TPA - SFO

$169 Find Cheap Flights from Tampa to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$313
Typical prices: $342-$541
Frontier
Sun 10/7Tue 10/9
TPA - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$359
Typical prices: $351-$576
United Airlines
Wed 9/12Wed 9/19
TPA - SFO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 47m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 19 weeks in advance save around 39% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 8% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $278 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 7h 10m (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 Tampa to San Francisco (TPA-SFO)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Tampa to San Francisco

Wed, Oct 7 - Fri, Oct 9
Frontier Logo
6:15 am - 10:47 amTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
7h 32m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
10:14 pm - 6:24 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
17h 10m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$313Frontier
Fri, Sep 18 - Sun, Sep 20
Frontier Logo
12:17 pm - 10:28 pmTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
13h 11m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Frontier Logo
4:31 pm - 12:26 amSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
28h 55m2 stops San Diego Denver Intl
$314Frontier
Wed, Sep 2 - Sat, Sep 5
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:11 pm - 11:12 pmTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
9h 01m1 stop San Diego
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 pm - 5:32 amSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
7h 02m1 stop Denver Intl
$319Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Wed, Nov 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:39 pm - 12:15 amTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
12h 36m1 stop Denver Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:25 am - 6:21 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
6h 56m1 stop San Diego
$322Multiple Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Sun, Nov 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
4:55 pm - 9:57 pmTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
8h 02m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:04 am - 3:52 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
29h 48m1 stop San Diego
$339Alaska Airlines
Wed, Dec 16 - Thu, Dec 31
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:33 pm - 8:52 amTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
16h 19m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 5:40 amSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
20h 40m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$357Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Sat, Sep 19
United Airlines Logo
8:19 am - 10:57 amTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
5h 38mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
8:40 am - 5:02 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
5h 22mnonstop
$359United Airlines
Mon, Dec 21 - Sat, Jan 16
United Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 11:02 amTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
6h 02mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 10:12 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
5h 17mnonstop
$359United Airlines
Thu, Dec 24 - Wed, Jan 6
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 12:29 pmTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
8h 29m1 stop Charlotte Douglas
American Airlines Logo
11:12 am - 10:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
8h 18m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$377American Airlines
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
American Airlines Logo
3:26 pm - 11:36 pmTPA  Tampa-SFO San Francisco
11h 10m1 stop Miami
American Airlines Logo
11:35 pm - 10:10 amSFO  San Francisco-TPA Tampa
7h 35m1 stop Charlotte Douglas
$377American Airlines
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from Tampa to San Francisco start at $313. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $342 to $541. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $313 on Frontier.

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

Friday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Tampa to San Francisco, it is 6% cheaper than the average day. Sunday 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

  • September is the cheapest month to fly from Tampa to San Francisco at $383 round-trip.
  • March ($497) and May ($478) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 29% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Tampa to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Tampa to San Francisco are cheapest 19 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 39% 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 Tampa to San Francisco

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

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and TPA

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.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on Alaska Airlines

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.

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 Tampa to San Francisco flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$170
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 14% increase in price.
Flight from Tampa to San Francisco

When to book flights from Tampa to San Francisco

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

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

  • Where can I sleep at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

    FreshenUp in the International Terminal offers nap rooms you can rent by the hour. The establishment is on Level G landside, and the rooms come equipped with a bed, desk, mirror, and free Wi-Fi. Showers are available at an additional cost. You can also stay at the Grand Hyatt at SFO, a hotel within airport grounds. To get to the hotel, you’ll have to take the AirTrain.

  • Does San Francisco International Airport offer family services?

    If you’re traveling with an infant, nursing rooms are available at SFO in Terminals 1 and 2. Just look out for the nursery and family restroom signs. You can also rent baby items, including strollers and car seats, from Cloud of Good at SFO. Just order online, and you’ll pick them up after your flight. SFO has also provided kid’s play areas for the older kids. You’ll find the play areas around Gates 22, 54A, 58B, 62, 87A, and Boarding Areas D and E.

