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San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $72
From $72
San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in November from $166
From $166
San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO) in July from $114
From $114
Best Flights starting from $93
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San Diego (SAN)
Tue, Aug 4
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$167premium_economy
San Diego (SAN)
Sun, Aug 2
One-way
San Francisco (SFO)
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from$167premium_economy
San Diego (SAN)
Mon, Aug 3
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San Francisco (SFO)
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from$174premium_economy
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Sat, Aug 1
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
San Diego (SAN) to Newark (EWR) in August from $114
From $114
San Diego (SAN) to Las Vegas (LAS) in August from $155
From $155
San Diego (SAN) to Santa Rosa (STS) in August from $167
From $167
San Diego (SAN) to Knoxville (TYS) in August from $230
From $230
San Diego (SAN) to Atlanta (Any) in August from $250
From $250
San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG) in August from $270
From $270
Flights from Other Cities
Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $86
From $86
Phoenix (PHX) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $96
From $96
Tucson (TUS) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $121
From $121
Miami (MIA) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $125
From $125
Boise (BOI) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $147
From $147
Austin (AUS) to San Francisco (SFO) in August from $171
From $171
✈️ Flight Guide: San Diego (SAN) → San Francisco (SFO)
Complete travel information for your August journey
August is a busy summer month for travelers departing San Diego International Airport (SAN) bound for San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Expect higher demand from weekend travelers and tourists visiting nearby destinations such as La Jolla, Carlsbad, Temecula, Los Angeles, and Anaheim. For the best fares, book 3–6 weeks in advance and aim for midweek departures. Use price alerts, check Southwest, Alaska, United, and JetBlue, and arrive early to avoid busy security lines. Whether you’re heading to San Francisco or connecting onward to Oakland, San Jose, Napa Valley, or Monterey, plan transit time and watch for morning congestion around SAN.
Departing from San Diego (SAN) FAQs
In August you can find frequent nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from major carriers such as Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue. Flight frequency increases in summer, with multiple daily departures in the morning, midday, and evening. Check airline schedules and Google Flights or airline apps for real-time availability and summer promotions.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 1 hour and 20 minutes door-to-door airborne time. Including taxi, boarding, and potential delays, plan for roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from gate departure to gate arrival. For planning, use this duration plus transit times to/from the airports when booking connections or ground transportation.
August is peak summer travel so fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) often trend higher, especially on weekends and holiday-adjacent dates. To find cheap flights, search 3–6 weeks ahead, set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, consider midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday), and compare Southwest, Alaska, United, and JetBlue for promotions. Flexible dates and early-morning flights usually yield the best deals.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers hourly and daily parking, off-airport lots with shuttles, ride-hailing pickup zones, and taxi services; lots can fill early in August due to summer travel. Consider pre-booking off-site parking, using app-based parking reservations, or taking a rideshare to avoid lot congestion. Also check SAN's official site for seasonal parking rates and real-time lot status.
August typically brings warm, dry conditions in San Diego and warm to cool temperatures in San Francisco with morning coastal fog possible; these conditions rarely cancel flights but can cause slight schedule adjustments or ground delays. Pilots and airlines routinely plan around coastal fog at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), so allow extra connection time if travelling through SFO in August. Always check your airline's real-time status before leaving for San Diego International Airport (SAN).
To avoid crowds at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in August, arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, use TSA PreCheck if you have it, check in online and download boarding passes, and choose early morning departures when terminals are less busy. Consider off-site parking with pre-booking or rideshare drop-offs to skip lot congestion and sign up for airline alerts for gate changes to streamline your journey. Packing light and using carry-on only can also speed up security and baggage claim.
Arriving at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in August usually means warm afternoons and possible morning coastal fog. Travelers from San Diego International Airport (SAN) should budget extra time for baggage claim and ground transportation during festival weekends—especially during events like Outside Lands, which typically run in late August. BART provides a fast link to downtown San Francisco and Oakland, while Caltrain and rental cars are best for reaching the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. If you're heading to Napa Valley, Sonoma, Berkeley, or Monterey, pre-book shuttles or car rentals to secure favorable rates during this busy month.
Arriving at San Francisco (SFO) FAQs
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can take BART, which provides direct rapid service to downtown San Francisco (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell) and takes about 30–35 minutes. Rideshares and taxis are available at designated pickup zones outside the arrivals level, typically taking 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. For trips to nearby destinations such as Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, or San Jose, BART and Caltrain connections are convenient options.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers short-term and long-term parking, cellphone waiting lots, shuttles, and designated rideshare pickup areas; parking garages may be busier in August due to summer tourism. Pre-book parking when possible and use SFO's real-time space maps to find available spots. Consider public transit (BART) to avoid parking fees, especially if you’re staying in San Francisco, Oakland, or the Peninsula.
