- 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA depart on average 116 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $81 (€67) but you can travel from only $65 (€53) by bus.
There are 38 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:17, the last at 23:56. The fastest flight covers the 385 miles (621 km) distance in 1h 28m. June is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 385 miles (621 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€67) |
Flights per day 116 |
Direct flights 38 |
Fastest flight 1h 28m |
First flight 12:17 AM |
Last flight 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Cheapest price
$168
Average price
$201
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 33 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
621 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Riverside, CA 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $201 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
Of the 4 flights that leave Riverside, CA for San Francisco, CA onSun, Jul 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct flights cover the 621 km distance in an average of 1 h 33 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the longest flights will take 1 h 34 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $81.
Distance: 385 miles (621 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$194 Average price | $105 Average price | $90 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 24m Average total duration 10h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 23m Average total duration 12h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $105 (€86).
A bus is $104 (€85) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $194 (€159).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 54m.
Bus takes on average 12h 53m.
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA flights for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:45 PM Riverside, CA | 1h33 | 5:18 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Riverside, CA | 1h45 | 6:50 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
![]() | 2:39 AM Riverside, CA | 1h34 | 4:13 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:14 AM Riverside, CA | 1h30 | 4:44 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:49 AM Riverside, CA | 1h34 | 5:23 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco 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 Riverside, CA 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA flights use the John Wayne Airport to San Francisco International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Riverside, CA 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