Flights to San Francisco
Buy your flights to San Francisco and pay later
Want to book flights to San Francisco now and pay later? With Alternative Airlines, you can do just that!
Our Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options let you spread the cost of your flights over time. Paying in smaller instalments rather than in one large chunk can make travel a lot more accessible. Enjoy your dream trip to San Francisco and manage your expenses stress-free.
Many of our payment plans are entirely interest-free (as long as payments are made on time), so you won't have to worry about any additional charges. There's really nothing to lose!
Choose the perfect BNPL for you from popular lenders such as Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm, Sezzle, Zip and more. Book your flights to San Francisco today and pay your way.
Airlines flying to San Francisco
Alternative Airlines lets you book with 600+ airlines. Here are just some of our favourites for getting you to San Francisco.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest is America's largest low-cost airline. It can get you to San Francisco on a budget, giving you more to spend while you're away.
Southwest Airlines only flies within the continent of North America, going to destinations in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more.
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American Airlines
The world's most popular airline, in terms of annual passengers, offers frequent flights to San Francisco.
American Airlines provides direct flights from numerous destinations across the globe, including locations within the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
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British Airways
If you're from the UK and are interested in visiting San Francisco, then you can fly directly from London to San Francisco's international airport.
British Airways flies to a large number of destinations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
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Airports near San Francisco
If you're considering flying to San Francisco, you'll arrive at one of these airports.
San Francisco International Airport
SFO is San Francisco's primary airport, offering the highest number of daily flights into the city.
It's located just 14 miles from downtown San Francisco, requiring only a 10-minute car/taxi ride or a 30-minute bus journey.
Oakland International Airport
Another airport close to the city is OAK. This is one of Southwest's main bases, offering a high number of daily flights throughout North America.
It's just 12 miles east of San Francisco, requiring a 30-minute drive into the city or a 40+ minute trip on public transport (using at least two modes of public transport).
Mineta San José International Airport
The last of the most commonly used airports for San Francisco is SJC. This airport is in San Jose, a scenic city in California's Bay Area.
To get from SJC to San Francisco, you can either drive for 50 minutes or take public transport (at least two modes) for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport
While this airport isn't as commonly used for getting people to San Francisco, it's still a viable option. It's a domestic airport, perfect for US residents wanting to arrive at a less busy airport than the ones previously mentioned.
Getting to San Francisco from STS will take a 1 hour and 10-minute drive or 2-3 hours on public transport (requiring around 3 changes).
Book flights to San Francisco
Home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the most influential American cities.
Residing in sunny California, enjoy a trip of good weather and scenic views.
San Francisco has a little bit of everything, making it the perfect place for your next getaway.
Nature lovers will be enamoured by what San Francisco has to offer, from its sandy beaches to the hills that paint its backdrop. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts, the city's hilly terrain will get your heart pumping.
Don't worry if you need a break, though. San Francisco streetcars (trams) can get you from A to B in style. Sit back and enjoy the views, or hold onto the rails and lean out for an extra exhilarating experience.
At Alternative Airlines, booking flights to San Francisco is simple. With 600+ airlines to choose from and 40+ ways to pay, including Crypto, you can travel how and when you want.
What to do in San Francisco?
There's plenty to do in San Francisco. Here are just some of the activities you won't want to miss.
Just North of San Francisco is the magnificent Muir Woods. This 558-acre woodlands offers 6 miles of hiking trails, where you'll see trees that are up to 1,200 years old.
The forest is most known for its giant coast redwoods, which are trees with a thick reddish bark and high-reaching needle-like leaves. These trees extend so far into the sky that they're officially the tallest type of tree in the world!
There's lots to see in Muir Woods, from the gently flowing streams to the animal life that inhabits the forest, such as deer and chipmunks.
At the end of your trip, you'll find a gift shop selling cute plushies and wooden ornaments crafted from the forest's trees.
✨ Fun fact: both Planet of the Apes and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi used Muir Woods as a key filming location. ✨
San Francisco is home to the most famous prison in the world.
This maximum-security prison operated from 1934 to 1963 and hosted some of the most notorious and dangerous criminals of its time.
