Overview
San Francisco packs an enormous amount into a compact, hilly peninsula: rattling cable cars, fog-wrapped bridges, world-class food and a gateway to the wider West Coast and California wine country. For UK travellers it is one of the more accessible corners of the western United States, with direct flights from London and straightforward onward connections. Whether you are planning a city break, a Pacific Coast road trip or a Silicon Valley business visit, this guide covers when to fly, which airlines serve the route and how to keep the cost down. For live pricing, see the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to San Francisco
San Francisco's climate is famously mild but changeable. Summer (June to August) is the busiest season for visitors, yet the city itself is often cool and grey, with the sea fog locals nickname "Karl" rolling in over the bay. September and October are the warmest, clearest months and a lovely time to arrive. Spring is pleasant and quieter, while winter (November to March) is the wettest stretch but rarely cold. For the best mix of decent weather and lower fares, aim for the shoulder months of April to May or late September into November, and check the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United all fly direct from London Heathrow to San Francisco. The non-stop flight takes around 11 hours westbound and a little less on the way home, when the jet stream is behind you. There are no year-round direct services from regional UK airports, so from Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Glasgow you would normally connect: via London, via Dublin with Aer Lingus (which offers US immigration pre-clearance), through a US hub such as Newark or Chicago, or via a European hub with KLM or Lufthansa. Total connecting journeys typically run 13 to 16 hours.
Things to do in San Francisco
The city rewards walking, riding its historic transit and taking day trips across the bay.
- Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or cycle across the iconic orange span for sweeping views back to the skyline.
- Alcatraz Island: Ferry out to the former island prison in the bay; book well ahead as tickets sell out.
- Cable cars: Ride the world's last manually operated cable car system up and over Nob Hill.
- Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39: Seafood stalls, harbour views and the noisy resident colony of sea lions.
- Golden Gate Park: Home to the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences and the Japanese Tea Garden.
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO lies about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown. The quickest way into the city is the BART rail line, which runs directly from the International Terminal to central stations such as Powell Street in roughly 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing services take 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, while SamTrans buses and Caltrain (via a shuttle to Millbrae) are cheaper alternatives. All terminals are linked by the free AirTrain people-mover.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to San Francisco
- Book transatlantic fares roughly two to five months ahead for the best choice; last-minute prices to California are rarely kind.
- Fly midweek, as Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
- Travel in the off-peak windows of January to early March or late autumn, avoiding US holidays such as Thanksgiving.
- Compare direct British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United fares against one-stop options, and use a flexible-date search to spot the cheapest days.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days, but you must apply online for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme before you travel. Approval is usually quick, but apply at least 72 hours ahead and carry a passport valid for the length of your stay. The currency is the US dollar; card payment is near universal and tipping of 15 to 20 per cent is expected in restaurants. No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is essential given the high cost of US medical care.
