Flights to San Francisco
Last updated: 1 July 2026
British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco International (SFO). Flights are available year-round, with daily departures.
British Airways has been flying to San Francisco from the UK since 1957 and has operated a direct service since 1978 – longer than any other airline. Today, we fly direct to the city twice a day, making it easy to visit California’s iconic west coast. With year-round departures, you can explore the Golden Gate Bridge, ride the city’s historic cable cars or soak up coastal views along the Pacific.
Plan your trip to San Francisco
Why visit San Francisco?
San Francisco offers something for everyone – families, couples and solo travellers are spoilt for choice when picking between luxury waterfront hotels, stylish boutique stays and budget-friendly options.
The city’s popular destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and the Mission District are full of restaurants, bars and cultural attractions, while the iconic waterfront and nearby beaches offer scenic spots to relax. With easy access to the Pacific, San Francisco is also a great base for surfers or coastal adventurers.
It’s perfect for longer stays of a week or more, which gives you time to explore beyond the city. From San Francisco you can drive the famous Pacific Coast Highway and visit the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, or explore the vast nature of Yosemite National Park.
Cheap flights to San Francisco
Explore our cheapest flights to San Francisco. Prices vary by season and availability, but booking early and avoiding peak periods can help you secure the best fares.
Economy
Premium Economy
Business
First
All prices shown include any applicable local taxes, fees or charges payable at your accommodation.
Flight time and destination details
- Flight time from London to San Francisco: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Distance from London: 5,368 miles
- Flights per week: Daily departures (14 per week)
- Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Time difference: GMT -8
- Cabins available: Economy, premium economy, business, First
- Language spoken: English
- Currency: US dollar
Best time to visit San Francisco
San Francisco is a year-round destination, but June to October is the most popular time to visit with summer offering a busy schedule of outdoor festivals, while early autumn offers the warmest weather, clearest skies and fewer crowds.
- Peak season (June to October): Warm, clear weather with sunshine and minimal fog in the mornings, ideal for sightseeing, waterfront walks and outdoor dining.
- Shoulder season (November, March to May): Mild temperatures, a mix of fog and sunshine and fewer crowds make it great for exploring.
- Low season (December to February): Cooler months bring some rain but fewer visitors, with lower prices and a quieter city experience.
Peak season pricing
July
August
September
October
Shoulder season pricing
November
March
April
May
Low season pricing
December
January
February
Why fly with British Airways?
Outstanding service from the moment you book
From booking to boarding and beyond, you’ll enjoy a uniquely British experience at every stage of your journey with British Airways.
As the only European airline to offer First class between the UK and US, you can sit back and enjoy the benefits of our most luxurious cabin.
For those visiting California’s wine country, you can start your tasting in the air, in all cabins, as we’re the only airline to employ a full-time Master of Wine.
Choose our checked baggage option and travel with hand baggage and a 23kg checked bag, with plenty of space to pack for both Californian city and nature adventures.
San Francisco flight FAQs
Flights from London to San Francisco take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.
San Francisco is a great year-round destination, but the cheapest flights are usually found in January, February and December. These quieter months fall outside the main tourist season, with cooler temperatures making them ideal to explore the city with less crowds. January is also migration season for Pacific gray whales, making it the prime month for whale-watching boat tours. February sees large scale celebrations for Chinese New Year. Use our low fare finder to find the cheapest time to visit.
San Francisco’s peak season is between June and October, so you can expect to save money on flights and accommodation if you travel outside of these months. And thanks to the city’s mild climate, you can enjoy its iconic sights and cultural attractions in any season.
San Francisco International Airport is around 20-30 minutes from the Downtown area of the city and the BART train is a convenient and affordable way to get there. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available on arrival or can be booked in advance.
Public transport is easy to use, with Muni buses, streetcars and the city’s iconic cable cars connecting major neighbourhoods and attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also easy to find throughout the city.
You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out and see more of what San Francisco and the USA has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.
You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg, in addition to a hand bag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.
If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.
Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit the USA. However, you will need an ESTA, which permits travel to the US for 90 days or less. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of the listed areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.
What to do in San Francisco
See the iconic sights
No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring the nearby Golden Gate Park. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf to sample clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, then wander along the waterfront to Pier 39 for sea lions, bay views, shops and restaurants. From here, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and discover one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Become a neighbourhood expert
San Francisco is famous for its unique neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character and architecture. The Mission District is known for its taquerias, vibrant street art and Dolores Park, while Chinatown’s pagoda-style architecture and busy restaurants make it the perfect evening destination. Wander through Haight-Ashbury and discover its Summer of Love legacy, Victorian homes and vinyl shops. Then head to The Castro, the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ history and nightlife.
Explore beyond the city
Just beyond San Francisco, you’ll find world-class vineyards, dramatic coastlines and breathtaking natural landscapes. Napa Valley and Sonoma offer rolling hills, renowned wineries and relaxed tastings, perfect for a day trip. Yosemite National Park is a must for nature lovers, with towering granite cliffs, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, while the Pacific Coast Highway delivers unforgettable ocean views along one of the world’s most iconic drives.
San Francisco’s mild climate makes it a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around the low-to-mid teens from November to April, usually rising above 20 degrees between September and October, when the city experiences its warmest weather. Fog is a frequent summer visitor and winter brings steady rainy downpours.
June to November
Despite summer starting with chilly and foggy mornings, the city is usually busy with tourists. Crowds thin out by late autumn and attractions are generally quieter and accommodation cheaper. October is also a lively time to visit, when the city celebrates Fleet Week with massive waterfront parties, parades and air shows. San Francisco typically enjoys Indian Summers too, with September and October often the warmest months of the year.
December to May
This is San Francisco’s rainy season, with crisp temperatures hovering around the low-to-mid teens. Gray whale watching runs during this season, as they migrate along the California coast between the Arctic and Mexico. The vibrant Carnaval San Francisco festival, held over Memorial Day weekend in May, brings busy street parties, music and parades through the Mission District.
Our cabins
Choose your perfect way to fly and enjoy the same uniquely British experience in every cabin.
Economy
- Flexible baggage allowance
- Personal flat screen
- High-speed Wi-Fi on most aircraft
- Access to in-seat power
Premium Economy
- Up to 2 checked bags, 23kg (50lb) each
- Priority boarding
- Wider seats and more legroom
- Sparkling wine to start your journey
- Sustainable amenity kit
Business
- 2 checked bags, 32kg (70lb) each
- Dedicated check-in
- Priority boarding
- Access Club lounges worldwide
- Fully flat bed
- Luxury bedding and amenity kit
First
- 3 checked bags, 32kg (70lb)
- Private check-in at the First Wing
- Fast Track security at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and New York JFK
- Priority boarding
- Access First lounges worldwide
More destinations like San Francisco
Looking for more inspiration? Explore flights to:
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Terms and Conditions
- Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
- Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
- Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
- Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
- Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
- Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
- Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
- Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
- Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply.