Thinking of booking flights from London to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)? This city in northern California is a popular choice for visitors from the UK, which means you’ve got lots of options when it comes to your flight tickets – there are something in the region of 8,835 flights every week.
But before you start planning your trip to the USA, it’s worth considering high season and low season if you want to bag a great deal. August is high season in San Francisco, which also means flight tickets can be expensive around this time. It’s the last month of summer, when visitors to San Fran for the sun, sea and surf, and flights are at a premium. If you’re flexible on dates, it might be worth waiting a few months until Fall – which is a great time to visit this part of the world if you can avoid the rainy season around November.
By contrast, you may well find cheap flights in January, which is the coldest month. Temperatures are around the 8°C mark at this time, so it’s not too cold to get out and explore. Plus, hotels tend to be cheaper and you’re less likely to have to battle the crowds.
You can fly direct to San Francisco from London Heathrow (LHR), which makes it the most popular London hub for flights on this route. You can also fly indirect from Gatwick (LGW), as well as other London airports like Stansted (STN) and London City (LCY) if you don’t mind a few stops along the way.
FAQs about flights from London to San Francisco
Which airlines fly from London to San Francisco?
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two of the most popular airlines that fly direct from London to San Francisco, both from Heathrow. But y can also fly direct from here with KLM, Air France and United Airlines, or go indirect with SWISS, Aer Lingus, Air Canada and Iceland Air. From Gatwick you can also fly indirect with airlines like Cathay Pacific and Finnair.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to San Francisco?
American Airlines and British Airways usually offer the cheapest flights on this route.
Can I fly direct from London to San Francisco?
Yes, you can fly direct to San Francisco from London Heathrow airport.
Which London airport offers the cheapest direct flight to San Francisco?
London Heathrow offers the cheapest direct flight to San Francisco.
How long is the flight from London to San Francisco?
The shortest flight time from London to San Francisco is 11 hours, although this can vary.
How do I get into San Francisco from San Francisco International Airport?
Renting a car is probably the quickest way to get into the city once you land at the airport – the drive to downtown takes about 30 minutes in good traffic. Uber and Lyft are another option if speed is of the essence – you’ll need to download the app to your phone before you arrive, and the journey to downtown will cost you around $25-30 in good traffic. As far as public transport goes, the Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, is a subway system that connects the airport to the city. When you land, take the AirTrain to get to the BART station – it only takes a couple of minutes. Then you can get a one-way ticket for just over $8 and get to stations like Powell Street station, which is a five-minute walk from Union Square. You could also get a licensed taxi from one of the stands in the airport – expect to pay anything upwards of $40 plus a tip.
What are the top things to do in San Francisco?
A walk across Golden Gate Bridge is top of most visitors’ lists, and for good reason – this orange-hued suspension bridge is as photogenic as they come, with widescreen views of the bay and the Pacific. While you’re in town, ride the iconic trams, pay a visit to Chinatown and set off for to Alcatraz Island – once home to Al Capone.
Do I need a visa to travel to San Francisco?
Under the Visa Waiver Programme, or VWP, most UK passport holders are eligible to enter the US without a visa for a period of 90 days for a holiday. You’ll need to get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before you travel.
