$357 Cheap Flights to San Francisco
One-way
Departing from
Madrid
Going to
San Francisco, United States
San Francisco (SFO)
United States • April, 2026
91% AI deal score
$2,650 $1,620
San Francisco (SFO)
United States • February, 2026
88% AI deal score
$810 $357
San Francisco (SFO)
United States • February, 2026
88% AI deal score
$810 $357
San Francisco (SFO)
United States • February, 2026
88% AI deal score
$810 $358
San Francisco (SFO)
United States • February, 2026
88% AI deal score
$810 $358
This is the lowest one-way flight price found by RatePunk users in the last 24 hours for a flight departing from San Francisco. Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated 11/10/2025).
Popular airlines to San Francisco
American Airlines
Alaska Airlines, Inc.
JetBlue Airways
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Spirit Airlines
United Airlines
340,996 searches in the past 7 days on RatePunk
Flight deals up to 90% off
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AI deal score and AI insights
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Top Cheap Flight Deals to San Francisco
Recent round-trip flight deals to San Francisco
Thu, Jan 29 - Sat, Feb 28
Cheapest
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
$810
$502
-$308
38%
Fri, Dec 5 - Mon, Dec 8
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
$810
$526
-$284
35%
Wed, Mar 18 - Wed, Mar 25
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
TAP Portugal airlines • 1 stop • Lisbon (LIS)
$663
$540
-$123
19%
Thu, Jan 29 - Sun, Feb 1
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
United Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Frankfurt (FRA)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
Swiss International Air Lines airlines • 1 stop • Zürich (ZRH)
$810
$580
-$230
28%
Wed, Jan 14 - Sun, Jan 18
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
Iberia Airlines airlines • 1 stop • New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
Iberia Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Dallas (DFW)
$810
$596
-$214
26%
Fri, Dec 12 - Sun, Dec 14
Madrid (MAD) - San Francisco (SFO)
Lufthansa airlines • 1 stop • Frankfurt (FRA)
San Francisco (SFO) - Madrid (MAD)
Brussels Airlines airlines • 1 stop • Washington, D.C. (IAD)
$810
$602
-$208
26%
The cheapest time to fly to San Francisco
Ready to jet to San Francisco on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights to San Francisco
Need to get to San Francisco ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last Minute Flight Deals!
We found last-minute flight deals to San Francisco departing in the next two weeks, with prices starting from $756.
⌛ Last-Minute
Madrid - SFO
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 day ago
$2304
round-trip
⌛ Last-Minute
Madrid - SFO
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found today
$756
round-trip
Tip: If you don’t see your city listed, try a quick search anyway – new deals appear daily. Airlines sometimes slash prices a few days before departure to avoid empty seats.
Keep in mind, while last-minute fares can be lucky finds, booking about a month in advance generally yields cheaper flights on average. If you have flexibility, try to plan ahead. But if an unexpected trip to San Francisco pops up, check our site – you might get lucky with a sudden fare drop.
Facts About Flights to San Francisco
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick San Francisco flight facts and tips.
San Francisco city airports
San Francisco is served by several airports, but the primary gateway is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, SFO is a major international airport with flights to destinations around the world. It's a hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines and offers a wide variety of domestic and international flights. SFO is known for its modern facilities, including numerous dining and shopping options, art exhibits, and even a yoga room. The airport is easily accessible by car, public transportation (BART), and ride-sharing services.
Pro tip: search “San Francisco (Any)” to see fares to all San Francisco airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to San Francisco
Cheapest airport
Oakland (OAK)
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is your savvy traveler's gateway to the Bay Area! Just across the bay from San Francisco, OAK boasts easy access to the city via BART, avoiding the often higher fares and congestion of SFO. Plus, you might just find some sweet deals flying in and out of this underrated gem!
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
100+ cities
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major hub connecting over 100 cities; popular routes include those to Asia, Australia, and other major US cities!