  • Does San Francisco International Airport offer accessible services?

    SFO has provided barrier-free access by providing ramps throughout the public areas for easy access and elevators for getting to other levels. The airport has also provided companion care and accessible restrooms for people in wheelchairs. TTY telephones have been provided at the airport for the hard of hearing. SFO has audio and visual paging and screens throughout the airport. Tactile guide paths, braille-coded elevator buttons, and Aira services have been provided for low-vision passengers.

  • What are the transport options from San Francisco International Airport?

    The BART is an efficient way of getting downtown or connecting to the CalTrain network. BART serves SFO, and you can board these trains at the International Terminal around Boarding Area G. SamTrans public buses also serve SFO. They operate three routes from SFO to San Mateo County and various parts of San Francisco. You can board these buses at the courtyards outside Terminals 2, 3, and the International Terminal. Taxis are available outside the arrivals area of all terminals, and you can pick up rental cars from the rental car center.

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

    Among airlines operating Tampa to San Francisco flights:

    • 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Tampa and San Francisco.

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

    Flights from Tampa to San Francisco usually depart from Tampa (TPA) and arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

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

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

    • United Airlines: 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Tampa 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $278 round-trip via Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA), compared to $447 for nonstop.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$80 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 9 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737 MAX 8 variants.

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

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

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 24% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • San Diego (SAN) - 11% 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 Tampa to San Francisco?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 23% on the Tampa to San Francisco route. Friday is the cheapest departure day at $392 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $503, a difference of $111. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Tampa to San Francisco flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 50%, afternoon flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • 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.

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

    A nonstop flight from Tampa to San Francisco takes 5h 47m, covering 2,387 miles.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 7:00 am and lands at 12:47 pm
    • Latest: departs at 6:51 pm and lands at 12:38 am.

    The flight takes about 5h 47m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 42% above the route average of $416. Book 19 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Tampa 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 Tampa 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 $313 to $3,056. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from Tampa to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $180, which is 35% below the typical average for this route.

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

    Flying via Lambert-St Louis (STL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 10m, compared with 7h 35m via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) and 7h 41m via Houston George Bush Intcntl (IAH).

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

    San Francisco is 3 hours behind Tampa (Pacific Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • 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 Tampa to San Francisco flight?

    Round-trip flights from Tampa to San Francisco range from $342 to $541, with an average of $416 over the past 12 months. Anything below $342 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Tampa 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 Friday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Friday flights average $392 - about $111 less than Sunday (22% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 19 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 39% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Tampa to San Francisco trip for September. Fares historically average $383 round-trip in that month - typically $114 less than the most expensive month, which is March (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $278 round-trip on this route - about $169 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 San Francisco Airport.
    - Grand Hyatt At Sfo
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) comprises the Main Terminal and four smaller terminals, A, C, E, and F. The airport has provided the SkyConnect monorail for easy movement around the airport complex, as it connects all terminals to the garages and rental car center.
  • Pets are welcome to travel through TPA. TPA has provided four outdoor pet relief areas outside the Main Terminal on the baggage level and at least one indoor relief area in the four airsides, A, C, E, and F.
  • Delta and American Airlines have premium lounges at TPA for relaxing before your flight. Delta’s lounge is members-only, while the AA lounge you can access with your flight ticket and paying at the door. The Delta lounge is around Gate 68, and the AA lounge is around Gate 85.
  • Around 1,327 kg of carbon is emitted on flights from Tampa to San Francisco. Book your flight with Frontier Airlines or American Airlines to fly more sustainably, as they offer flights that emit 56% and 52% less carbon per passenger.
  • SunTrust Bank runs a full-service branch at TPA. They offer banking, ATM, and currency exchange services and keep regular banking hours. You’ll find the bank at the Tampa Airport Marriott.

Prefer to fly direct from Tampa to San Francisco?

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

Direct departures

Tampa to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Tampa

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Tampa to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports