Best Flights starting from $459
from$459economy
London (LHR)
Mon, Dec 28
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$459economy
London (LHR)
Tue, Dec 29
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$465economy
London (LHR)
Sun, Dec 27
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$574economy
London (LHR)
Thu, Dec 31
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$863economy
London (LHR)
Wed, Dec 30
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
London (LHR) to Rome (FCO) in December from $158
From $158
London (LHR) to Lisbon (LIS) in December from $232
From $232
London (LHR) to Tel Aviv (TLV) in December from $292
From $292
London (LHR) to Cairo (CAI) in December from $347
From $347
London (LHR) to Tehran (IKA) in December from $472
From $472
London (LHR) to Seattle (SEA) in December from $472
From $472
Flights from Other Cities
Ontario (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $43
From $43
Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $54
From $54
Dallas (Any) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $54
From $54
Reno (RNO) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $59
From $59
Atlanta (Any) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $65
From $65
Vancouver (Any) to San Francisco (SFO) in December from $73
From $73
✈️ Flight Guide: London (LHR) → San Francisco (SFO)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December is a busy travel month for routes between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Expect increased demand around the second half of December due to holiday travel; early December is often the most economical time to book. Weather in San Francisco is cool with average highs around 13°C (55°F) and occasional rain — pack waterproof layers. Frequent nonstop options are available, but mid-December and the week before Christmas may see limited seats and higher fares; book early for the best prices. If your itinerary includes nearby destinations like San Jose (Silicon Valley), Oakland, Berkeley, or Napa Valley, consider arriving at SFO and using regional trains, shuttles, or rental cars to reach these areas. CTA: Search and compare nonstop LHR to SFO December flights now to lock in the best fares and seat options.
Departing from London (LHR) FAQs
For transatlantic flights departing London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), airlines generally recommend arriving 3 hours before your scheduled departure. In December, with holiday crowds and additional security checks, plan extra buffer time for bag drop and passport control to avoid missing your flight.
Nonstop flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically take around 11 to 11.5 hours eastbound or westbound depending on winds. Flight time can vary with jet stream conditions and chosen routing, so check your specific flight duration when booking.
Yes — several carriers operate nonstop services between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December, though frequency can vary by airline and date around the holiday peak. If you prefer nonstop travel for convenience, search specifically for nonstop or direct LHR to SFO flights when booking.
Transatlantic services from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) commonly depart from Terminal 3 and Terminal 5, depending on the airline. Verify your departure terminal on your ticket or the airline app before travelling, as terminals can change seasonally or for operational reasons.
December in San Francisco is cool and often wet, so pack layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the Embarcadero and nearby Napa Valley or Silicon Valley. Include travel adapters, toiletries in compliance with carry-on rules at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and a small travel umbrella for variable winter weather.
Visa and passport requirements do not change by month, but December holiday travel can lead to stricter document checks and longer queues at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months (if required by your nationality), check ESTA or visa requirements for the US, and review airline and government travel advisories before departure.
December arrivals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) should prepare for holiday crowds, baggage-handling peaks, and possible delays at customs. Use BART for a reliable, budget-friendly transfer to downtown San Francisco, or pre-book private transfers to reach nearby tech hubs like San Jose (Silicon Valley) and Oakland. If visiting wine country (Napa Valley), plan longer road transfers and consider booking a private shuttle or rental car in advance. CTA: Pre-book your SFO transfer and check customs wait times to streamline your December arrival from LHR.
Arriving at San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from London Heathrow Airport (LHR), you will clear US customs and immigration, collect checked baggage, and pass through agricultural inspection. December arrivals can have longer lines, so ensure you have completed any required electronic forms such as ESTA and have travel documents ready to expedite processing.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers multiple ground transport options including BART trains to downtown San Francisco, airport shuttles, taxis, rideshares, car rentals, and private transfers to nearby destinations such as Oakland, San Jose, Berkeley, and Napa Valley. During December, allow extra time for traffic, especially for trips to popular holiday spots and wine country.
Yes — because December is a peak travel month, arrive prepared with printed or mobile copies of your accommodation and return flight details, have local transport apps ready, and expect longer wait times at baggage claim. If you plan to visit high-demand attractions like Alcatraz or Napa Valley, pre-book tours and car rentals to secure availability during the holiday period.
Yes — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a regional hub providing fast rail connections (Caltrain via transfer, BART to Oakland) and highway access to San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, and Silicon Valley. Winter weather rarely disrupts Bay Area transport, but check schedules and book shared shuttles or private transfers in advance during December.
After arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), follow U.S. Customs rules for duty allowances and declare dutiable goods on your Customs Declaration. Baggage limits are determined by your airline; check airline baggage policies before travel from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and pack valuables in carry-on luggage to avoid loss or delays.
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December Events and Festivals Near San Francisco (SFO) and London (LHR) for Travelers
San Francisco area (near San Francisco International Airport (SFO)): Union Square Holiday Ice Rink and light displays, San Francisco Dickens Fair, Wharf holiday markets, and New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Embarcadero draw visitors in December. Nearby Napa Valley hosts festive wine tastings and holiday vineyard events, while San Jose and Oakland offer cultural concerts and winter light shows. London area (near London Heathrow Airport (LHR)): Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Christmas markets across central London, and seasonal theater runs increase inbound/outbound traffic in December. Plan travel well in advance and book event tickets early to avoid sold-out dates. CTA: Check event calendars and align your LHR–SFO December itinerary with local festivals for a richer holiday experience.
Best Time to Fly from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — December Insights
For December travel from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the best time to fly for lower fares is typically early December (first two weeks). Avoid the peak window of December 20–28 when fares and airport crowds spike. Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) can be cheaper than weekend or Monday/Friday travel. If you need to travel closer to the holiday, consider flexible tickets or look for midweek return dates to reduce costs. CTA: Use flexible dates when searching for December LHR to SFO flights to find the best combination of price and convenience.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December
Nonstop flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are faster (about 11–11.5 hours) and minimize travel stress, ideal for holiday travel in December. Connecting options through hubs like Dublin (DUB), Reykjavik (KEF), New York (JFK/EWR), or Chicago (ORD) can be cheaper but add total travel time and risk of missed connections during winter weather. Use connecting flights to access broader schedules or lower fares, but factor in minimum connection times and potential overnight layovers. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop December itineraries for LHR to SFO to find the best balance of price and travel time.
Airline Comparison for December Travel from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
British Airways: Often operates nonstop services from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with extensive connectivity through its Oneworld network. Pros include lounge access and consistent schedule; consider higher fares during December. Virgin Atlantic: Competes on comfort and service with seasonal routes and attractive premium economy cabins; good for leisure travelers wanting an upgraded experience. United Airlines: Offers nonstop and connecting options (via partner hubs), strong MileagePlus integration for points and frequent flyers travelling to Silicon Valley (San Jose) and Oakland. Compare baggage allowances, seat configurations, and change policies for December travel and book early for holiday peak dates. CTA: Compare December fares and seat maps across carriers to pick the best LHR to SFO flight for your needs.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Packing & Clothing: December in San Francisco calls for layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer to handle fog and rain; pack comfortable shoes for city walking and possible winery tours in Napa Valley. Airport & Security: Arrive 3 hours early at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) for international departures during December; expect longer queues at security and immigration. Jet Lag & Sleep: San Francisco is 8 hours behind London, so adapt your sleep schedule gradually a few days before departure and use daylight on arrival to reset your circadian rhythm. Transfers & Local Travel: Book BART, shuttle or private transfers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in advance to avoid holiday shortages; if you’re going to San Jose or Oakland, reserve rides ahead of time. Booking Strategy: Book early (6–10 weeks) for December travel and look for midweek flights to reduce cost and crowds. CTA: Prepare your December LHR to SFO trip with these seasonal tips — reserve transfers and check flight flexibility options today.
Flight Time and Schedules for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December
Nonstop flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically take about 11 to 11.5 hours. Many carriers operate late-evening departures from LHR arriving SFO in the early afternoon local time, making overnight travel common and comfortable for many passengers. During December, airlines may add or reduce frequencies depending on demand, so check updated schedules on the airline website before booking. Time difference is 8 hours (SFO behind LHR) during standard time; plan for jet lag and schedule meetings or tours accordingly. CTA: Check live LHR to SFO December schedules and book flights that align with your arrival plans in San Francisco or nearby cities like San Jose and Oakland.
How to Find Cheap Flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in December
To find cheap December flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), search early (6–10 weeks ahead) and monitor price trends — early December often offers the best balance of availability and price before holiday peaks. Use flexible-date search tools, price alerts, and consider mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) to lower costs. Also compare flights from nearby London airports if flexible, though London Heathrow Airport (LHR) generally has the most nonstop options. Consider booking refundable or changeable fares during December for flexibility. CTA: Set a fare alert for LHR to SFO December routes and compare nonstop and one-stop options to capture the best deal.