NYC - SFO

177€ Find Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
327 €
Typical prices: 301 €-543 €
Alaska Airlines
Sat 6.1.Sat 6.1.
JFK - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
332 €
Typical prices: 306 €-550 €
Alaska Airlines
Tue 4.12.Tue 4.12.
JFK - SFO • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Delta, and others. Average duration is 6h 37m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 16% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 82% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 24 weeks in advance save around 38% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 32% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg 201 € (return)
Shortest trip • 7h 40m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
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We hope you enjoy your trip to San Francisco!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco (NYC-SFO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from New York to San Francisco

Wed, 6. Jan - Wed, 6. Jan
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:30 - 17:55JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
11h 25m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
23:00 - 7:45SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 45mdirect
327 €Alaska Airlines
1 day ago
Wed, 2. Dec - Sun, 6. Dec
JetBlue Logo
15:45 - 23:26JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
10h 41m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
23:45 - 12:30SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
9h 45m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
328 €JetBlue
22 hours ago
Fri, 4. Dec - Sat, 12. Dec
JetBlue Logo
12:35 - 19:32JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
9h 57m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
6:00 - 19:50SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
10h 50m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
329 €JetBlue
13 hours ago
Wed, 2. Dec - Wed, 9. Dec
JetBlue Logo
15:45 - 23:26JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
10h 41m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
13:20 - 22:00SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 40mdirect
330 €JetBlue
13 hours ago
Fri, 4. Dec - Fri, 4. Dec
Alaska Airlines Logo
17:29 - 21:05JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 36mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
23:05 - 7:41SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 36mdirect
332 €Alaska Airlines
3+ days ago
Thu, 3. Dec - Thu, 10. Dec
Alaska Airlines Logo
20:04 - 23:59JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 55mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
13:55 - 22:29SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 34mdirect
332 €Alaska Airlines
1 day ago
Wed, 2. Dec - Wed, 9. Dec
JetBlue Logo
15:45 - 23:26JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
10h 41m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
13:20 - 22:00SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 40mdirect
335 €JetBlue
1 day ago
Thu, 3. Dec - Wed, 9. Dec
Delta Logo
21:45 - 1:19JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 34mdirect
Delta Logo
9:10 - 17:51SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 41mdirect
336 €Delta
3+ days ago
Thu, 3. Dec - Wed, 9. Dec
Delta Logo
21:45 - 1:19JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 34mdirect
Delta Logo
9:10 - 17:51SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 41mdirect
337 €Delta
13 hours ago
Thu, 3. Dec - Wed, 9. Dec
JetBlue Logo
15:45 - 22:20JFK  New York John F Kennedy Intl-SFO San Francisco
9h 35m1 stop Boston Logan Intl
JetBlue Logo
23:32 - 8:03SFO  San Francisco-JFK New York John F Kennedy Intl
5h 31mdirect
338 €JetBlue
3+ days ago
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for New York to San Francisco flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from New York to San Francisco?

Return flights from New York to San Francisco typically range from 301 € to 543 €. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was 327 € on Alaska Airlines.

What is the cheapest New York to San Francisco flight route?

New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to San Francisco (SFO) is the cheapest New York to San Francisco route, averaging 319 € return. Other New York to San Francisco routes average 409 €, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to San Francisco?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from New York to San Francisco. It’s 5% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 19% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to San Francisco?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from New York to San Francisco at 278 € return.
•June (496 €) and August (481 €) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 78% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from New York to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from New York to San Francisco are cheapest 24 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 38% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for New York to San Francisco flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

177 €
Beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 14% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport to San Francisco

When to book flights from New York to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from New York to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Flights from New York to San Francisco: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from New York to San Francisco 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2026
Expect to leave for JFK 3 hrs prior to flight if traveling by car from Upper West Side. You will want to arrive 1.5 H prior to departure
MitchellFlew with United Airlines-Apr 2026
security access line for Premier access was very reasonable, process was less than 10-15 minutes. Leave time for dropping off a rental car - is a bit of a walk and then AirTrain transfer due to the current construction - so allow time for less stress. take advantage of the tables in the boarding area for charging devices or doing work.
BeverlyFlew with JetBlue-Dec 2025
Wear support socks which helps when you sit for a long time.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Dec 2025
Bring your own food and in flight activity since they don’t supply any.
LuisFlew with Delta-Mar 2025
It’s a long flight, come prepared to either watch movies, read or sleep.
JulieFlew with Alaska Airlines-Oct 2024
Leave early. JFK can be messy. I couldn’t find healthy food choices so eat before you arrive.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2024
SFO is one of the most convenient and pleasant airports. When flying Alaska Air make sure to bring your food and a larger water bottle that usual (you get only two drink services (one small cup each) for a 6 hour flight.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines-May 2024
The airport food was limited and expensive. Best to bring a sandwich from outside…

Your New York to San Francisco flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from New York to San Francisco?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from New York to San Francisco:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:00 and lands at 12:37
    • Latest: departs at 21:45 and lands at 4:22.

    The flight takes about 6h 37m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from New York to San Francisco?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from New York to San Francisco:

    • Economy class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from New York to San Francisco?

    A direct flight from New York to San Francisco takes 6h 37m, covering 6.645 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from New York to San Francisco?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need another form of identification, such as a driving licence.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a New York to San Francisco flight?

