ZRH - SFO

$412 Find Cheap Flights from Zurich to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$735
Typical prices: $797-$1,031
Scandinavian Airlines
Thu 11/15Sat 11/24
ZRH - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$753
Typical prices: $822-$1,055
SWISS
Fri 11/16Fri 11/30
ZRH - SFO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with SWISS. Average duration is 12h 15m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 78% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 11 weeks in advance save around 14% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 15% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $628 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 13h 53m (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 Zurich to San Francisco (ZRH-SFO)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Zurich to San Francisco

Sun, Nov 15 - Tue, Nov 24
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
8:25 pm - 2:50 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
27h 25m1 stop Kastrup Copenhagen
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
4:45 pm - 7:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
17h 55m1 stop Kastrup Copenhagen
$735Scandinavian Airlines
Mon, Mar 1 - Sun, Mar 14
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
10:25 am - 11:11 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
21h 46m2 stops Kastrup Copenhagen Los Angeles
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
5:45 pm - 7:40 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
17h 55m1 stop Kastrup Copenhagen
$735Scandinavian Airlines
Sat, Apr 3 - Sat, Apr 10
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
6:25 pm - 2:40 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
29h 15m2 stops Oslo Gardermoen Kastrup Copenhagen
Scandinavian Airlines Logo
4:45 pm - 9:40 amSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
31h 55m1 stop Kastrup Copenhagen
$736Scandinavian Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Mon, Nov 30
Lufthansa Logo
2:25 pm - 8:10 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
14h 45m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
9:40 pm - 7:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
13h 05m1 stop Munich Franz Josef Strauss
$740Lufthansa
Mon, Nov 16 - Mon, Nov 30
SWISS Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
SWISS Logo
4:40 pm - 4:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
15h 05m1 stop London Heathrow
$746SWISS
Sun, Nov 22 - Thu, Dec 3
Lufthansa Logo
11:25 am - 4:05 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
13h 40m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
9:40 pm - 7:45 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
13h 05m1 stop Munich Franz Josef Strauss
$746Lufthansa
Mon, Nov 23 - Wed, Jan 6
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 12:35 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
14h 35m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
6:01 am - 7:40 amSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
16h 39m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
$747United Airlines
Tue, Nov 10 - Sun, Dec 6
United Airlines Logo
11:25 am - 4:05 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
13h 40m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
United Airlines Logo
7:25 pm - 3:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
11h 05mnonstop
$747United Airlines
Tue, Mar 2 - Tue, Mar 16
Lufthansa Logo
11:25 am - 4:05 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
13h 40m1 stop Frankfurt am Main
Lufthansa Logo
10:40 pm - 9:25 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
14h 45m1 stop Munich Franz Josef Strauss
$750Lufthansa
Mon, Nov 16 - Mon, Nov 30
SWISS Logo
1:15 pm - 4:30 pmZRH  Zurich-SFO San Francisco
12h 15mnonstop
SWISS Logo
7:25 pm - 3:30 pmSFO  San Francisco-ZRH Zurich
11h 05mnonstop
$753SWISS
Booking Insights

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

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

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

Round-trip flights from Zurich to San Francisco typically range from $797 to $1,031. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $735, on Scandinavian Airlines.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Zurich to San Francisco. It’s 3% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 3% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Zurich to San Francisco?

•February is the cheapest month to fly from Zurich to San Francisco at $775 round-trip.
•July ($984) and January ($927) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 26% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Zurich to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Zurich to San Francisco are cheapest 11 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 14% 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 Zurich to San Francisco

 
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 Zurich to San Francisco flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$412
Beat the crowds with an average 52% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 75% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Zurich to San Francisco

When to book flights from Zurich to San Francisco

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

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 1:15 pm and lands at 1:30 am
    • Latest: departs at 1:15 pm and lands at 1:30 am.

    The flight takes about 12h 15m.

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

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

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class

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

    A nonstop flight from Zurich to San Francisco takes 12h 15m, covering 5,822 miles.

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

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

    Round-trip flights from Zurich to San Francisco range from $797 to $1,031, with an average of $907 over the past 12 months. Anything below $797 counts as a good deal.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 2% above the $907 route average. Book 11 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $628 round-trip via Kastrup Copenhagen (CPH), compared to $930 for nonstop.

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

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $57–$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 Zurich to San Francisco?

    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.

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

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

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

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

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

    One-way fares from Zurich to San Francisco are currently higher than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $992, which is 24% above the typical average for this route.

