Route guide
Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 2,580 mi
- Typical flight time
- 5 h 15 min – 6 h 15 min
- Airports
- 3 × 3
- Time difference
- 3 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between New York 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.
Airport pairs to compare
New York is served by three major airports across two states, so choosing the right airport is one of the biggest levers on both price and door-to-door time. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to SFO | John F. Kennedy International | San Francisco International |
| JFK to OAK | John F. Kennedy International | Oakland International |
| JFK to SJC | John F. Kennedy International | San Jose Mineta International |
| LGA to SFO | LaGuardia | San Francisco International |
| LGA to OAK | LaGuardia | Oakland International |
| LGA to SJC | LaGuardia | San Jose Mineta International |
| EWR to SFO | Newark Liberty International | San Francisco International |
| EWR to OAK | Newark Liberty International | Oakland International |
| EWR to SJC | Newark Liberty International | San Jose Mineta International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At New York: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
United Airlines has 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
New York
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid.
San Francisco
Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy.
Getting between the airport and town
New York: Subway, commuter rail and buses link all three airports to Manhattan. Taxis and ride-hail are everywhere but depend heavily on traffic.
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
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How far is New York from San Francisco?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,580 miles (4,150 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from New York to San Francisco?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 5 h 15 min to 6 h 15 min 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 New York: JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), EWR (Newark Liberty 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?
San Francisco is 3 hours behind New York.
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.