Route guide
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Seattle: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 680 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 30 min – 2 h 30 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between San Francisco and Seattle: 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 Seattle is about 680 miles (1,090 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min. There is no time difference. San Francisco has 3 airports to compare and Seattle 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. Seattle's airport is connected to downtown by light rail, which makes arrival simple even at busy times.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| SFO to SEA | San Francisco International | Seattle-Tacoma International |
| OAK to SEA | Oakland International | Seattle-Tacoma International |
| SJC to SEA | San Jose Mineta International | Seattle-Tacoma 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. - SEA · Seattle-Tacoma International
Connected to downtown by Link light rail.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At San Francisco: United Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Seattle: Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines
Alaska 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.
Seattle
July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower.
How long is San Francisco to Seattle?
At about 680 miles, San Francisco to Seattle 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.
Getting between the airport and town
San Francisco: BART trains connect SFO and Oakland to the wider region, which avoids freeway traffic.
Seattle: Link light rail runs from the airport to downtown in roughly 40 minutes.
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.
- Alaska cruises depart from the city roughly from spring through early fall, which can lift demand and hotel prices at that time.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Seattle to San Francisco?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from San Francisco or all flights from Seattle.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Francisco from Seattle?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 680 miles (1,090 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from San Francisco to Seattle?
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 Seattle: SEA (Seattle-Tacoma 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 San Francisco to Seattle?
In San Francisco: Late summer and early fall tend to be the warmest and clearest months. Summer mornings are often foggy. In Seattle: July through September is the driest and busiest period. From November to March it is rainy, and fares are often lower. 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 Seattle?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. 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.