SFO - ZRH

$355 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Zurich - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$682
Typical prices: $801-$1,399
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Thu 1/11Thu 1/18
SFO - ZRH • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$740
Typical prices: $1,135-$1,741
SWISS
Fri 1/12Fri 1/26
SFO - ZRH • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with SWISS and United Airlines. Average duration is 11h 05m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 96% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 25% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $797 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 13h 37m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Zurich!
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Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Zurich (SFO-ZRH)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Francisco to Zurich

Mon, Jan 11 - Mon, Jan 18
TAP AIR PORTUGAL Logo
4:35 pm - 5:10 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
15h 35m1 stop Lisbon Humberto Delgado
TAP AIR PORTUGAL Logo
6:10 am - 2:25 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
17h 15m1 stop Lisbon Humberto Delgado
$682TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Tue, Jan 12 - Tue, Jan 26
SWISS Logo
7:25 pm - 3:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
11h 05mnonstop
SWISS Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
$740SWISS
Tue, Jan 12 - Tue, Jan 26
SWISS Logo
7:25 pm - 3:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
11h 05mnonstop
SWISS Logo
7:00 am - 4:06 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
18h 06m2 stops Frankfurt am Main Vancouver Intl
$755SWISS
Sun, Nov 8 - Tue, Nov 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:29 pm - 10:25 amSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
25h 56m1 stop Toronto Pearson Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
$780Multiple Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Mon, Oct 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:10 am - 8:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
27h 45m2 stops Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Barcelona-El Prat
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:10 pm - 3:21 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
27h 11m3 stops Barcelona-El Prat Frankfurt am Main Vancouver Intl
$781Multiple Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Thu, Oct 8
Condor Logo
4:30 pm - 8:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
19h 15m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Condor Logo
8:00 am - 2:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
15h 30m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$783Condor
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 24
Condor Logo
4:30 pm - 3:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
14h 10m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Condor Logo
8:00 am - 2:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
15h 30m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
$794Condor
Tue, Dec 1 - Tue, Dec 8
United Airlines Logo
12:50 pm - 2:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
16h 55m1 stop London Heathrow
United Airlines Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
$796United Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Wed, Nov 18
United Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 4:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
15h 05m1 stop London Heathrow
United Airlines Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
$796United Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Mon, Nov 2
TAP AIR PORTUGAL Logo
4:35 pm - 10:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
20h 55m1 stop Lisbon Humberto Delgado
TAP AIR PORTUGAL Logo
6:10 am - 2:25 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
17h 15m1 stop Lisbon Humberto Delgado
$820TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Booking Insights

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

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

How much is a round-trip flight from San Francisco to Zurich?

Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Zurich start at $682. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $801 to $1,399. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $682 on TAP AIR PORTUGAL.

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

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Zurich, it is 16% cheaper than the average day. Saturday is the most expensive day with flight prices 10% 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 Zurich?

  • October is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Zurich at $808 round-trip.
  • December ($1,542) and June ($1,276) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 90% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Zurich the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Zurich are cheapest in the last 2 weeks before departure, based on KAYAK prices tracked over the past 12 months. During this period, fares are 12% below average.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Zurich

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

Emily Zemler

Expert on SWISS and ZRH

Emily is a freelance writer and book author based in London covering entertainment and travel. Her work has appeared in Los Angeles Times, Observer, and Conde Nast Traveler She has ventured to more than 40 countries and all seven continents, always in search of a great art museum. She has written extensively about hotels, luxury travel, and aviation.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

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 Zurich flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$355
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 9% increase in price.
Flight from San Francisco to Zurich

When to book flights from San Francisco to Zurich

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Zurich 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 Zurich flight questions, answered

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

  • What options are there for going from Zurich Airport to the city center?

    If you choose to drive from Zurich Airport to the city center, you can expect the trip to typically take you between 10 and 15min depending on what weather and traffic conditions are like at the time. You can also take the local train line EC which will take you around 10min total. A one-way ticket starts at approximately CHf4.40 ($4.80).

