Travelling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle: what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 15 minutes.
San Francisco (the location of San Francisco International Airport) and Seattle are in the same timezone — UTC-8.
With 133 weekly flights between the two airports, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the busiest route. Alaska Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:00. If you're eager to make the most of your day before taking off, the last flight from SFO to SEA is with United Airlines at 23:15.
For a relaxed start to your SFO to Seattle flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like July, it's wise to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
Direct San Francisco International Airport to Seattle tickets are available for booking. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will be where your journey ends.
Choose from a variety of airlines operating direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle. Get up and away with one of these:
The journey from central San Francisco to SFO takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a taxi, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near SFO. Whether you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to San Francisco International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 78% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle
The best price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Seattle flight is R 952. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,867. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to land cheap flights from SFO to Seattle if you book early. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
Finding cheap tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle is easier if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to access the best prices throughout the month and bag an incredible deal.
Save time searching for cheap flights from SFO to Seattle by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Snag an affordable flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is around 23 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're opting for a ride-share or a taxi, the drive will take roughly 25 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 35 minutes.
If you have a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near SEA:
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around one week in advance of your flight from SFO to Seattle.
Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE)
After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Seattle is roughly 40 kilometres from Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
After stepping off your SFO to Seattle flight, kick back at a hotel near PAE. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Avoid filling out paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from PAE ahead of time so you can just get the keys and go.
King County International Airport (BFI)
Make tracks for the city centre after your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle has arrived. Central Seattle is about 11 kilometres from King County International Airport (BFI) and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take about 35 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to BFI and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late SFO to Seattle flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays are all about convenience:
Rental agencies sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from BFI a few weeks ahead of your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Best time to go to Seattle
July is the busiest month for flights from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle. To skip the crowds, visit Seattle in December.
Book a San Francisco International Airport to Seattle plane ticket with a departure in August to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
February sees average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from SFO to Seattle around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Seattle
After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Seattle:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Pike Place Market, Space Needle and Seattle Skyline are must-do's during your Seattle adventure.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Seattle, now it's time to discover more of the United States. Travel about 241 kilometres south to Portland to check off its top attractions. From Portland Japanese Garden to Peninsula Park Rose Garden and Beyond Van Gogh Portland, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If there's time to check out another major destination in the United States, head for Spokane, roughly 370 kilometres east of Seattle. Riverside State Park, Spokane Falls (Upper Falls) and Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes are key highlights.