Travelling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): what you need to know
The average length of a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Los Angeles and San Francisco are in the same timezone, UTC-8.
Each week, there are 225 Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport flights. To be on board as soon as possible, opt for the 05:20 Southwest Airlines flight. If you're eager to make the most of your time before flying, the last departure is at 23:05 with United Airlines.
Leave enough time to catch your LAX to SFO flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month such as July? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
There are plenty of direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, so getting to San Francisco (and then touring more of the United States!) is a cinch. Popular carriers that fly nonstop include:
The majority of travellers choose to fly with United on this route.
With 72.61% of services landing as planned, American Airlines is the most punctual carrier operating LAX to SFO flights.
If you'd like to split up your journey, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport. Here are the most popular stopovers between LAX and SFO:
Harry Reid International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Reno / Tahoe Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Currently, R 385 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is R 760. Keep in mind that fares could change due to demand when booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from LAX to SFO if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some terrific early bird rates.
Plan your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport. If you're flexible with your travel dates, try out the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across every month.
There's no need to check every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's a change in price on cheap flights from LAX to SFO.
Lock in the ideal flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and journey duration.
Handy information about Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
80% of flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport touch down at their destination according to schedule. Given its strong on-time stats, delays are unlikely when jetting out of LAX.
To get to Los Angeles International Airport from central Los Angeles, it takes about 35 minutes if you're travelling by car. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 29 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The trip on public transport takes about 1 hour.
Looking for a convenient hotel near LAX? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Consider booking a hotel near SFO if you're catching a late Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport flight. Choose one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Travel at your own speed with a San Francisco International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and see more of San Francisco and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from San Francisco International Airport about one week before you set off.
When to fly to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The quietest month for a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport is March, while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to San Francisco based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in San Francisco is September, with the temperature ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 24ºC (75ºF). Lock in your flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport in this month if you like this kind of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from LAX to SFO in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 16ºC (61ºF) on average.
Explore more of the United States
San Jose is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen San Francisco. Around 64 kilometres away to the south-east, its top attractions include Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.
If you're ready to explore another great destination in the United States, head for Fresno, roughly 257 kilometres south-east of San Francisco. Forestiere Underground Gardens, Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo are highlights.