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San Francisco Bay Area Airports Guide
The San Francisco Bay Area is served by three major international airports, offering travelers flexibility in choosing flights and prices. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary gateway, while Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) serve as excellent alternatives with often lower fares.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO
Location: 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco
Best for: International travel, United Airlines connections, business travel
Transport: BART, SamTrans buses, taxis, rideshare, rental cars
Airlines: United Airlines, major international carriers
Features: Gateway to Asia, extensive shopping and dining
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
OAK
Location: 10 miles south of downtown Oakland
Best for: Domestic flights, low-cost carriers, East Bay destinations
Transport: BART, buses, taxis, rideshare, rental cars
Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, Alaska, JetBlue
Features: Less crowded, often cheaper flights, easy navigation
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
SJC
Location: 3 miles northwest of downtown San Jose
Best for: Silicon Valley business, domestic flights, Alaska Airlines
Transport: VTA light rail, buses, taxis, rideshare, rental cars
Airlines: Alaska, Southwest, American, Delta
Features: Modern terminals, Silicon Valley proximity
Choosing Between Bay Area Airports
- SFO (San Francisco): Better for international travel, more flight options, United Airlines hub
- OAK (Oakland): Typically cheaper domestic flights, less crowded, good for budget travel
- SJC (San Jose): Best for Silicon Valley destinations, Alaska Airlines focus city
- Transport Time: SFO to downtown: 30-60 minutes; OAK to downtown SF: 45-75 minutes; SJC to downtown SF: 60-90 minutes
- Consider: Your final destination in the Bay Area, airline preference, and budget
Best Time to Book Flights to San Francisco
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book domestic flights 3-8 weeks in advance for optimal pricing
- For international flights, book 2-5 months ahead
- For peak seasons (summer, holidays), book 3-6 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 2-3 days to find better deals
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
- Fall (September-November): Warmest weather, clear skies, peak tourist season
- Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, moderate prices
- Summer (June-August): Foggy mornings, cooler temperatures, highest prices
- Winter (December-March): Rainy season, fewer crowds, lowest prices
Airlines That Fly to San Francisco
San Francisco is a major aviation hub with extensive domestic and international service, particularly strong in trans-Pacific routes.
Major Domestic Airlines
- United Airlines (Largest carrier at SFO with extensive domestic and international network)
- Alaska Airlines (Significant presence with West Coast focus)
- Delta Air Lines (Major carrier with global connections)
- American Airlines (Hub connections through Dallas, Chicago, Miami)
- Southwest Airlines (Extensive domestic network primarily from OAK)
- JetBlue Airways (Focus city with multiple destinations)
- Spirit Airlines (Ultra-low-cost carrier with routes from OAK)
- Frontier Airlines (Low-cost carrier with multiple routes)
Major International Airlines
- British Airways (Direct flights from London)
- Lufthansa (Direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich)
- Air France (Direct flights from Paris)
- KLM (Direct flights from Amsterdam)
- Singapore Airlines (Direct flights from Singapore)
- Cathay Pacific (Direct flights from Hong Kong)
- ANA (Direct flights from Tokyo)
- Emirates (Direct flights from Dubai)
- Qantas (Direct flights from Sydney)
- Air Canada (Direct flights from Vancouver and Toronto)
San Francisco Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check TSA requirements and prepare for security screening
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Check baggage allowances and fees for your specific airline
- Pre-book airport parking if driving to the airport
- Research ground transportation options to your final destination
- Check visa requirements if traveling internationally
At Bay Area Airports
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international
- Have boarding passes and ID ready for security checkpoints
- Use BART from SFO for affordable transportation to downtown
- Take advantage of airport lounges during long layovers
- Use the free WiFi available throughout all airports
- Be prepared for potential crowds during peak travel times
- Consider Global Entry or TSA PreCheck for faster security
San Francisco-Specific Travel Tips
- Consider using all three Bay Area airports when searching for the best deals
- Research public transportation including BART, Muni, and Caltrain
- Download rideshare apps for convenient transportation around the city
- Use Clipper Card for seamless public transit payments
- Dress in layers - San Francisco weather changes frequently
- Book popular restaurants and attractions in advance during peak season
- Explore different neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission
- Be prepared for hills and consider comfortable walking shoes
- Visit iconic landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman's Wharf
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Flights
Which San Francisco airport is closest to downtown?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is closest to downtown San Francisco, approximately 13 miles away (30-60 minutes depending on traffic). Oakland Airport (OAK) is about 20 miles from downtown SF, and San Jose Airport (SJC) is about 50 miles away.
What is the cheapest month to fly to San Francisco?
January and February typically offer the lowest airfares to San Francisco, as these are the rainiest months with fewer tourists. September and October are peak season with higher prices.
How early should I arrive at San Francisco airports for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons, consider arriving 3.5 hours early, especially at SFO which can be very busy.
Which airlines offer direct flights to San Francisco from Asia?
United, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Japan Airlines, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Asiana offer direct flights from various Asian cities to San Francisco.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the most convenient and affordable option, taking about 30 minutes to downtown. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and airport shuttles are also available.
Is there a shuttle between San Francisco airports?
Yes, the Bayporter Express and other shuttle services connect SFO, OAK, and SJC. BART also connects SFO and OAK with a transfer. The trip between airports takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the flight time from New York to San Francisco?
The flight from New York to San Francisco takes approximately 6-7 hours.
Should I rent a car in San Francisco?
A car is not necessary if staying primarily in San Francisco, where parking is expensive and traffic can be heavy. For exploring beyond the city or visiting multiple Bay Area locations, a rental car may be useful.
What are the busiest travel days at San Francisco airports?
Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest days. Holiday weekends, summer months, and during major conferences or events see extremely high passenger volume.
Is San Francisco safe for tourists?
San Francisco is generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas, and secure valuables to prevent theft.