminals at Francisco International Airport (SFO). The main International Terminal is separated from the rest, which serves domestic flights. You can quickly move from one terminal to the next via AirTrain, which makes regular runs every 5-15min. Still, there are walkways for those who don’t mind footing between the terminals.
  • If you have excess bags you want to leave behind, remember that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) provides lockers for their safe storage. These facilities are located in the Departures Hall of the International Terminal (gates G91-G102). It might be helpful to check with the attendants on the time limits and fees.
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) features different parking levels to meet every traveler's needs. If you intend to drop off your car before your voyage from SFO to Seattle, you won’t have a shortage of options. If you prefer long-term, off-site parking, locate it just north of the terminals, and AirTrain Blue Line will get you there. It departs at 5-15-min intervals.
  • Numerous credit unions and banks run their ATM booths at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Therefore, if you want to recharge your ATMs before flying out to Seattle, you’ll have many options. For instance, Bank of America has an ATM at the Terminal Main Hall, Departures Level, Marketplace G.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Seattle?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Seattle/Tacoma Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Seattle/Tacoma Intl to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Delta,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,Delta, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Seattle

Complete your trip to Seattle with a hotel stay or car rental