Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London: what you need to know
Around 11 hours 5 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to London.
The timezone in London is UTC+0. The city is seven hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located.
With 42 flights a week between the two airports, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the most popular route. United Airlines operates the earliest flight at 12:50. If you'd like to make the most of your day before leaving, the last departure from SFO to LHR is with British Airways at 21:40.
For a relaxed start to your SFO to London flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Taking off during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Direct San Francisco International Airport to London tickets are available for booking. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is where you'll disembark.
Well-known carriers that offer direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to London include:
We make it easy to book flight tickets from SFO to London with a stopover. To see all the options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The journey from central San Francisco to SFO takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a hotel close to SFO? If you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to London, these stays set you up for a seamless send-off:
Of the flights that depart from San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London
R 3,670 is currently the lowest price for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to London flight. Return flight tickets start from R 8,682. These fares can change based on demand.
Book three months before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from SFO to London.
Organise your trip for July. That's the best month for scoring a bargain on San Francisco International Airport to London tickets. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from SFO to London by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is around 31 kilometres from the centre of London. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes roughly 55 minutes.
Travelling on public transport will take you around 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from San Francisco International Airport to London. Book one of these accommodation options near LHR instead:
Travel at your own speed with a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and discover more of London and beyond.
Booking your ride from London Heathrow Airport about one week ahead of your flight from SFO to London can help you get the lowest rate.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Central London is roughly 80 kilometres from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 30 minutes or so.
Following your SFO to London flight, rest your head at a hotel near LGW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a London Gatwick Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the rates and availability from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from LGW three weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted Airport (STN) is around 64 kilometres from the centre of London. It takes about 1 hour to get to the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London.
Public transport can get you there in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Enjoy a low-stress, comfortable start to your trip by staying at a hotel near STN after your SFO to London flight. Recharge after a day of travel or simply give yourself time to settle into a new destination at:
Whether you want a budget-friendly compact for a solo getaway or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Stansted Airport rental car for you. Browse the range of wheels available from providers such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Around four weeks ahead of your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London is a good time to book your vehicle from STN. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to London
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London. The city buzzes in peak season, but hotel rates are usually higher and major attractions can be busy. Plan your trip to London in the low season if you want a quieter vibe.
Lock in a San Francisco International Airport to London flight ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 11ºC (52ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SFO to London in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF).
More about London
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in London right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to London:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. The British Museum, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are attractions you won't want to skip in London.
Explore more of United Kingdom
You've seen London, now it's time to discover other corners of United Kingdom. Journey about 161 kilometres north-west to Birmingham to tick off its leading sights. From Cadbury World to The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 177 kilometres west of London, Bristol is another essential stop in United Kingdom. No visit is complete without checking out Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park.