SEA - SFO

$85 Find Cheap Flights from Seattle to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$153
Typical prices: $188-$367
Alaska Airlines
Mon 10/8Fri 10/12
SEA - SFO • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$85
Typical prices: $129-$283
Frontier
Tue 10/2
SEA - SFO • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta. Average duration is 2h 19m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 100% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 8 weeks in advance save around 61% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 31% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $266 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 5h 26m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

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

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Seattle to San Francisco

Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:36 pm - 11:52 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 16mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:21 pm - 5:33 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 12mnonstop
$153Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Mon, Oct 12
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:36 pm - 11:52 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 16mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:11 pm - 9:25 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 14mnonstop
$153Alaska Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Mon, Oct 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:00 pm - 9:54 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
13h 54m1 stop Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:21 pm - 5:33 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 12mnonstop
$153Multiple Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:00 pm - 9:54 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
13h 54m1 stop Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:21 pm - 6:33 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 12mnonstop
$153Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Sat, Oct 10
Delta Logo
9:35 pm - 11:56 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 21mnonstop
Delta Logo
2:15 pm - 4:37 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 22mnonstop
$154Delta
Fri, Sep 25 - Thu, Oct 1
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 11:51 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 21mnonstop
Delta Logo
6:23 am - 8:40 amSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
2h 17mnonstop
$154Delta
Fri, Oct 9 - Tue, Oct 13
Frontier Logo
9:16 pm - 2:25 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
17h 09m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
7:25 pm - 6:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
23h 20m1 stop Los Angeles
$155Frontier
Mon, Nov 23 - Fri, Nov 27
Frontier Logo
1:52 pm - 8:25 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 33m1 stop Los Angeles
Frontier Logo
11:41 am - 8:38 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
8h 57m1 stop Los Angeles
$155Frontier
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
Southwest Logo
6:50 pm - 12:35 amSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
5h 45m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
Southwest Logo
12:15 pm - 9:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
9h 30m2 stops Los Angeles Oakland
$156Southwest
Thu, Oct 1 - Tue, Oct 6
Southwest Logo
5:30 am - 1:05 pmSEA  Seattle/Tacoma Intl-SFO San Francisco
7h 35m2 stops Sacramento Intl San Diego
Southwest Logo
3:50 pm - 11:55 pmSFO  San Francisco-SEA Seattle/Tacoma Intl
8h 05m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$156Southwest
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from Seattle to San Francisco start at $153. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $188 to $367. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $153 on Alaska Airlines.

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

Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Seattle to San Francisco, it is 9% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 20% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Seattle to San Francisco at $183 round-trip.
  • June ($296) and July ($286) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 61% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Seattle to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Seattle to San Francisco are cheapest 8 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 61% 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 Seattle to San Francisco

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

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on ANA

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Chris Dong

Chris Dong

Expert on Singapore Airlines

Chris is a consumer travel reporter covering aviation, trending travel news, hotels, and loyalty programs—all for leading global publications like Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, AFAR, and more. In addition to writing, Chris is a video host for Travel + Leisure, giving consumers an inside look at the latest in air travel.

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 Seattle to San Francisco flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$85
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 6% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 3% lower on average.
Flight from Seattle to San Francisco

When to book flights from Seattle to San Francisco

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

Your Seattle to San Francisco flight questions, answered

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

  • What facilities are available for business travelers at San Francisco International Airport?

    While there is no designated business center at San Francisco International Airport, there are plenty of workstations located throughout its terminals. There are also Power Bars in the Terminal 2 Food Court where travelers can plug in their laptops and continue their work while on the go.

  • Can I fly from Seattle to San Francisco non-stop?

    Due to their close proximity, many airlines offer nonstop flights from Seattle to San Francisco. Some of the airlines offering such flights include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. There are also one-stop flights available through airlines like jetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines, with layovers in cities such as Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Portland.

  • What is the quickest way from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco?

    Aside from renting or driving a personal vehicle, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) is the quickest way to get from San Francisco International Airport to the city. Terminal 3 hosts the airport’s BART station and is easily accessed via AirTrain from the airport’s other terminals.

  • Should I fly to San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, or San José International Airport?

    Both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are connected to BART, making them ideal for travelers who plan to take public transportation after their flights from Seattle to San Francisco. The main difference between the two is that San Francisco is on the west side of the bay while Oakland is on the east. San José International Airport, on the other hand, is not connected via BART, but there are other public transport options available. However, the main reason to fly into San José is if your final destination is outside of the Bay Area, as the airport is located a bit further outside the Bay Area’s urban sprawl.

  • What is the easiest way of traveling out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    The best way to get out of SFO to Downtown San Francisco is via BART trains. They also connect to Oakland in addition to other areas within the Bay Area. With BART, you will avoid the traffic congestion associated with Bay area peak hours. The trains leave SFO frequently and will whisk you away from the airport in no time.

  • Can I rent a car at San Francisco International Airport?

    You can easily rent a car of your choice right from SFO. To access the SFO  Rental Car Center take the AirTrain Blue Line from any terminal. The main car rental brands at SFO include Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, Thrifty and others.

  • Does Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provide support for travelers with disabilities?

    Yes, SEA is fully equipped with facilities that offer easy accessibility by all travelers with special needs. Your airline will coordinate wheelchair services from the ticketing desk to the departures. The airport also features wheelchair accessible taxis and vans. Passengers may request curbside pick-up on the Skybridge 5 and Baggage Claim level.

