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Flights to San Francisco

Book your flights to San Francisco

With British Airways flights arriving from London regularly, it has never been easier to soak up the sights and sounds of this colourful Californian city. Book your holiday to San Francisco and explore the city and beyond.

You can choose to fly to either San Francisco International (SFO) or to Oakland International Airport (OAK), both flights taking just over ten hours. Take in the view from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, visit the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan cuisine of San Francisco's fashionable districts and explore historic Alcatraz Island. Whatever you choose to do first, we will get you there relaxed and raring to go. Find our cheapest fares and latest deals on ba.com…you’ll find hotels and experiences for every holiday type.

San Francisco flight facts

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Flight duration from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco International (SFO)

Flight duration from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco International (SFO)

Flights from the UK to San Francisco International (SFO) take around 10 hours 30 minutes. With more than 10 flights a week to San Francisco, getting there couldn’t be easier. Travel in World Traveller or Club World and take advantage of the award-winning British Airways service. There’s no need to worry about unexpected hidden charges just sit back and enjoy the complimentary on-board drinks and snacks. Let us take care of everything, from flights to accommodation and airport transfers.

Flying to San Francisco with British Airways

Flying to San Francisco with British Airways

Choose British Airways and enjoy award-winning service during your flight between London and San Francisco. With the added bonus of 23kg checked baggage allowance and two cabin bags, your holiday is hassle-free when you fly with us. Our World Traveller fares include free seat selection 24 hours in advance, complimentary on-board food and bar service and the ability to check-in online, on your mobile or at the airport. Club World travellers can also enjoy lounge access and priority boarding.

Transport links and car hire from San Francisco International Airport

Our flights from London Heathrow land at San Francisco International Airport, located 21 kilometres south of the city. From the airport, you can travel with ease to the city centre or the wider Bay Area using the BART direct rail link. Or you’ll be given the opportunity to add a shuttle or private door-to-door transfer once you’ve booked your San Francisco flight or holiday. Alternatively, hire a car for the freedom to explore further afield and travel to popular spots such as stunning Sausalito or the vineyards of the famous Napa Valley.

Flying from London Gatwick (LGW) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)

British Airways also fly from London Gatwick (LGW) to Oakland International Airport (OAK) three times a week in the winter and four times a week in the summer months, which takes 10 hours and 30 minutes. So sit back, relax and enjoy British Airways’ award-winning service, including complimentary food and drink and great in-flight entertainment. On arrival at Oakland International, you will be across the Bay Bridge just outside Oakland. To get into San Francisco, take the BART to the Coliseum and then change to the Downtown SF train, which costs around $11.

Flight information

Which Terminal?

Find out useful information about the airports we fly from and check which terminal your flight departs from.

Airport Information

Timetables

View our flight schedule to check the flight frequency and journey time. Find the departure time that suits you.

When we fly

Baggage

Find out everything you need to know about taking baggage with you on flights with British Airways and our partners.

Baggage essentials

Travel classes

Our A380 is flying on this route

Stairs to upper deck
Premium economy class
Economy class

More information about the Airbus 380

Contact us

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What to see and do in San Francisco?

San Francisco will surpass all your expectations when it comes to things to do, what to see and where to go. Bustling nightlife on Telegraph Hill, shopping at Union Square and fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has it all.

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Nightlife

There are so many bars in San Francisco it may be difficult to decide. A good place to start is the Mission District. Head to the punky beer garden called Zeitgeist – jam-packed with picnic tables and graffiti daubed walls. For live music, try the Great American Music Hall in Tenderloin, plus a great selection of craft beers. Explore each area for quirky dive bars, tequila taverns and craft breweries.

Shopping

Union Square is the best place for high-end shopping, with Macy’s department store and brand superstores. A few blocks’ walk away, at Market and Powell, browse some of the biggest chains at Westfield Mall. Visit Chinatown for herbal remedies or Embarcadero’s unusual shops, like the Discovery Store. For the literary-minded, the beatnik-era City Lights Bookstore is a must.

Food

USA’s foodie capital, there are over 3500 restaurants in San Francisco – amazing considering there are less than a million permanent residents. Sample chowder at Chowders on Fisherman’s Wharf, or sausage at Schroder’s beer hall in the Financial District – find something to your taste. Those in the know head to Nopa in Western Addition, for their delectable custard French toast.

Arts & Culture

Arts and culture are a way of life in San Francisco. Visit the wonderful De Young Museum, which houses American, Pacific and African art. Admire the collection of treasures from the Far East at the Asian Art Museum. Children will be delighted with the planetarium and aquarium at the Academy of Sciences. And the stunning Legion of Honour offers ancient and European art within a breathtaking space in Lincoln Park.

Sightseeing

Tour the infamous island-prison of Alcatraz, explore the cells, and listen to mesmerising tales of escape attempts and famous prisoners – like Al Capone and the Birdman. San Francisco’s cable cars are the ideal way to travel, so head from downtown to the tourist-haven of Fisherman’s Wharf. Drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, or head the other way across Bay Bridge to fashionable Oakland.

Sports

There are so many sports teams in the Bay Area, it would be a crime not to mention a few of them. The Golden State Warriors are a leading basketball team (they won NBA title in 2015) and the San Francisco Giants a huge baseball team (they won the World Series in 2014). The Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49s play American Football in the NFL.