  • Are there any lounges for passengers to relax in at San Francisco International Airport?

    There are a few different lounges at San Francisco International Airport, including the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 2 and the Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3. You will also find the Delta Sky Club in Terminal 1, as well as the United Club in both the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal. There is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in International Terminal A.

  • What facilities does San Francisco International Airport offer for travelers with pets?

    If you’ll be traveling with a pet, take note of the different pet relief zones that can be found at San Francisco International Airport. Each terminal has both an inside and outside area, and they have sitting areas, garbage cans, and free plastic bags for you to clean up after your furry friend. All pet relief areas are open 24h a day.

  • Does Zurich Airport have its own on-site hotel?

    At Zurich Airport, you will find a Transit Hotel that is placed between Terminals B and D. There is also the Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport that is connected to the main terminal of the airport through a walkway. You will find the Mövenpick Hotel Zurich-Airport less than a 5min drive from the airport, and there is a free shuttle for guests.

  • How do I move from A to B within San Francisco International Airport?

    SFO's AirTrain is a completely automated mover system that transfers passengers to the terminals, airport garages, the car rental center, and the BART station. Operating 24/7, it enhances the overall travel experience for passengers, enabling you to navigate the airport complex efficiently and comfortably.

  • Which are eco-friendly airlines within the San Francisco to Zurich route?

    This route accounts for a whopping 9288 lb average amount of CO₂ emission per person, denoting a high level of carbon footprint. Reducing carbon footprint is a crucial aspect of this route, and that's why few airlines feature eco-friendly flights. You can fly KLM, Air France, Delta, or Air Canada and help reduce the environmental impact.

  • Are there onsite airport hotels at Zurich Airport?

    Yes, there are several onsite airport hotels at Zurich Airport that offer travelers a variety of services and amenities. These include Movenpick Hotel Zurich Airport, Hilton Zurich Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport, and Novotel Zurich Airport Messe among others.

  • Can I leave some luggage at Zurich Airport?

    You can leave your luggage securely at Zurich Airport. There are several lockers that can be found on the first floor of the Service Center/Garage P2. Also, there are SBB lockers around the Airport Shopping in Check-in 3 of the Airport.

  • Does San Francisco International Airport provide support for travelers with disabilities?

    SFO is committed to ensuring that passengers with disabilities enjoy a seamless airport experience. If you need wheelchair assistance or any other form of assistance, you're to request it when making the flight booking. You can find your airline representatives at check-in areas or your airline's designated desk.

  • Are there pet amenities at San Francisco International Airport?

    There are several pet relief areas at SFO. These areas are fully fenced and landscaped and are easily accessible by the handicapped. To access the areas outside security, follow the painted paw-prints from the arrivals. On the other hand, you can access the outdoor relief areas by following the overhead signage from the departures level. 

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

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to Zurich flights:

    • SWISS: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; 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 Zurich?

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

    • SWISS
    • United Airlines

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

    Flights from San Francisco to Zurich usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Zurich (ZRH).

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

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

    • SWISS: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • British Airways: a cabin bag in Economy Class 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 Zurich?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to Zurich:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $797 round-trip via Kastrup Copenhagen (CPH), compared to $1,385 for nonstop.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $75–$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 Zurich?

    The Boeing 777-300ER family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by SWISS and United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner variants.

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

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

    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 64% of one-stop connections
    • Kastrup Copenhagen (CPH) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • Istanbul (IST) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) - 5% of one-stop connections

    Frankfurt am Main (FRA) 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 Zurich?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 24% on the San Francisco to Zurich route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $908 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $1,193, a difference of $285. 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 Zurich?

    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 Zurich route, 11% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 3 hours 12 minutes.

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

    Evening is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Zurich flights, with 100% of flights leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 0%, afternoon flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Zurich?

    Some of the most popular sights in Zurich are Zurich Central Station, Zurich City Centre and Bahnhofstrasse. These are among the most viewed places in Zurich on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 2:25 pm and lands at 1:30 am
    • Latest: departs at 8:25 pm and lands at 7:30 am.