August generally sees moderate arrival delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) due to high summer traffic and occasional coastal fog that can affect morning operations. However, most delays are minor and airlines post mobile alerts; allow extra time for connections, and check real-time flight status before leaving for the airport. If you have an urgent connection, contact your airline immediately for rebooking options.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can reach top destinations like Napa Valley and Sonoma by shuttle or rental car (about 1–1.5 hours), San Jose and Silicon Valley via Caltrain or car (30–60 minutes), and Oakland by BART (20–30 minutes). For wine country, consider booking a private transfer or regional shuttle; for Silicon Valley business travelers, rideshare or rental cars offer the most flexibility. Summer traffic patterns favor earlier departures to avoid peak afternoon congestion.
Domestic arrivals from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) proceed straight to baggage claim and ground transportation; there are no customs procedures for domestic U.S. flights. Baggage typically arrives within 10–30 minutes after gate arrival, though times vary by airline and aircraft turnaround. Use your airline’s baggage tracking and follow SFO signage to baggage claim and rideshare pickup zones.
Yes — late-August events such as Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park can increase hotel demand and city traffic, making BART and surface transit more crowded. If your trip coincides with major festivals, book accommodations and ground transportation early and expect longer cab and rideshare waits. Keep flexible travel times and monitor event calendars for San Francisco and nearby cities like Oakland and Berkeley.
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August Events and Festivals Affecting SAN and SFO Travel
August brings a mix of cultural and outdoor events that can influence travel to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In San Francisco, Outside Lands (typically in late August) is a major music and arts festival that increases hotel demand and local transit usage. In San Diego and nearby coastal communities like La Jolla and Carlsbad, expect summer beach festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmers markets that can boost local traffic and parking demand. If your travel dates coincide with high-profile events, book flights, hotels, and ground transport well in advance and anticipate longer wait times for rideshares and shuttles.
Best Time to Fly SAN to SFO in August
For August travel from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the best combination of low cost and lower delays is typically midweek mornings (Tuesday–Thursday). Early-morning departures often face fewer delays and lighter airport crowds, while weekend flights command premium fares. If your schedule is flexible, book flights that depart between 6:00–9:00 AM local time to beat heavier afternoon traffic and possible festival-related congestion at SFO. Always verify specific flight performance and consider TSA PreCheck to minimize security wait times.
Direct Versus Connecting Flights: SAN to SFO in August
On the short San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) route, nonstop flights are highly recommended in August for speed and convenience—nonstops take about 1 hour and 20 minutes airborne and avoid connection risk. Connecting flights (via LAX, LAS, or SJC) may be slightly cheaper in rare cases, but add travel time, baggage transfer risk, and potential missed connections during busy summer operations. If price savings are minimal, choose nonstop service from carriers like Southwest, Alaska, United, or JetBlue to minimize stress and maximize time in your destination.
Airline Comparison for SAN→SFO Route in August
Southwest Airlines often competes on price and offers two free checked bags, making it attractive for families or baggage-heavy travelers from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Alaska Airlines typically offers strong loyalty perks (Alaska Mileage Plan) and good service to Bay Area destinations. United Airlines provides extensive schedule options and easy connections at SFO for onward travel, while JetBlue emphasizes seat comfort and complimentary amenities on many flights. Compare total trip cost including baggage fees, seat selection, and loyalty benefits—use fare comparison tools and airline websites to lock the best August deal.
Seasonal Travel Tips for August: SAN to SFO
Pack layers for August travel: San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically has warm beach weather while San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the city itself can be cool and foggy, especially in the mornings and near the coast. Bring sunscreen for daytime excursions in San Diego and a light jacket for San Francisco evenings. Arrive early for security at SAN, use TSA PreCheck if available, and pre-book parking or rideshare pickups to avoid delays. For busy festival weekends, add extra time for ground transport at SFO and consider taking BART to bypass surface traffic. Lastly, stay hydrated and monitor airline alerts for last-minute gate changes or weather advisories.
Flight Time and Schedules for San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in August
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have an airborne time of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes; plan on 2–2.5 hours gate-to-gate. In August, expect high-frequency service with dozens of daily departures across carriers—peak windows tend to be early morning (6:00–9:00), midday (11:00–14:00), and early evening (16:00–19:00). Use airline timetables and real-time trackers for exact departure times and allow extra buffer on festival weekends when traffic into San Francisco may increase. For connections, keep at least 90–120 minutes between domestic flights during August.
How to Find Cheap Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in August
August is a busy summer month, so cheap flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are best found by booking 3–6 weeks in advance and flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday). Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner, set price alerts, and check low-cost carrier sales from Southwest and Alaska. Consider early-morning or late-evening nonstops to capture lower fares and be flexible on dates if possible. For added savings, compare one-way fares across carriers, sign up for airline newsletters, and use rewards or credit card points for reduced cash outlay.