SFO - NYC

£149 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to New York – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
£273
Typical prices: £249-£444
JetBlue
Fri 2/11Wed 7/11
SFO - LGA • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
£279
Typical prices: £251-£451
JetBlue
Tue 23/1Tue 23/1
SFO - JFK • Direct
Advice from real travellers
For extra space, Delta Comfort Plus and United Economy Plus add legroom.
Virgin Economy Delight adds priority boarding; BA Economy fares include a cabin bag.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Delta, and others. Average duration is 5h 32m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 13% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 88% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 22 weeks in advance save around 44% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 31% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg £224 (return)
Shortest trip • 7h 34m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Start a new search
KAYAK searches hundreds of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you enjoy your trip to New York!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

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

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from San Francisco to New York

Mon, 2 Nov - Sat, 7 Nov
JetBlue Logo
23:25 - 13:34SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 09m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue Logo
12:29 - 22:30LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
13h 01m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
£273JetBlue
Thu, 12 Nov - Wed, 18 Nov
Southwest Logo
08:00 - 22:55SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 55m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
17:35 - 23:55LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
9h 20m1 stop Chicago Midway
£274Southwest
Sat, 16 Jan - Wed, 20 Jan
Southwest Logo
11:55 - 22:20SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
7h 25m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
09:35 - 18:05LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
11h 30m2 stops Denver Intl San Diego
£274Southwest
Thu, 3 Dec - Wed, 9 Dec
Southwest Logo
06:00 - 20:00SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 00m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
07:00 - 14:00LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
10h 00m1 stop Denver Intl
£274Southwest
Fri, 8 Jan - Fri, 15 Jan
Southwest Logo
10:45 - 23:25SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
9h 40m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
13:10 - 20:00LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
9h 50m1 stop Denver Intl
£274Southwest
Thu, 3 Dec - Tue, 8 Dec
Southwest Logo
06:00 - 20:00SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
11h 00m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
17:35 - 23:55LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
9h 20m1 stop Chicago Midway
£274Southwest
Wed, 3 Mar - Wed, 10 Mar
Southwest Logo
11:10 - 22:25SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
8h 15m1 stop Nashville Intl
Southwest Logo
06:30 - 14:55LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
11h 25m2 stops Dallas Love Field San Diego
£274Southwest
Sat, 13 Feb - Thu, 18 Feb
Southwest Logo
10:05 - 23:25SFO  San Francisco-LGA New York LaGuardia
10h 20m2 stops Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
17:35 - 23:55LGA  New York LaGuardia-SFO San Francisco
9h 20m1 stop Chicago Midway
£274Southwest
Wed, 2 Dec - Thu, 10 Dec
United Airlines Logo
16:30 - 00:59SFO  San Francisco-EWR Newark
5h 29mdirect
United Airlines Logo
07:00 - 10:29EWR  Newark-SFO San Francisco
6h 29mdirect
£309United Airlines
Tue, 8 Dec - Tue, 15 Dec
United Airlines Logo
16:30 - 00:59SFO  San Francisco-EWR Newark
5h 29mdirect
United Airlines Logo
07:00 - 10:29EWR  Newark-SFO San Francisco
6h 29mdirect
£309United Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for San Francisco to New York flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from San Francisco to New York?

Return flights from San Francisco to New York typically range from £249 to £444. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was £273 on JetBlue.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to New York flight route?

San Francisco (SFO) to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the cheapest San Francisco to New York route, averaging £275 return. Other San Francisco to New York routes average £335, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to New York?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to New York. It’s 5% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 13% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to New York?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to New York at £236 return.
•June (£426) and July (£402) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 80% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from San Francisco to New York the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to New York are cheapest 22 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 44% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to New York

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Air France and SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specialising in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favourite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and Delta

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or out at sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Laura Ratliff

Laura Ratliff

Expert on Virgin Atlantic

Laura Ratliff is a New York-based writer and editor. She lives in downtown Brooklyn with her husband and their beloved dogs. Originally from Texas, she now considers New York City her home. She typically spends more than 200,000 miles on a plane each year and stays in plenty of hotels.

