Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco International (SFO)

In the mood to trade the slower San Diego pace of life for some of that patented San Francisco spice? Finding a cheap flight shouldn’t difficult. Each week, United Airlines offers 63 direct flights from San Diego to San Francisco. Southwest has 52 non-stop weekly flights on the route, and Virgin America has 32. There are 500 miles between the two cities, and the in-flight time is about an hour and a half.

Making your way to San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN), or Lindbergh Field, is located 3 miles from San Diego’s city center. It’s close enough that you can easily walk or cycle right up to the terminals: a dedicated path makes it safe and there are bike lockers available once you get to the airport. If you chose to drive, you can park for as little as $11 a day (in the Economy Lot, with a web coupon) or as much as $38 a day (for premium valet service.) Public transportation is a valid option, with the Metrobus route 992 connecting SAN to Amtrak Intercity and Coaster commuter trains as well as Blue and Orange trolley lines.

San Diego Airport’s three terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the Commuter Terminal) are all attractive, comfortable spaces, with free WiFi and a wide choice of places to eat and shop. Pet lovers get a special perk at SAN: complimentary use of America’s first indoor airport pet restroom, complete with artificial turf grass and a replica fire hydrant!

Arriving in San Francisco

Soulful San Francisco, with its iconic bridge, lovely skyline, and legacy of cultural revolutions. It’s a place most of us dream about in its most famous decades, when flower children were ascendant and optimism looked ready to rule the day. But it’s not all guitar music and organic lunches. San Francisco’s gritty side is real as well -- and the tech booms and busts of recent decades have all left their mark on the city.

It would take several summers to experience everything this city has to offer, but you can begin with some highlights. A day in Golden Gate Park is a great place to start. You can take a spin on the historic carousel, marvel at the beautiful art and artifacts in the DeYoung Museum, and stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers, which is home to over 2000 exotic plant species. If you want something a little less pretty, the Park is also home to a real buffalo herd, the California Academy of Sciences, and enough hiking trails to wear anyone out.

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