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Accept cookies and close this message.Welcome to San Francisco
Flight time from London
10 hrs 55 mins
Distance from London
5,351 miles
We fly to both San Francisco and Oakland airports giving you even more choice. Looking for easy access to the city? Try Oakland. Heading to Napa Valley? Book flights to San Francisco. When you book with us, you can expect great service every step of your journey. Our teams are always on hand to make sure you have a smooth and pleasant holiday to San Francisco.
With two direct daily flights to San Francisco from London Heathrow, and up to four weekly flights between London Gatwick and Oakland, you can choose flights to suit you and your travel plans. Whatever shape your 2018 trip is taking, from an extended road trip to a whistle-stop city break, we have flights to San Francisco for everyone.
For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, make sure you check out our San Francisco travel guides, which are packed with expert tips from on-the-ground locals and award-winning travel writers.
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Make sure your trip is truly unforgettable by talking to one of our North America travel specialists.
San Francisco is a very popular destination with more than 18 million tourists visiting annually. The summer months of June, July and August are particularly popular times for tourism in San Francisco, so airfares can be higher. To find our cheapest flights to San Francisco, use our lowest fare finder.
The flight takes just over ten and a half hours. British Airways operates two direct flights to San Francisco a day: fly from London Heathrow to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Alternatively, why not fly to Oakland? We operate up to four direct flights a week from London Gatwick to Oakland (OAK) – and you’ll find it allows you to get into San Francisco quicker.
San Francisco International Airport is situated 12 miles south of the Downtown area of the city. Hiring a car is an easy way to get around this city and to and from the airport, and gives you the freedom to take day trips to the coast or road trips.
There are several taxi ranks at the airport, and the cost to San Francisco is between $50-$70 (don’t forget there may be an airport surcharge on taxis). Take the hassle out of your airport transfer by pre-booking a Shuttle Transfer with us, simply choose the best option for you when you make you flights or holiday reservation. The cost is around $17 and the time they take to reach your destination will depend on the number of passengers.
A no-reservation-required bus, the SAM Trans, costs just $2-$5 and runs from the airport to various destinations en route to Downtown. Or prebook the BART bus on its website, it departs from outside the International Terminal and costs from just $8.40 for a trip into the city.
Where is Oakland in relation to San Francisco?
Oakland is just across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco – it is around 30 minutes by car and 40 minutes on the BART line train to Downtown San Francisco. Jump on the BART train from Oakland Airport to the Oakland Coliseum and then change to the Downtown SF train to get into the heart of the action.
For more tips and advice on travelling in and around San Francisco, check out our travel guide.
If you’re travelling on a British passport, there’s no need to get a visa in advance – but you do need to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel. There is a $14 fee for registration and, once approved, your ESTA is valid for multiple journeys for two years or until your passport expires.
Which cabins can I book when I fly to San Francisco?
Our economy cabins are great value for those looking for cheap flights to San Francisco. You can select your seats in advance for an extra fee – the quieter seats are towards the front of the plane, while those directly above the wings reduce the intensity of turbulence. Alternatively, free seat selection is available 24 hours in advance when online check-in opens*.
Premium economy gives you more legroom and a smaller, more private cabin.
Our business and first class cabins have fully flat beds for total comfort.
Find out more about our travel classes
*Free seat selection 24 hours in advance is not available if you are travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare.
Choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. There is an additional baggage allowances for those travelling in premium economy (two 23kg bags), business class (two bags at 32kg each) and first class (three bags at 32kg each). If you have any additional baggage requirements, read our baggage guide to find out more.
These hints and tips will have you feeling like a San Francisco local in no time
Tipping is customary in the USA. Bar tenders, hotel staff and doormen usually expect $1-$2, while an additional 15-20 per cent should be added to restaurant bills and cab rides.
Hire a car or take cabs (there are several taxi apps and pre-book cab companies including Green Cab and the Yellow Cab company). There are also buses and trains run by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport).
Walk San Francisco’s most crooked road, Lombard Street, stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 or catch a free concert in Golden Gate Park, every Sunday, April to October.
Discover more free things to do in San FranciscoSample artisan goodiesin the iconicFerry Building marketplace