Number of airlines
50+ airlines
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major hub served by over 50 airlines! Among the most popular are United, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, offering both full-service and budget-friendly options to whisk you away.
Typical price range (round-trip)
$150 - $600
Generally, flights to the City by the Bay range from $150 to $600. Prices often surge during peak seasons like summer and around major holidays, when everyone wants a piece of that Golden Gate view. Keep an eye on shoulder seasons for better deals!
Flight frequency
2,000+ flights
Flights to the Golden Gate City are very frequent, with departures happening almost every hour! Expect even more options during peak tourist seasons and popular travel times like holidays and weekends.
SFO Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
SFO airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Thur, Sat
Based on the data provided, Wednesday is the best day to find flight deals from San Francisco International airport. Sunday is the second best day to book flights.
Avg. deal survival time
11.7 hours
Deals from San Francisco International Airport typically last around 11.7 hours. You'll want to book quickly to take advantage of these deals before they disappear.
Rare deal frequency
8 deals
We found 8 rare deals for flights from San Francisco International Airport in the past month. These rare deals had an AI Deal Score of 90+, and usually consisted of mistake fares, special promotions or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-75%
The average price drop for flights to San Francisco International Airport is 75.4%, indicating a significant opportunity for savings. Travelers can potentially save a substantial amount on their airfare by monitoring prices and booking when prices drop.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
San Francisco Flight Forecast (Nov 10, 2025)
The forecast for San Francisco International Airport next month shows stable flight prices with no major price drops or increases expected. Travelers can anticipate consistent fares throughout the period based on current projections.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on November 10
Islip - SFO
$1,040 → $105
90%
Found on November 10
Mexico City - SFO
$1,540 → $181
88%
Found on November 8
Jakarta - SFO
$4,000 → $495
88%
Found on November 10
Liverpool - SFO
$4,575 → $556
88%
Found on November 10
Atlantic City - SFO
$1,010 → $131
87%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near SFO sometimes drop rare deals too:
Oakland International (OAK)
~13 rare deals/month
San Jose International (SJC)
~3 rare deals/month
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County (STS)
~7 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially OAK and SJC for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly to San Francisco
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to San Francisco:
Cheapest month
January
Cheapest month
January is typically the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco. You'll find fewer tourists, lower hotel rates, and potentially great deals on flights. While it might be cooler and rainier, the city's indoor attractions, cozy cafes, and vibrant cultural scene make it a worthwhile destination.
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
Booking flights on Tuesdays often yields the best deals. Airlines frequently release new fares and run promotions early in the week, making Tuesday the prime time to snag a bargain. Beat the crowds and set those flight alerts for a wallet-friendly trip!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Flying on Wednesdays can save you some serious dough. Mid-week flights are generally less in demand than weekend departures, resulting in lower fares. Take advantage of the lighter travel schedules and enjoy a less crowded airport experience.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 Months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to San Francisco is about two months in advance. This timeframe allows you to capitalize on the balance between airline pricing algorithms and demand. Secure your spot and unlock potential savings by planning ahead!
Seasonal considerations
Distinct
Seasonal considerations
San Francisco experiences distinct seasonal travel patterns. Summer is peak season with higher prices due to favorable weather and numerous events. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can offer a sweet spot with pleasant weather and lower costs, while winter sees the fewest crowds and the best deals, albeit with cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
TL;DR: January is the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco. Tuesdays are the best days to book, while Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly. Aim to book about two months in advance for the best deals. San Francisco has distinct seasonal travel patterns, with summer being the most expensive and winter the least.
San Francisco Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which San Francisco airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to San Francisco’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest airport in the Bay Area and a major gateway to Asia and Europe. SFO is located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation. The airport boasts a wide array of amenities, including a diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and art exhibits. Getting to downtown San Francisco is a breeze via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which offers direct service from the airport to several stations in the city. Alternatively, you can hop on a taxi or rideshare for a convenient door-to-door experience.