  • Are there on-site hotels at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    If you want to enjoy some food and drinks at SFO, you will head to The Grand Hyatt hotel located near the SFO entrance, parking garages and terminal buildings. You can enjoy quiet time here due to the soundproofed guest rooms.

  • Are there family amenities at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?

    Yes, there are several restrooms for travelers who need assistance from their companions. They are located near Gate A1 of the International Terminal A. If you want to freshen up after light, head to level 3 of Ed Lee International Main Hall for shower facilities, ironing facilities, undergarments, nap rooms, and toiletries.

  • Are there pet amenities at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?

    There are several pet relief areas equipped with trash bins, towel dispensers and waste bags for proper disposal. They are located in CONCOURSE D, N, S and Central Terminal as well as in the International Arrivals. Outside the main terminal, there are several pet relief areas specifically near the parking garage and both south and north ends. 

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

    Among airlines operating Seattle to San Francisco 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 Seattle to San Francisco?

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

    • Alaska Airlines
    • United Airlines
    • Delta

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

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

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

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

    • 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 Seattle to San Francisco?

    On this route, nonstop and layover fares are close on average, with nonstop at $264 round-trip and layover options via Denver Intl (DEN) at $266.

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

    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 Seattle to San Francisco?

    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 Seattle to San Francisco pass through?

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

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 38% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 38% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Ontario (ONT) - 10% 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 Seattle to San Francisco?

    On the Seattle to San Francisco route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 24%. Saturday is the cheapest day at $242 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $318: a $76 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

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

    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 Seattle to San Francisco route, 30% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 1 hour 36 minutes.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Seattle to San Francisco flights, with 40% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 30%, afternoon flights for 25%, and night flights for 5%.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Francisco?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Francisco are Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and Moscone Center. These are among the most viewed places in San Francisco on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 6:39 am and lands at 8:58 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:40 pm and lands at 11:59 pm.

    The flight takes about 2h 19m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 75% above the route average of $264. Book 8 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    A nonstop flight from Seattle to San Francisco takes 2h 19m, covering 679 miles.

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

    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 Seattle to San Francisco 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 $153 to $782. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from Seattle to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $88, which is 54% below the typical average for this route.

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

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

    • Southwest: 100% on time
    • Delta: 73% on time
    • United Airlines: 72% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 70% of the time on average.

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

    Night 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 Seattle to San Francisco?

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 5h 26m, compared with 11h 57m via Ontario (ONT) and 13h 35m via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS).

  • What car rental options are available at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $15 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Thrifty
    · Europcar
    · Dollar
    · Hertz
    · Fox

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

    Round-trip flights from Seattle to San Francisco range from $188 to $367, with an average of $264 over the past 12 months. Anything below $188 counts as a good deal.

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

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

    • • Alaska Airlines
    • • Delta
    • • American Airlines
    • • 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 Seattle to San Francisco 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 Saturday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Saturday flights average $242 - about $76 less than Monday (24% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 8 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 61% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Seattle to San Francisco trip for January. Fares historically average $183 round-trip in that month - typically $113 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, Southwest is the strongest pick on this route. 100% of Southwest flights from Seattle to San Francisco arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 70%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 1 hour 36 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to San Francisco Airport.
    - Grand Hyatt At Sfo
  • Looking to take public transport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport so you can avoid the hassle of renting a car? Link Light Rail services connect Seattle-Tacoma International Airport directly to downtown Seattle and even to the University of Washington. The airport’s Link station is located outside the airport on the fourth floor of the adjacent parking garage.
  • Want to give the kids the chance to burn off a bit of excess energy before the flight? Stop by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Playroom, located by the Seattle Tap Room in the Central Terminal by the A gates. At San Francisco International Airport there are three children’s play areas to choose from: two in Terminal 3 and one in Terminal 2.
  • Fortunately for travelers wanting to grab a bite to eat before they board their flight out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, there are plenty of restaurant options available - even for those with dietary restrictions. For vegetarians and vegans there is Floret, while for those who prefer meat on the menu, there is Rel’Lish Burger Lounge.
  • The Aviation Museum in San Francisco International Airport is a great family-friendly activity for those who are looking for a diversion during their time at the airport. The museum includes a library and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • To reach San Francisco International Airport’s Rental Car Center, simply hop on the AirTrain Blue Line at any one of the airport’s terminals. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day and also connects the terminals to all of the airport’s parking garages and the BART station.
  • Fly out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area and enjoy numerous domestic airlines flying to San Francisco. You will fly in via San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a major gateway to California to quickly begin exploring San Francisco.
  • This flight route accounts for 1567 lb the average CO₂ emission per traveler. To fly eco friendly, book Alaska Airlines which invests in sustainable aviation fuels for lesser emissions. The Airline is known for more efficient aircrafts with advanced design features that help reduce the carbon footprint by over 50% percent.
  • Though the Seattle to San Francisco flight is not so long, you can take flights with stops if you have flexible schedules or are open to exploring new destinations. Spend a few hours at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) when you fly American Airlines, stop at LAX with Alaska Airlines or take some time in beautiful Sacramento (SMF) along the way.

Prefer to fly direct from Seattle to San Francisco?

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

Direct departures

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

Direct returns

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

More options for your flight from Seattle to San Francisco

Complete your trip to San Francisco with a hotel stay or car rental