Route guide
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 340 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h – 2 h
- Airports
- 5 × 3
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles and San Francisco: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Los Angeles to San Francisco is about 340 miles (550 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h to 2 h. There is no time difference. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and San Francisco has 3.
Airport pairs to compare
Los Angeles spreads across a vast basin, so the best airport depends on where you are staying. LAX is the main gateway, but several smaller airports sit within driving distance. The Bay Area has three major airports, and the best one depends on where you are staying. SFO is the main gateway, with Oakland and San Jose as alternatives.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| LAX to SFO | Los Angeles International | San Francisco International |
| LAX to OAK | Los Angeles International | Oakland International |
| LAX to SJC | Los Angeles International | San Jose Mineta International |
| BUR to SFO | Hollywood Burbank | San Francisco International |
| BUR to OAK | Hollywood Burbank | Oakland International |
| BUR to SJC | Hollywood Burbank | San Jose Mineta International |
| SNA to SFO | John Wayne (Orange County) | San Francisco International |
| SNA to OAK | John Wayne (Orange County) | Oakland International |
| SNA to SJC | John Wayne (Orange County) | San Jose Mineta International |
| LGB to SFO | Long Beach | San Francisco International |
| LGB to OAK | Long Beach | Oakland International |
| LGB to SJC | Long Beach | San Jose Mineta International |
| ONT to SFO | Ontario International | San Francisco International |
| ONT to OAK | Ontario International | Oakland International |
| ONT to SJC | Ontario International | San Jose Mineta International |
About the airports
- LAX · Los Angeles International
The main gateway, on the west side near the coast. - BUR · Hollywood Burbank
A smaller airport that is convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. - SNA · John Wayne (Orange County)
A good option if you are staying in Orange County. - LGB · Long Beach
A small, easy airport near the southern part of the region. - ONT · Ontario International
An inland airport that suits trips to the eastern suburbs. - SFO · San Francisco International
The main airport, south of the city, with a BART connection. - OAK · Oakland International
A good alternative if you are staying in the East Bay or want a smaller airport. - SJC · San Jose Mineta International
A convenient choice for Silicon Valley and the South Bay.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Los Angeles
Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season.
San Francisco
Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy.
How long is Los Angeles to San Francisco?
At about 340 miles, Los Angeles to San Francisco is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Getting between the airport and town
Los Angeles: Freeway traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip at rush hour, so allow generous time between the airport and your destination.
San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
- Fog can cause delays at SFO, particularly in the morning. Check all three airports when you compare fares.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying San Francisco to Los Angeles?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from San Francisco?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 340 miles (550 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h to 2 h in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario International). At San Francisco: SFO (San Francisco International), OAK (Oakland International), SJC (San Jose Mineta International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
There is no time difference.
When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
In Los Angeles: Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season. In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.