Tip: Consider using BART to get to downtown, it's often the most cost-effective and efficient option!
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a smaller, more convenient alternative to SFO, located just across the bay. OAK offers a more relaxed atmosphere and shorter security lines, making it a favorite for some travelers. The airport has a decent selection of restaurants and shops, and it's also a hub for several low-cost carriers. Getting to San Francisco from OAK is relatively easy, with options including BART (transfer required), the Oakland Airport Connector, and various shuttle and taxi services. Plus, you might just catch a stunning view of the San Francisco skyline as you take off or land!
Tip: Check out the local breweries and eateries in Oakland before heading to the airport for a true taste of the East Bay!
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport (SJC) is located further south in the heart of Silicon Valley. SJC offers a modern and efficient travel experience, with a focus on technology and innovation. The airport is well-connected to the region's major highways and public transportation, including Caltrain and VTA light rail. While it's a bit further from San Francisco, SJC can be a good option if you're visiting the South Bay or prefer a less crowded airport. You can reach San Francisco by taking Caltrain, although the ride will be around 1.5 - 2 hours.
Tip: If you're heading to Silicon Valley, SJC is your best bet for a smooth landing!
Other airports
San Francisco is a popular destination, and sometimes the best flight deals land at nearby airports! Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) are great alternatives, but remember to factor in the trek to the city. Both offer public transportation and ride-sharing options, but expect a longer travel time compared to flying directly into SFO.
Airport transfers
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a variety of transportation choices to whisk you into the city! From the speedy BART train to ride-sharing services and traditional taxis, you'll find an option that fits your budget and travel style. Don't forget about pre-booked shuttles for a convenient and comfortable ride.
What to Do in San Francisco
San Francisco isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in San Francisco, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & Landmarks
San Francisco is a city brimming with iconic sights! From the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island and the winding Lombard Street, you'll find photo opportunities at every turn. Don't forget to hop on a cable car for a truly classic experience.
Arts & Culture
Immerse yourself in San Francisco's vibrant arts scene! Explore world-class museums like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) or the de Young Museum. Catch a show in the Theater District, or wander through the colorful murals of the Mission District.
Food & Nightlife
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure in San Francisco! From fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf to Michelin-starred restaurants and bustling bars in North Beach, the city offers a diverse range of dining and nightlife experiences. Be sure to grab a sourdough bread bowl!
Shopping & Fashion
Shopaholics, rejoice! San Francisco is a shopper's paradise. Explore upscale boutiques in Union Square, discover unique finds in Haight-Ashbury, or browse the Ferry Building Marketplace for local artisanal goods. You're sure to find something special to take home.
Nearby Getaways
Escape the city for a day trip to explore the stunning natural beauty surrounding San Francisco! Head north to the majestic redwood forests of Muir Woods, or south to the charming coastal town of Monterey and the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Wine lovers can venture to Napa Valley or Sonoma for a taste of California's renowned wines.
No matter your interest – be it art, food, nightlife, or nature – San Francisco has something for everyone. And the best part? Many events and attractions refresh throughout the year, so there’s always something new to experience each visit.
Events in San Francisco This Month
sf coffee fest 2025
The 9th Annual San Francisco Coffee Festival is an immersive experience taking place on November 8th and 9th, 2025. Attendees can sample and enjoy a variety of coffee from the best local roasters and vendors.
don't tell kate
Experience the vibrant Music City event in the Bay Area, a live music festival featuring entertainment across six stages. Guests can enjoy a diverse range of performances all happening simultaneously.
griz @ cow palace
Tickets are available for GRiZ with Levity and Lumasi at the Cow Palace in Daly City on November 8th, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Get ready for an amazing night of music and dancing.
dance fridays
Experience Epic Dance Fridays, San Francisco's premier Salsa, Bachata, and Zouk club! Enjoy multiple dance floors and beginner-friendly dance lessons for all skill levels. Come and dance the night away!
head automatica
Purchase tickets to see Head Automatica live at The Independent in San Francisco on November 8th, 2025, at 9:00 PM. Don't miss this exciting performance!