    The flight takes about 11h 05m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 12% below the route average of $1,078. Booking late can sometimes save money on this route, but inventory is limited.

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

    A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Zurich takes 11h 05m, covering 5,822 miles.

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

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

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

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Zurich are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $505, which is 22% below the typical average for this route.

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

    Evening 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 Zurich?

    Flying via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 13h 37m, compared with 14h 31m via Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) and 15h 20m via Frankfurt am Main (FRA).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Zurich?

    Zurich is 9 hours ahead of San Francisco (Central European Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at Zurich Airport (ZRH)?

    Zurich Airport (ZRH) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $17 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Alamo
    • Europcar
    • Hertz
    • Budget
    • GREEN MOTION

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

    Round-trip flights from San Francisco to Zurich range from $801 to $1,399, with an average of $1,078 over the past 12 months. Anything below $801 counts as a good deal.

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

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Zurich flights:

    • • SWISS
    • • United Airlines

    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 Zurich 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 Tuesday departure instead of Saturday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $908 - about $285 less than Saturday (24% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you're flexible on your travel dates, booking last minute (within 2 weeks of departure) tends to be around 12% cheaper than the typical fare over the last 12 months, based on KAYAK data.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Zurich trip for October. Fares historically average $808 round-trip in that month - typically $734 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, SWISS is the strongest pick on this route. 96% of SWISS flights from San Francisco to Zurich arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 89%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 3 hours 12 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 Kastrup Copenhagen Airport (CPH) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $797 round-trip on this route - about $588 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 Zurich Airport.
    - Holiday Inn Express Zürich Airport By IHG
    - Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle
    - Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport Circle
  • When you travel from San Francisco to Zurich, your plane will depart from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This airport can be found just less than 15 miles from downtown, and it’s also a major hub for United Airlines, a company that commonly services this route.
  • Once you have reached Zurich, you will land at Zurich Airport (ZRH). This is the largest international airport in Switzerland and the main hub for Swiss International Air Lines, which operates many flights between these two cities.
  • Nonstop flights from San Francisco to Zurich are normally not offered, so you will typically have either one or two layovers before you reach your destination. A few of the companies that are known for offering these flights include Lufthansa and United Airlines.
  • If you have some time before your flight begins boarding at San Francisco International Airport, head to one of the XpresSpa locations in Terminals 2, 3, and the International Terminal. Here, you can have services like massages, manicures, and facials.
  • Those that will be flying with little ones should keep in mind that Zurich Airport has a few facilities for families. The airport has two Family Services rooms, and these contain private rooms for nursing, changing tables, a kitchenette, and toys to keep children occupied. You can also rent strollers for free in each terminal.
  • The trip from San Francisco to Zurich features one or more layovers, which is ideal for those who want to break up their flight. Most layover points include Frankfurt am Main (FRA), London Heathrow (LHR), Munich Franz Josef Strauss (MUC), and Brussels Bruxelles-National (BRU). Airlines featuring layovers include United Airlines, Brussels Airlines, or ANA.
  • On arriving in Zurich, you will be delighted to find several car companies at Zurich Airport. The most popular car rental brands include National, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty among others. From the Arrivals, follow the signs that lead to your car rental company. The car rental center is at the terminal complex on the first floor and is open daily from 6 a.m to 11:30 p.m.
  • One way of enjoying Zurich right away is by observing the airline traffic after disembarking from your flight. Zurich Airport features an observation deck in two locations, B and D. The location gives excitement as you recapture your own flight experience. There are binoculars available to help provide a clear view of the plane's activity.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Zurich?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Zurich Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Zurich

Monday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Tuesday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Wednesday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Thursday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Friday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Saturday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Sunday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Zurich to San Francisco

Monday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Tuesday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Wednesday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Thursday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Friday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Saturday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

Sunday

SWISS,United Airlines

SWISS,United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Zurich

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