Cheap Flights from New York (NYC) to San Francisco International (SFO)

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from New York to San Francisco

Finding cheap tickets from New York 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, January is the best time to schedule your trip from New York to San Francisco, with the lowest average fares across the board. Keep these strategies in mind to find the best itinerary.

Handy information about New York airport

New York hosts a selection of airports, each serving a variety of destinations and offering multiple transportation options to ensure your transit to and from the city is as smooth as possible. LaGuardia Airport features four terminals, with Terminals A and B handling mainly domestic flights and Terminal D catering to both international and domestic routes. Transportation from LaGuardia includes a range of options from taxis and buses to the subway connecting M60 SBS bus.

John F. Kennedy International Airport, the city's conduit for extensive international travel, comprises six terminals where Terminal 1 and Terminal 4 are focal points for international carriers, while Terminals 5 and 8 accommodate both domestic and international flights. To navigate to the city or connecting flights, JFK offers the AirTrain service along with buses and taxis. Newark Liberty International Airport, serving both domestic and international flights across three terminals, provides the convenience of AirTrain Newark and NJ Transit trains, aside from the usual car services and taxis. For a more low-key departure or arrival, Stewart International Airport, with its single terminal, offers primarily domestic flights with a few international routes seasonally, accessible via car services and taxis.

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. Knowing how far the airport is from your accommodation and the best way to get there will help keep your journey stress-free when flying from New York to San Francisco.

Best time to fly from New York to San Francisco

The best time to fly from New York to San Francisco is during the months of September and October when you can enjoy the warmth of 59°F to 75°F weather, comfortably exploring the city's wonders without the chillier temperatures found in December and January. These months strike a pleasant balance, avoiding the typical wet winter season and the city's famous summer fog, ensuring clearer skies for your visit to the Golden Gate City.

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 New York 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.