- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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Journey information
Overview: Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA flight
USAUSA
Flights from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA depart on average 153 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $63 (€51) if you book in advance.
There are 43 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 15m. September 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
Distance 385 miles (621 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€51) |
Flights per day 153 |
Direct flights 43 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 12:17 AM |
Last flight 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
The cheapest and fastest flights from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 01
Cheapest price on Sep 01
$192
Average ticket price on Sep 01
$215
Fastest journey on Sep 01
1 h 33 m
Average journey duration on Sep 01
1 h 36 m
Flights on Sep 01
3
Distance
621 km
Cheap tickets
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 $215 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $192.
Fast flights
On Tue, Sep 01, we found 3 flights from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 01 the direct flights cover the 621 km distance in an average of 1 h 36 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 33 m .
On Tue, Sep 01 the longest flights will take 1 h 40 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.
2:00 PM1h40Riverside, CA3:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$1921One-way0 transfers
3:45 PM1h33Riverside, CA5:18 PMSan Francisco, CA$2171One-way0 transfers- 8:15 PM1h35Riverside, CA9:50 PMSan Francisco, CA$2341One-way0 transfers
- 3:45 PM1h33Riverside, CA5:18 PMSan Francisco, CA$2171One-way0 transfers
- 8:15 PM1h35Riverside, CA9:50 PMSan Francisco, CA$2341One-way0 transfers
- 2:00 PM1h40Riverside, CA3:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$1921One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA
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 train, with an average ticket price of $115 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $115, while a flight costs an average of $686.
Distance: 385 miles (621 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$686 Average price | $115 Average price Cheapest | $156 Average price | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 5m Average total duration Fastest 4h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 16m Average total duration 13h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 8m Average total duration 11h 38m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $115 (€93).
This is compared to other travel options from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $41 (€33) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $156 (€126).
A train is $572 (€463) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $686 (€556).
The fastest way to travel from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 5m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 38m.
Train takes on average 13h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Riverside, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Riverside, CA 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, CA
Things to do in San Francisco, CA
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.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
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.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
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.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
FAQs: Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA Flight
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.
Cheap plane tickets from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $63 (€51) when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA is $686 (€556) ; 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA is 1h 15m to travel the 385 miles (621 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 12:17 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:56 PM.
Flights from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA generally leave from John Wayne Airport and arrive in San Francisco International Airport.John Wayne Airport is 1 miles (3 km) away from Riverside, CA city centre and San Francisco International Airport is 0 miles (1 km) from San Francisco, CA city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Riverside, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since neither Riverside, CA 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 no time difference between Riverside, CA and San Francisco, CA.
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.
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 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.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA
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.
Departure airports in Riverside
Arrival airports in San Francisco
Which San Francisco, CA airport do flights from Riverside, CA arrive at?
Flights from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA most often arrive at San Francisco International Airport. Some flights land at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your San Francisco, CA arrival airport.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)San Francisco, CA 94128, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco International Airport from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco International Airport is 1 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus292, 397 · 57m · $4 · every ~6 min
SubwayYellow-S, Red-S · 27m · $11 · every ~21 min
Yellow-S, Red-S · 29m · $11 · every ~15 min
San Francisco International Airport airport facilities and services
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.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Most popular flights from Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA
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Most popular flights to and from San Francisco, CA and Riverside, CA
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