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Flight time from London
10 hrs 55 mins
Distance from London
5,351 miles
San Francisco is the city at the beginning and the end of many journeys. Crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge or flying in over the bay can be a homecoming, or the beginning of your next big adventure.
When you fly to San Francisco with British Airways, you can be assured that you’ll get great service every step of the way. Fly down through the Bay Area’s atmospheric swathes of fog and sunshine to land in one of America’s most welcoming cities – a multicultural, permissive and often glamorous high-tech wonderland. We fly twice a day from London to San Francisco every single day of the year. When are you going to visit this holiday paradise? We’ll take you there.
There are heaps of fantastic reasons to visit San Francisco – but our direct, convenient flights are one more reason to add to the list. Fly from London to San Francisco with British Airways and be in the beautiful bay city in around 11 hours.
With two direct daily flights to San Francisco from London Heathrow you can choose flights to suit you and your travel plans. Whatever shape your 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, check out our list of free things to do in San Francisco, which highlights the city's best attractions.
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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).
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.
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 (World Traveller) 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 (World Traveller Plus) gives you more legroom and a smaller, more private cabin.
Our business (Club World) and First 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 FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge is right there,beckoning you to cross
