Route guide
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Houston: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,630 mi
- Typical flight time
- 3 h 30 min – 4 h 30 min
- Airports
- 3 × 2
- Time difference
- 2 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Houston: 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: San Francisco to Houston is about 1,630 miles (2,620 km) and a typical flight takes 3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 min. Houston is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Houston has 2.
Airport pairs to compare
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. Houston has two main airports: Bush Intercontinental to the north and Hobby to the southeast. Hobby is closer to downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SFO to IAH | San Francisco International | George Bush Intercontinental |
| SFO to HOU | San Francisco International | William P. Hobby |
| OAK to IAH | Oakland International | George Bush Intercontinental |
| OAK to HOU | Oakland International | William P. Hobby |
| SJC to IAH | San Jose Mineta International | George Bush Intercontinental |
| SJC to HOU | San Jose Mineta International | William P. Hobby |
About the airports
- 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. - IAH · George Bush Intercontinental
The larger airport, north of the city, with a wide range of domestic and international flights. - HOU · William P. Hobby
Closer to downtown and a good option for domestic trips.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Houston: United Airlines, Southwest 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
San Francisco
Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy.
Houston
Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window.
How long is San Francisco to Houston?
At about 1,630 miles, San Francisco to Houston is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.
Time zones and timing
Houston is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco, so you land at a local time 2 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.
Houston: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Distances are large, so check where your hotel is before choosing an airport.
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.
- Fog can cause delays at SFO, particularly in the morning. Check all three airports when you compare fares.
- Compare both airports when you look at fares, and keep weather in mind if you travel in late summer.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Houston to San Francisco?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from Houston.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Francisco from Houston?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,630 miles (2,620 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from San Francisco to Houston?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 3 h 30 min to 4 h 30 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 San Francisco: SFO (San Francisco International), OAK (Oakland International), SJC (San Jose Mineta International). At Houston: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), HOU (William P. Hobby). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Houston is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco.
When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to Houston?
In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Houston: Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.Hurricane season runs from June through November, so check fare rules for changes if you travel in that window. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for San Francisco to Houston?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest 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.