    Return flights from New York to San Francisco range from 301 € to 543 €, with an average of 411 € over the past 12 months. Anything below 301 € counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute New York to San Francisco flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 31% above the 411 € route average. Book 24 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from New York to San Francisco?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average 201 € return via Orlando (MCO), compared with 419 € for direct.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from New York to San Francisco?

    American Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while JetBlue has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on New York to San Francisco flights are:

    • American Airlines: 82% on time
    • JetBlue: 80% on time
    • Alaska Airlines: 79% on time

    On average, flights on this route are punctual 79% of the time.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from New York to San Francisco?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge 31 €–89 € for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from New York to San Francisco spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on New York to San Francisco flights, with 51% leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 26%, Afternoon flights for 20%, and Night flights for 3%.

  • Have flight prices from New York to San Francisco changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, return flight prices on this route showed a wide range, from about 327 € to 3.089 €. That means the highest observed fare was about 9x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on New York to San Francisco flights?

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on New York to San Francisco flights:

    • JetBlue
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • American Airlines

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty programme, while others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from New York to San Francisco looking right now?

    One-way fares from New York to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about 186 €, which is 29% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around 14 € for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Fox

  • Which airports can I use when flying from New York to San Francisco?

    Flights from New York to San Francisco may depart from several airports in New York area, including Newark (EWR), New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) and New York LaGuardia (LGA). Flights usually arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from New York to San Francisco?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from New York to San Francisco?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the New York to San Francisco route, 21% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 56m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from New York to San Francisco pass through?

    One-stop flights from New York to San Francisco most commonly connect through:

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 28% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – 18% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) – 11% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) – 8% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from New York to San Francisco?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 21% on flights from New York to San Francisco. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at 393 € return on average, while Monday is the most expensive at 493 €, a difference of 100 €.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from New York to San Francisco?

    5 airlines operate flights between New York and San Francisco. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Delta
    • JetBlue
    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from New York to San Francisco?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 7h 40m, compared to 8h 06m via Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD) and 8h 13m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What is the time difference between New York and San Francisco?

    San Francisco is 3 hours behind New York (Pacific Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Francisco?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Francisco are Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street, and Union Square. These are among the most viewed places in San Francisco on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on New York to San Francisco flights?

    Among airlines operating New York to San Francisco flights:

    • JetBlue: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on New York to San Francisco flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • JetBlue: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Is public transportation available from San Francisco Airport to the city?

    BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) operates 3 to 4 trains per hour from all of the terminals at San Francisco airport, and the trip to downtown San Francisco takes about 30 minutes. The fare for the trip is around $10.

  • Can I get a Lyft from San Francisco Airport?

    Yes, you can. Upon landing and collecting any bags, open the app to request your ride, noting your designated pick-up zone for your terminal. The cost of the trip will be between $30-$40.

  • What is the fastest way for me to get to Newark airport for my flight from New York to San Francisco?

    AirTrain is a simple way to get to and from Newark Liberty International Airport. The AirTrain system connects with all major bus and rail lines, meaning you can get to Newark Airport from almost anywhere in the New York and New Jersey areas with ease.

  • What is the absolute fastest way to get from Manhattan to New York John F. Kennedy International?

    Gotham Air offers helicopter service from Manhattan to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport for only $99 per person for first-time users. They even serve hors d’oeuvres created by Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery and drinks on afternoon flights for the six-minute trip.

Your guide to booking New York to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Thursday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Thursday flights average 393 €, about 100 € less than Monday fares (20% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 24 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 38% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your New York to San Francisco trip for January. Fares historically average 278 € return in that month – typically 218 € less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with American Airlines. Over the past three months, 82% of American Airlines flights from New York to San Francisco arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 79%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 56m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Orlando Airport (MCO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages 201 € return on this route – about 219 € less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you would prefer to stay a little closer to the airport in San Francisco to stay more centralized for access to the entire bay area, a good choice is La Quinta Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West, which is located just outside the entrance to the airport. The hotel features free Wifi, parking, and breakfast. The hotel is air-conditioned, has a pool, and is centered perfectly between downtown San Francisco, the south bay area, and the coast.
  • San Francisco is well-known for its very unpredictable weather. If you did not pack just the right coat before your flight from New York to San Francisco, stop in at Lacoste in Terminal B between the entrances for the B and C gates at New York LaGuardia Airport to get the perfect jacket for the trip.
  • Travelers that would like a little mood boost before flights from New York to San Francisco would do well to stop in at the Happy Clam at Newark International Airport. The Happy Clam puts a unique spin on classic Italian dishes and is a notch above the regular grab-and-go airport food you so often find in terminal buildings.
  • If your flight from New York to San Francisco is at the crack of dawn, why not start your vacation one night early by staying at Aloft New York LaGuardia Airport, located right at the entrance to New York LaGuardia Airport? This sleek and modern hotel offers free WiFi and free shuttles to the airport.
  • San Francisco is known to be a food lover’s dream. Why not get into a culinary state of mind before your flight from New York to San Francisco by stopping in at Deep Blue on the Fly, located in the marketplace in Terminal 5 of John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport? Deep Blue puts a sophisticated spin on classic Asian favorites and offers a full menu of sushi rolls and wraps.

Prefer to fly direct from New York to San Francisco?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from New York to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

New York to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to New York

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from New York to San Francisco

Complete your trip to San Francisco with a hotel stay or car hire