USA

Cheap flights to San Francisco

Long haul · City · Tech. Compare cheap flights to San Francisco from UK airports — flight time 10h 30m from London.

10h 30m
Flight from London
from £420
Typical price
Sep–Nov
Best season
Price intelligence

When to fly to San Francisco for the cheapest fare

Source: Travelpayouts
updated 2026-07-27
Average return
£512
From £384 on a great day
Cheapest month
Aug
Avg £512 return
Peak month
Aug
Avg £512 return
Good-deal threshold
£477 or less
25th-percentile fare
Cheapest day to depart: Monday
Most expensive day: Friday

Flying to San Francisco — what to know

San Francisco is a long-haul destination from the UK — around 10h 30m in the air from London, which makes it a realistic one- to two-week trip. Travellers come for the tech scene. Returns from around £420 are typical when booked ahead.

Most visitors aim for Sep–Nov. Typical advance returns sit around £420. On the ground, US dollar (USD) is the local currency and English the dominant language — English coverage is solid in tourist quarters and at the airport. Visa: ESTA required — apply online before travel, $21, valid 2 years. 8–14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt; last-minute bookings can run two to three times the advance fare.

Good to know

Booking flights to San Francisco — the answers that matter

How much is a return flight to San Francisco from the UK?

Direct answer. Return fares to San Francisco typically start around £420 when booked ahead — it's a long-haul route, roughly 10h 30m in the air from London.

8–14 weeks ahead is the long-haul sweet spot — earlier doesn't reliably help, later starts to hurt. Last-minute bookings are where this route punishes you — waiting until inside two weeks of departure usually costs well over the advance fare.

Key fact: A typical advance return to San Francisco is around £420; flight time from London is about 10h 30m.

When should you book flights to San Francisco?

Direct answer. Book 8–14 weeks ahead, and aim for Sep–Nov if you want San Francisco at its best — that window balances weather and crowds rather than chasing a mythical cheapest day.

Before you commit, the admin: ESTA required — apply online before travel, $21, valid 2 years. Currency is US dollar (USD); English is the main language, with English widely understood in tourist areas.

Key fact: Best months to visit San Francisco: Sep–Nov. Flight time from London: about 10h 30m.

Plan ahead

Practical information for UK travellers

Flight time from London~10h 30m direct
Typical priceFrom £420 return — booking 6–8 weeks ahead is generally cheapest
Best monthsSep–Nov
VisaESTA required — apply online before travel, $21, valid 2 years
CurrencyUS dollar (USD)
Time zoneVaries — ET (UTC-5) to PT (UTC-8)
LanguageEnglish
Things to do

Top experiences in San Francisco

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from the UK to San Francisco?

Direct flights from London to San Francisco take approximately 10h 30m. Total journey time depends on your departure airport and any connections.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for USA?

ESTA required — apply online before travel, $21, valid 2 years

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best months to visit San Francisco are Sep–Nov, when conditions are most comfortable for sightseeing and weather is settled.

What currency is used in USA?

US dollar (USD) — most major hotels and restaurants in San Francisco accept card payments, but cash is useful for smaller establishments and tipping.

What language is spoken in San Francisco?

English. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants.