- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and a striking SoMa building.
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Journey information
Overview: Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA flight
USAUSA
Flights from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA depart on average 36 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $426 (€343) but you can travel from only $244 (€196) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 00:22, the last at 23:56. The fastest flight covers the 1762 miles (2837 km) distance in 6h 54m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $244 (€196)
Distance 1762 miles (2837 km) |
Average flight duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $426 (€343) |
Flights per day 36 |
Fastest flight 6h 54m |
First flight 12:22 AM |
Last flight 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $244 (€196)
The cheapest and fastest flights from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 01
Cheapest price
$595
Average price
$595
Fastest journey
8 h 54 m
Average duration
8 h 54 m
Flights per day
1
Distance
2837 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $595 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $595.
Fast flights
Of the 1 flights that leave Madison, WI for San Francisco, CA onMon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct flights cover the 2837 km distance in an average of 8 h 54 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 8 h 54 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the longest flights will take 8 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
10:23 PM8h54Madison, WI7:17 AMSan Francisco, CA$5951One-way0 transfers
- 10:23 PM8h54Madison, WI7:17 AMSan Francisco, CA$5951One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $244. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $244, and a train costs an average of $474.
Distance: 1762 miles (2837 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$503 Average price | $297 Average price Cheapest | $1323 Average price | $425 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 36m Average total duration Fastest 7h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 62h 30m Average total duration 62h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 60h 15m Average total duration 59h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $297 (€239).
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $206 (€166) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $503 (€405).
A bus is $1025 (€826) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $1323 (€1065).
The fastest way to travel from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 7h 36m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 59h 45m.
Bus takes on average 62h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Compare prices and tickets Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and perception museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Large natural history and science museum with aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome in Golden Gate Park.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Expansive urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, trails, and some of the city's best walking and cycling space.
- Must visit
Chinatown
One of North America's oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns, packed with temples, gates, markets, and side streets.
- Must visit
Lands End
Dramatic coastal walking area with cliffs, cypress-lined trails, Golden Gate views, and Sutro Baths ruins nearby.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian immigrant fishermen in San Francisco. It typically includes crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, and is one of the city’s signature dishes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy sourdough, shaped by local wild yeast cultures. It is a historic staple often served as a loaf, toast, or bread bowl.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, packed with rice, beans, meat or other fillings, salsa, and extras. It is one of the city’s most influential casual foods.
La Taqueria
A Mission District institution celebrated for outstanding Mission-style burritos and tacos. Lively, casual, and widely regarded as one of the city’s essential eats.
Swan Oyster Depot
A legendary seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and seafood cocktails. Casual, iconic, and one of the city’s best-known classic stops.
The House
A popular restaurant serving Asian fusion dishes with bold flavors in a cozy setting. Well known for garlic noodles and seafood-focused plates.
United States Dollar
San Francisco is one of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, and parking are costly, though casual food options exist.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Not expected at fast food.
FAQs: Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap plane tickets from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $426 (€343) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is $503 (€405) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is 6h 54m to travel the 1762 miles (2837 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 12:22 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:56 PM.
The cheapest month for a flight from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since neither Madison, WI nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is a time difference of 2 h between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA all year round.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best events to attend in San Francisco, CA include:
- Fleet Week, a maritime celebration featuring the Blue Angels and naval ship tours
- Outside Lands, a major music festival showcasing top artists and local food
- Chinese New Year Parade, the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia with colorful floats and performances
- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, a free music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring a diverse lineup of bluegrass and folk artists.
The best holidays to experience in San Francisco, CA include:
- Thanksgiving, mild weather and a festive atmosphere with family gatherings
- Christmas, beautiful decorations and holiday spirit throughout the city
- Memorial Day, the start of summer with outdoor activities and parades
- Labor Day, a long weekend perfect for enjoying the city's parks and beaches.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
The best season to visit San Francisco, CA is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore San Francisco, CA is during April-June or September-November.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular airports
Popular airports from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Madison
San Francisco
The major airport for departures in Madison is Dane County Regional Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dane County Regional Airport for your trip from Madison to San Francisco.
Dane County Regional Airport (MSN)
information
The major airport for arrivals in San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco International Airport for your journey to San Francisco from Madison.
Amenities at airport
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found Officeinformation
Distance to city center
1 km
Car connection
US-101, exit 423AWifi
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
Shopping
- Shops are located in all terminals, including DFS Duty-Free and Burberry.
Parking
- Parking available in the Domestic and International Garages, approximately 1.9€ ($2) per 15 minutes.
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, toilets.
WC
- Available throughout the airport.
Shower
- Yes
Lounge
- Lounges available, including the United Club and Delta Sky Club.
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall of the Domestic Terminal.
Public transit options for San Francisco International Airport
- Buses: SamTrans 292, 397, 398, KX
- Metro: BART Yellow Line
More options for your journey from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
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Most popular flights to and from San Francisco, CA and Madison, WI
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