Duncan Madden

Duncan Madden

Expert on British Airways

Duncan is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and book author in constant search of travel stories and the perpetual sensation of being on holiday. He’s never happier than when on a dusty trail in search of empty waves or ducking under the piste tape in search of snowbound solitude. British born, living in Germany, but happiest heading for the horizon. His first book, Found in Translation, explores the etymologies and stories of country names around the world and is out now.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on JFK

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, The Points Guy, and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Key details for San Francisco to New York flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

£149
Beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in traveller numbers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 21% increase in traveller numbers.
One-way flight from San Francisco to New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport

When to book flights from San Francisco to New York

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to New York based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Flights from San Francisco to New York: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from San Francisco to New York 
BelindaFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jul 2026
I prefer Oakland over SFO. I liked the self-check for my suitcase for the bag drop . Getting through security went smoothly. It would have been really nice to know my boarding time was 1/2 hour later than on my app. I only found out that boarding was 1/2 hour late after rushing to the gate. I would have had time to go to my airport club had I known. Bag pick up at JFK was fast once I got to baggage claim, that was great
Verified travelerFlew with JetBlue-Aug 2026
My most frequent trip is between JFK and SFO on Jet Blue. Food options at SFO are amazing, but expensive. Sadly, getting through security at JFK is a hassle and takes an incredibly long time. Give yourself plenty of time. Also, when I arrived at JFK around midnight, there was no place to get food and I was disappointed to learn that I needed to take the air train all the way out to Howard Beach to get an Uber.
MFlew with Alaska Airlines-Apr 2026
Newark terminal B is probably the worst in the country. Allow yourself plenty of time a patience
ElenaFlew with United Airlines-Jun 2025
Construction in the terminal so allow for extra time in SFO. Very easy finding luggage and getting outside at Newark. Also, this time, took the Express Bus into Manhattan - $25 is a good price, though the bus arrived 20 minutes after the scheduled time.
MaryannFlew with United Airlines-Mar 2025
Bring your own food with you. Airport and airline food is expensive and you WILL need something to eat on such a long flight.
RobertFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2024
Bring some food on board for the flight

Your San Francisco to New York flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Francisco to New York?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Francisco to New York:

    • Earliest: departs at 06:00 and lands at 11:32
    • Latest: departs at 23:59 and lands at 05:31.

    The flight takes about 5h 32m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from San Francisco to New York?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from San Francisco to New York:

    • Economy class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to New York?

    A direct flight from San Francisco to New York takes 5h 32m, covering 2,566 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to New York?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need another form of identification, such as a driving licence.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Francisco to New York flight?

    Return flights from San Francisco to New York range from £249 to £444, with an average of £339 over the past 12 months. Anything below £249 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Francisco to New York flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 31% above the £339 route average. Book 22 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from San Francisco to New York?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average £224 return via Lambert-St Louis (STL), compared with £347 for direct.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from San Francisco to New York?

    Alaska Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Delta has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San Francisco to New York flights are:

    • Alaska Airlines: 88% on time
    • Delta: 85% on time
    • American Airlines: 85% on time

    On average, flights on this route are punctual 85% of the time.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to New York?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge £26–£75 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from San Francisco to New York spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to New York flights, with 37% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 37%, Night flights for 26%, and Evening flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from San Francisco to New York changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, return flight prices on this route showed a wide range, from about £273 to £2,717. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Francisco to New York flights?

    Four airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Francisco to New York flights:

    • JetBlue
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta
    • American Airlines

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty programme, while others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

  • How are flight prices from San Francisco to New York looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Francisco to New York are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about £149, which is 32% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car hire options are available in New York?

    Since New York is served by multiple airports, car hire options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport (JFK) – daily rates from around £16:

    • Ace
    • Budget
    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Avis

    Near New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – daily rates from around £12:

    • Ace
    • Budget
    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Dollar

    Near Newark Airport (EWR) – daily rates from around £21:

    • Ace
    • Budget
    • Alamo
    • Hertz
    • Dollar

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Francisco to New York?

