Cheap Flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Francisco International (SFO)

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Finding cheap tickets from Los Angeles to San Francisco is easy with a little flexibility. Use our Whole Month search feature to scan through the calendar for the cheapest dates. You can also set up a Price Alert for your route and let us monitor the fares for you, sending notifications when prices change. If you’d rather skip layovers, select the Direct Flights search to view non-stop options that’ll save you time.

Booking your tickets early often leads to savings, but we can also find you some last-minute deals. In general, February is the best time to schedule your trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with the lowest average fares across the board. Keep these strategies in mind to find the best itinerary.

Handy information about Los Angeles airport

Los Angeles International Airport has 9 terminals. Terminals 1 through 8 mainly handle domestic flights, with the exception of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which also offer services to select international locations – Canada from Terminal 2 and Mexico from Terminal 3. Terminals 4 through 8 focus exclusively on domestic routes. Los Angeles International ensures connections between terminals are managed with a shuttle bus service and a convenient skywalk from Terminal 4 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. This central terminal not only serves both domestic and international flights but also plays host to multiple airlines from countries around the globe, creating a diverse and international travel hub right in the heart of Los Angeles.

San Francisco airport: good to know

Arriving at San Francisco International Airport places you at the heart of air travel for the Bay Area, with four terminals managing both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 is unique, having Concourse B for domestic destinations and Concourse C for international flights. Terminal 2 tends to focus more on domestic travel, streamlining the experience with a centralized security checkpoint. Terminal 3 offers flexibility with both international (Concourse E) and domestic services (Concourse F), including a customs facility for those arriving from abroad. The International Terminal is dedicated to global travel, divided into Boarding Area A and Boarding Area G, each with comprehensive U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities. For the most current airline and terminal operations, a quick check with the airport or your airline is always prudent before travel. Plan your airport transfer ahead of your flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco for a stress-free trip.

Best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco

The best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco is during September and October when the typically cooler climate of San Francisco sees pleasantly warm days averaging 59°F to 75°F. These months offer a reprieve from the city's foggy conditions, allowing travelers to enjoy clearer skies and milder weather, which is ideal for exploring the culture and iconic landmarks of the destination. Meanwhile, the winter months tend to be cooler and wetter, although the city still maintains moderate temperatures between 46°F and 57°F with minimal rainfall.

Reasons to visit San Francisco

When planning your trip to San Francisco, check out these activities and attractions San Francisco has to offer. Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering and a signature landmark of the city. Explore Alcatraz Island, once home to a notorious prison and now a captivating historic site. Wander around Fisherman's Wharf, a hub of entertainment, shopping, and seafood dining, capturing the essence of life by the bay. During June, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration, an annual event championing diversity and community spirit.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Los Angeles to San Francisco flight

Planning your trip to San Francisco is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. With choices like Thrifty, Dollar, and Alamo, finding a suitable car rental upon arrival is easy. Accommodation is just as simple to arrange, with well-regarded hotels such as the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square, Argonaut Hotel, and Hyatt Regency San Francisco at your fingertips. Choose from these, and other fine hotel options, to secure your comfort while exploring the city.