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

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $63 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Fox

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

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

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Zurich to San Francisco?

    Afternoon flights have the fewest delays on this route.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Zurich 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 Zurich to San Francisco route, 24% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 08m.

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

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

    • Frankfurt am Main (FRA) - 52% of one-stop connections
    • London Heathrow (LHR) - 18% of one-stop connections
    • Kastrup Copenhagen (CPH) - 9% of one-stop connections
    • Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) - 6% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 6% on flights from Zurich to San Francisco. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $883 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $935, a difference of $52.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Zurich to San Francisco?

    Only SWISS operates flights between Zurich and San Francisco.

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

    Flying via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 13h 53m, compared with 14h 38m via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and 14h 49m via Frankfurt am Main (FRA).

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

    San Francisco is 8 hours behind Zurich (Pacific Time vs Central European Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • 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.

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

    Among airlines operating Zurich to San Francisco flights:

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

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

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Zurich to San Francisco 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
    • Air Canada: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

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

  • Can I bring my pet aboard United Airlines from Zurich to San Francisco?

    Yes, United Airlines allows passengers to bring their pets on flights from Zurich to San Francisco. However, specific policies and restrictions apply. United Airlines offers options for pet transportation, including allowing pets in the cabin or as checked baggage, subject to certain conditions and fees.

  • Can I pre-select seats on United Airlines from Zurich to San Francisco?

    Yes, you can pre-select seats on United Airlines when flying from Zurich to San Francisco. Seat selection is typically available during the booking process or can be done later through the Manage Reservations section on the United Airlines website. However, it's important to note that seat availability may vary depending on the fare class, ticket type, and the airline's policies.

  • Are there any visa requirements for U.S. citizens traveling from Zurich to San Francisco?

    Yes, U.S. citizens traveling from Zurich to San Francisco are required to have a valid U.S. passport. However, under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), U.S. citizens are eligible to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. However, they must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they depart from Switzerland.

  • What are checked baggage limits for Delta Air Lines for flights from Zurich to San Francisco?

    For Delta Air Lines flights the luggage limits may vary based on the ticket type and cabin class. For checked baggage, the maximum weight allowed is 50 lbs per bag, with a maximum linear dimension of 60 in. You should always check the specific terms and conditions for the ticket type and cabin class when booking with Delta Air Lines.

Your guide to booking Zurich to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $883, about $52 less than Sunday fares (6% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 11 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 14% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Zurich to San Francisco trip for February. Fares historically average $775 round-trip in that month - typically $209 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with United Airlines. Over the past three months, 78% of United Airlines flights from Zurich to San Francisco arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 76%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 08m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • 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 $628 round-trip on this route - about $301 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
  • Common layover options for American Airlines from Zurich to San Francisco include layovers at their major hub airports. One frequent option is a layover at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas. You can also have a layover at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Illinois.
  • Delta Air Lines offers a range of special meals for passengers on flights from Zurich to San Francisco. These include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher meals. Passengers with dietary restrictions or specific preferences can request these meals during the booking process or by contacting Delta Air Lines directly.
  • United Airlines offers a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system for passengers on flights from Zurich to San Francisco. The system includes individual seatback screens with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music to choose from. Passengers can enjoy the latest Hollywood releases, popular TV series, and a variety of music genres.
  • Delta Air Lines also offers a range of services to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and trained staff to provide support throughout the journey. Passengers with disabilities are encouraged to inform the airline in advance of their specific needs to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
  • United Airlines offers several upgrade options for flights from Zurich to San Francisco. Passengers can upgrade their seats to United Polaris business class, which provides a premium travel experience with enhanced comfort and amenities. Additionally, United Airlines offers Economy Plus seating, which provides extra legroom and priority boarding.

Prefer to fly direct from Zurich to San Francisco?

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

Direct departures

Zurich to San Francisco

Monday

SWISS

SWISS

Tuesday

SWISS

SWISS

Wednesday

SWISS

SWISS

Thursday

SWISS

SWISS

Friday

SWISS

SWISS

Saturday

SWISS

SWISS

Sunday

SWISS

SWISS

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Zurich

Monday

SWISS

SWISS

Tuesday

SWISS

SWISS

Wednesday

SWISS

SWISS

Thursday

SWISS

SWISS

Friday

SWISS

SWISS

Saturday

SWISS

SWISS

Sunday

SWISS

SWISS

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Zurich to San Francisco

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