San Francisco Weather
Weather in San Francisco
Mon, Nov 10
10%
22° 14°
10%
Tue, Nov 11
10%
19° 15°
10%
Wed, Nov 12
35%
18° 15°
35%
Thu, Nov 13
20%
15° 10°
20%
Fri, Nov 14
10%
14° 11°
10%
Sat, Nov 15
0%
16° 12°
0%
Sun, Nov 16
25%
16° 11°
25%
Here’s a quick look at the weather you can expect, plus this week’s forecast:
Seasons: San Francisco experiences mild, wet winters (November to March) with temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F), and dry summers (June to August) with temperatures between 13-24°C (55-75°F). Spring (April to May) and Fall (September to October) offer transitional weather with moderate temperatures and occasional rain.
Rain: San Francisco primarily experiences rain during the winter months, from November to March. While rainfall can be frequent during these months, it doesn't usually cause major disruptions to travel, though minor delays are possible.
This week's forecast: This week in San Francisco, expect mostly cloudy conditions with temperatures ranging from 14.3-22.4°C (57.74-72.32°F). There's a moderate chance of rain throughout the week, especially on Wednesday and at the end of the week.
(We update the weather forecast weekly so you know what to expect during your travel week. Always check a day or two before your flight for the most current conditions.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to San Francisco
(Have more questions?) Feel free to reach out or check our comprehensive San Francisco travel guide. We’re here to help make your flight to San Francisco (and the trip itself) as smooth as possible.
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to San Francisco
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on San Francisco flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find cheaper flights. Try searching for flights a few days before or after your preferred dates to see if you can snag a better deal. Sometimes, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday!
Consider Alternative Airports: San Francisco has multiple airports nearby (like Oakland or San Jose). Check flights into these alternative airports as they might offer significantly cheaper fares than flying directly into SFO. A little extra travel time could save you a lot of money!
Set Up Price Alerts: Use RatePunk to set up price alerts for your desired flights. You'll receive notifications when the price drops, ensuring you never miss out on a sweet deal. It's like having a personal flight-deal-finding fairy godparent!
Fly During Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid traveling during peak tourist seasons like summer or major holidays. You'll find fewer crowds and, more importantly, significantly cheaper flights. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are your best bet for balancing good weather and lower prices.
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!): While last-minute deals are rare, booking too far in advance isn't always the best strategy either. Aim to book your flights about 2-3 months before your travel date for the best chance of securing a good price. It's a bit of a sweet spot!
Consider Budget Airlines: Budget airlines can offer incredibly cheap flights, but be sure to factor in extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and snacks. If you're traveling light and don't mind a no-frills experience, this can be a fantastic way to save money.
Use Incognito Mode: Airlines and travel sites sometimes track your browsing history and may increase prices based on your previous searches. Use incognito mode or clear your browser's cookies to see if you can find lower prices. It's like sneaking past the price-gouging goblins!
Check for Package Deals: Sometimes, bundling your flight with a hotel or car rental can result in significant savings. Explore package deals to see if you can snag a better overall price for your trip. It's like getting a bonus discount for being a savvy traveler!
Redeem Miles and Points: If you have airline miles or credit card points, now's the time to use them! Redeeming your rewards can drastically reduce the cost of your flight, potentially even making it free. It's like turning your travel loyalty into cold, hard cash savings!
Follow Social Media for Flash Sales: Many airlines and travel companies announce flash sales and special deals on their social media channels. Follow them on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to stay informed and jump on limited-time offers. It's like having insider access to travel treasure!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find the cheapest flights to San Francisco and make the most of your travel budget. After all, the more you save on your flight, the more you can spend on a Broadway show, a nice meal, or an extra tour in San Francisco! 🎉✈️
