- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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 $343 (€343) but you can travel from only $196 (€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.
Distance 1762 miles (2837 km) |
Average flight duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $343 (€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 |
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 $196. 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 $196, and a train costs an average of $382.
Distance: 1762 miles (2837 km)
Most popular Flight | Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$405 Average price | $1065 Average price | $239 Average price Cheapest | $342 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 36m Average total duration Fastest 7h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 60h 15m Average total duration 59h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 62h 30m Average total duration 62h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $166 (€166) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $405 (€405).
A bus is $826 (€826) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $1065 (€1065).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 59h 45m.
Bus takes on average 62h 0m.
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.
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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.

Most Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA flights use the Dane County Regional Airport to San Francisco International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
San Francisco International Airport is 1 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Francisco International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need