    Flights from San Francisco to New York usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and may arrive at several airports in New York area, including Newark (EWR), New York John F Kennedy Intl (JFK) and New York LaGuardia (LGA).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from San Francisco to New York?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from San Francisco to New York?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Francisco to New York route, 15% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 57m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Francisco to New York pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Francisco to New York most commonly connect through:

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) – 33% of one-stop connections
    • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – 17% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) – 12% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) – 7% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Francisco to New York?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 17% on flights from San Francisco to New York. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at £323 return on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at £387, a difference of £64.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from San Francisco to New York?

    5 airlines operate flights between San Francisco and New York. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Delta
    • JetBlue
    • American Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from San Francisco to New York?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 7h 34m, compared to 8h 13m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 8h 17m via Salt Lake City (SLC).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and New York?

    New York is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco (Eastern Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in New York?

    Some of the most popular sights in New York are Times Square, New York City Center, and Madison Square Garden. These are among the most viewed places in New York on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Francisco to New York flights?

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to New York flights:

    • JetBlue: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Delta: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Francisco to New York flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • JetBlue: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Can I take an Uber from downtown to San Francisco Airport?

    In general, a ride on Uber won’t cost you too much, but traffic conditions can affect the price. You can meet your driver on level 5 of the domestic terminal garage or curbside on the departures level of the international terminal.

  • What is the most convenient way to get from New York LaGuardia to Manhattan?

    By far the most convenient way is to travel by car service, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a large party. Your driver will be waiting for you at baggage claim and will happily transport your party and all the luggage to the car.

  • What is the most cost-effective way to get from New York John F. Kennedy Intl. to Manhattan?

    The combination of the AirTrain and the NYC subway system is the most cost-effective way to make the trip. The AirTrain will cost a few dollars, and the journey on the subway will cost even less; but be forewarned that this may be a difficult journey if you have several bags to carry.

  • If money is no object, what is the most luxurious way to travel from John F. Kennedy Intl. to Manhattan?

    If you’re really looking to splurge, US Helicopter flies to and from John F. Kennedy Intl. from three locations in Manhattan at the Wall Street Heliport: E. 34th Street and W. 30th Street. The cost for this service is $159 per person but please note you will be limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per passenger.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to New York flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Tuesday flights average £323, about £64 less than Sunday fares (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 22 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 44% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to New York trip for January. Fares historically average £236 return in that month – typically £191 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • For the best chance of arriving on time, fly with Alaska Airlines. Over the past three months, 88% of Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco to New York arrived on time, slightly above the route average of 85%. When flights on this route arrive late, they're delayed by an average of 2h 57m, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference if you're on a tight schedule.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Lambert-St Louis Airport (STL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages £224 return on this route – about £123 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Newark Airport.

    • DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Airport
    • Holiday Inn Newark International Airport By IHG
    • Hampton Inn by Hilton Newark Airport
  • When passengers on flights from San Francisco to New York want to head to the airport in style, they often opt for a car service. San Francisco's Pleasant Limo has a wide variety of vehicles to meet your party's needs. The vehicles are clean and well maintained, the drivers are accommodating and will even highlighting points of interest along the route, plus your entire trip can be booked online.
  • If you are dropping off a rental car at San Francisco airport before your flight, the process could not be more straightforward. You drive to the Rental Car Center that is just southwest of the airport on highway 101 and, after dropping off your car, you can take the AirTrain Blue Line to all of the terminal buildings. The AirTrain is fully automated and runs 24 hours per day.
  • Passengers that are looking for something to eat before long flights from San Francisco to New York have a wealth of options at San Francisco Airport. The airport offers sushi at Tomokazu, classic burgers at the Burger Joint, top-flight wine, beer, and spirits at SF Uncork'd, and authentic Southwestern and Mexican fare at Urban Tortilla.
  • If you are planning on using frequent flyer points on flights from San Francisco to New York, remember that two of the biggest operators at San Francisco Airport, United, and American Airlines, reward travel based on zones. This means that the amount of points you will get will remain the same even if you cannot fly non-stop from your departure point to your destination.
  • If you have some time to kill before your flight, stop in at InMotion Entertainment in the International Terminal Hall at San Francisco Airport. InMotion has every everything a cross-country traveler would need like headphones, electronics, travel gear, and a whole host of travel accessories.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to New York?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to New York, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to New York

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

New York to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Delta, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to New York

Complete your trip to New York with a hotel stay or car hire