Situated on an island, Alcatraz can only be accessed by boat. Because of the choppy waters surrounding it and the perilous currents; escape was thought impossible. However, three inmates managed to get away in 1962, but their fates left a mystery as they were never seen again, nor were their bodies found. Leading to the unanswered question of whether Alcatraz truly was inescapable.
Now, the prison can be visited (and left), with ferry rides and tours available.
✨ Fun fact: plenty of movies were filmed in Alcatraz, such as Point Black (filmed just four years after the prison shut), The Rock, and X-Men: The Last Stand. ✨
Pier 39
After exploring Muir Woods and learning more about Alcatraz, you're going to want to spend some time unwinding. What better way to relax than through a shopping spree?
Pier 39 is a strip overflowing with stores, from high-end boutiques to restaurants and ice cream parlours.
If you're looking for more of an adventure then you won't have to go very far. Amusement rides, such as the Bay Plunge, Mirror Maze, and the San Francisco Carousel, are all readily available.
It isn't just the shops and rides that make Pier 39 such a key tourist spot however, but also its stunning views.
As you walk along the pier, you'll be able to see the sparkling blue waters that perfectly reflect the sunlight. If you're lucky you may even witness a seal or dolphin swimming by. You'll also get to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and more.
Best time to visit San Francisco
Unsure about when to visit San Francisco? This is what each season has to offer.
Spring 🌸
March to May
Spring in San Francisco offers pleasant temperatures with warm conditions accompanied by a slight breeze and frequent fog. This makes the weather perfect for long hikes and bike rides, as it won't be too warm nor cold for extended outdoor exercise.
Summer ☀️
June to August
This is when the weather will be reaching its peak heat, particularly in August. Summer in San Francisco offers sunny skies with bouts of fog. While you may still want to bring a jumper due to the breeze, the weather should be warm enough for short sleeves. Late summer is the perfect time to relax at the beach.
Autumn 🍂
September to November
Autumn is another hot season in San Francisco, especially in September. Here, you'll be able to enjoy sunny conditions and clear skies. It's less busy than in summer, giving you nice weather and fewer crowds. It's another excellent season for hiking and biking, as the limited fog means you'll be able to appreciate San Francisco's views to the fullest.
Winter ❄️
December to February
This is San Francisco's coldest season. While the city doesn't tend to get much snow, the breeze will be biting, and the rain at its heaviest. Winter is also San Francisco's quietest season, so if you want to limit your chances of long queues and busy crowds, this is the time for you. It's perfect for tourists interested in exploring the city's restaurants and museums in peace and quiet.
Looking to Book Cheap Flights to San Francisco?
If you're searching for affordable flights to San Francisco, then you're at the right place! These are some tips and tricks to make your trip even more budget-friendly:
Payment plans 💫
At Alternative Airlines, we offer several payment plan options. You can pay upfront or borrow money from one of our trusted Buy Now Pay Later partners and pay back your flights at a rate that best works for you.
Flying with affordable airlines ✈️
One of the best ways to save money is by selecting a budget airline. If you're happy to fly on a ultra-low-cost airline instead of a full-service carrier, you can save massively.
Cheapest day to fly 💸
Want to know the best time to fly? You're in luck! We've written a blog that uses real data and expert knowledge to assess the cheapest day to buy flights.
Best fare finder 🔎
By using our best fare-finder tool, you can easily compare flight prices on the week surrounding your intended travel date to find the most affordable flight.
San Francisco Frequently Asked Questions
Where is San Francisco?
San Francisco is a city in California, United States of America. It's on the northern Californian Coast, and is bordered by the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Can I get a domestic flight to San Francisco?
Yes! You can easily get a domestic flight from popular and lesser-known airports in America to San Francisco. Domestic flights ensure seamless and fast travel across the USA.
Is San Francisco safe?
Yes, San Francisco is a safe destination. However, there are things to be aware of. One of San Francisco's most prominent issues is car theft. As a tourist, there's a good chance this won't affect you. However, if you're renting a car, you should keep it parked in well-lit, safe neighbourhoods and remove any expensive possessions from being visible. It's also good to conduct research on different neighbourhoods you plan to visit, with some like the Tenderloin being viewed as less safe.
How many people live in San Francisco?
As of early 2025, San Francisco's population was at 768k, a 2.6% annual decrease.
The biggest reason for San Francisco's population decrease is that housing is too expensive, leading people to leave the city for more affordable areas.