Route guide
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Phoenix: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 650 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 30 min – 2 h 30 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- Varies by season
This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Phoenix: 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 Phoenix is about 650 miles (1,050 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min. In winter, Phoenix is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco; in summer, no time difference. The gap changes because of daylight saving time. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Phoenix has 1.
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. Phoenix's main airport sits unusually close to the city center, which keeps the trip into town short.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SFO to PHX | San Francisco International | Phoenix Sky Harbor International |
| OAK to PHX | Oakland International | Phoenix Sky Harbor International |
| SJC to PHX | San Jose Mineta International | Phoenix Sky Harbor International |
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. - PHX · Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Located only a few miles from downtown, with an automated train to light rail.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Phoenix: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options 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.
Phoenix
Winter and spring are the popular, milder seasons. Summer highs routinely top 100°F, which is why fares often soften then.
How long is San Francisco to Phoenix?
At about 650 miles, San Francisco to Phoenix is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
The clock difference between San Francisco and Phoenix changes with daylight saving time, so check the local arrival time for your travel dates. Always confirm the arrival date and time on any itinerary.
Getting between the airport and town
San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.
Phoenix: The PHX Sky Train connects the terminals and the light rail, and ride-hail and rental cars are widely used.
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.
- Spring training baseball in February and March lifts demand. Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, which affects time differences with other states.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Phoenix to San Francisco?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from Phoenix.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Francisco from Phoenix?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 650 miles (1,050 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from San Francisco to Phoenix?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 30 min to 2 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 Phoenix: PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, Phoenix is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco; in summer, no time difference. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
When is the best time to fly from San Francisco to Phoenix?
In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Phoenix: Winter and spring are the popular, milder seasons. Summer highs routinely top 100°F, which is why fares often soften then. 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 Phoenix?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American 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.