- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Flights from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA depart on average 54 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $53 (€44) if you book in advance.
There are 13 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:17, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 1h 41m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€44) |
Flights per day 54 |
Direct flights 13 |
Fastest flight 1h 41m |
First flight 12:17 AM |
Last flight 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price
$270
Average price
$596
Fastest journey
1 h 29 m
Average duration
1 h 35 m
Flights per day
69
Distance
738 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $596 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $270.
Of the 69 flights that leave San Diego, CA for San Francisco, CA onThu, Jul 09, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct flights cover the 738 km distance in an average of 1 h 35 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 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.
AA2470 · AA686
AA2477 · AA1613
AA2461 · AA2860
AA625 · AA3199
AA9403
UA5599
UA5519
AA9335
UA2117
UA1302Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$266 Average price | $89 Average price | $89 Average price Cheapest | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 45m Average total duration 12h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $0.71 (€0.58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $178 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $266 (€219).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 15m.
Train takes on average 13h 26m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA flights for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA1006 · UA1791 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h10 | 12:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625 · AA1613 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h49 | 7:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1006 · UA372 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h33 | 2:53 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1006 · UA574 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h52 | 1:12 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1006 · UA5372 · UA5248 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h33 | 12:53 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1006 · UA659 · UA1427 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h59 | 3:19 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1006 · UA1799 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h56 | 3:16 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625 · AA2860 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h45 | 4:05 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1006 · UA5410 · UA5899 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h43 | 1:03 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1006 · UA5410 · UA4779 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h10 | 3:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1006 · UA520 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 4h25 | 10:45 AM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625 · AA3199 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h30 | 1:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2535 · AA2997 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h38 | 2:58 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2368 · UA1812 | 6:35 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h34 | 3:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2368 · UA1450 | 6:35 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h34 | 2:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2368 · UA1561 | 6:35 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h29 | 1:04 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2274 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 1h46 | 9:01 AM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA373 · AA2997 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h43 | 2:58 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5519 | 7:58 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1h32 | 9:30 AM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2476 · UA1812 | 8:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h24 | 3:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5520 · UA1812 | 8:50 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 6h19 | 3:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5520 · UA1707 · UA2657 | 8:50 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 11h01 | 7:51 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5520 · UA1707 · UA5351 | 8:50 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 9h00 | 5:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5520 · UA2633 | 8:50 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 8h40 | 5:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5520 · UA2657 · UA5339 | 8:50 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 12h15 | 9:05 PM San Francisco International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1113 | 9:26 AM San Diego International Airport | 1h46 | 11:12 AM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2461 · AA2860 | 9:41 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h24 | 4:05 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461 · AA1613 | 9:41 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h28 | 7:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461 · AA686 | 9:41 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h42 | 10:23 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461 · AA3199 | 9:41 AM San Diego International Airport | 4h09 | 1:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2687 · AA3072 | 9:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h49 | 7:39 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA2019 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h53 | 5:42 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA233 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h44 | 6:33 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA372 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 4h04 | 2:53 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA2681 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h21 | 8:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA1195 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h49 | 9:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1715 · UA2633 | 10:55 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h35 | 5:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2309 | 11:01 AM San Diego International Airport | 1h46 | 12:47 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA9276 | 11:04 AM San Diego International Airport | 1h47 | 12:51 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2476 · AA3072 | 11:07 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h32 | 7:39 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2476 · AA1430 | 11:07 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h03 | 9:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2428 | 11:55 AM San Diego International Airport | 1h46 | 1:41 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1467 · AA1430 | 12:20 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h50 | 9:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1467 · AA2228 | 12:20 PM San Diego International Airport | 10h08 | 10:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1565 · UA1007 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h07 | 7:40 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1565 · UA1389 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h47 | 9:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA1389 | 12:42 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 8h38 | 9:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA1007 | 12:42 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 6h58 | 7:40 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA2123 | 12:42 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 10h14 | 10:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477 · AA1613 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h23 | 7:09 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477 · AA686 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h37 | 10:23 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA9305 | 1:30 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h44 | 3:14 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1763 | 1:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h40 | 3:19 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA5599 | 1:54 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1h29 | 3:23 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2456 · AA2228 | 1:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h33 | 10:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2459 · AA446 | 3:08 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h35 | 12:43 AM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA682 · UA2123 | 4:07 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h49 | 10:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2117 | 4:09 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h40 | 5:49 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA9335 | 4:14 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h35 | 5:49 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2470 · AA686 | 4:23 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h00 | 10:23 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2485 · AA446 | 4:32 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h11 | 12:43 AM San Francisco International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1302 | 6:27 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h40 | 8:07 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA9382 | 7:01 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h41 | 8:42 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2278 | 7:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h47 | 9:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA9319 | 9:27 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h41 | 11:08 PM San Francisco International Airport | 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.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA flights use the San Diego International Airport to San Francisco International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
San Diego International Airport is 4 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance..
McClellan-Palomar Airport has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at McClellan-Palomar Airport: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
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