Los Angeles to San Francisco flights at a glance
| Distance | about 540 km (great-circle) |
|---|---|
| Typical flight time | roughly 1 hours in the air (estimated from distance) |
| From | Los Angeles International (LAX), plus Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario |
| To | San Francisco International (SFO), plus Oakland and San José |
| Service | Domestic route, usually with frequent nonstop flights; check current schedules. |
Times are typical and vary with winds, routing and schedules; connections add time. The search above shows real options for your dates.
When it gets busy
Weekday business travel keeps this route busy year round. When your trip falls in a busy period, it helps to start watching fares a few months ahead and to stay flexible by a day or two either side.
Tips for flying Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Compare all Bay Area airports: SFO, Oakland and San José.
- Fog can occasionally delay arrivals at SFO.
Getting to and from the airports
Los Angeles: At LAX, free shuttles link the terminals with the ride-share and taxi area; the FlyAway bus runs to some city areas.
San Francisco: BART trains run from SFO into San Francisco and the East Bay.
Always confirm transport times on the official airport or transit website, especially for late-night arrivals.
Reading the search results like a pro
Sort by price, then by duration, and compare the two lists. The quickest option is not always the most expensive, and the lowest headline price can hide a very long layover or an early-morning airport change. Use the filters for stops, departure times and airlines, and open the fare details to see what is included. If you travel with family, price the whole group, as the last few seats at one price may not cover everyone.
Setting a price alert lets you relax and decide when a fare suits you, instead of checking every day.
ID and bags on domestic flights
Even within one country you need valid photo ID that matches the name on your ticket; some airlines and airports have specific rules, so check before you leave home. Domestic “basic” fares are often the most restrictive, sometimes without a full-size carry-on or seat choice, so compare what each fare includes. Arriving 60–90 minutes before departure is a common guideline, and more at busy times. See our baggage rules guide.
Seeing the sights in San Francisco
Ads/affiliate: we may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.
Planning several paid attractions? A sightseeing pass from Go City can bundle entry to many of them. Check that San Francisco and the attractions you want are included, and compare with single tickets before you buy.
Related: Los Angeles to Tokyo, New York to Los Angeles, Sydney to Los Angeles, Los Angeles to Honolulu. See all international routes, domestic routes, domestic flights in United States and flights by month.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Roughly 1 hours in the air (estimated from distance). Exact times depend on the airline, routing and winds.
Which airports serve this route?
Los Angeles International (LAX), plus Burbank, Long Beach and Ontario, and San Francisco International (SFO), plus Oakland and San José.
When is it busiest?
Weekday business travel keeps this route busy year round.
Where do the prices come from?
Prices come only from our partner’s live search. We do not set or guarantee fares.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Flight times and airport details are approximate and for general planning; schedules, airlines and rules change, so always confirm with the airline, airport or official government sites before you travel. Airline and airport names are used only to describe routes; we are not affiliated with them. See all Live Earth & Space tools and our credits page.