Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), arriving 2 hours before domestic flights is recommended and 3 hours for peak travel days in October such as holiday weekends or festival weekends. SFO security lines can be longer during morning and late-afternoon peaks, so use TSA PreCheck or arrive earlier if you have checked baggage; mobile check-in and curbside drop-off speed the process. Check live security wait times on the SFO website the morning of travel to avoid last-minute delays.
Nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) runs multiple times daily on major carriers like Southwest, Alaska, United, American and Delta, with higher frequency on weekdays and around popular October events such as Austin City Limits. Schedules can increase for festival weekends, so book early if you need a specific nonstop departure time. Use airline search engines or the SFO/AUS flight status pages to compare exact daily frequencies for your travel dates.
Airline baggage policies do not change seasonally, but October travel surges for events can make overhead bin space scarcer, so check your carrier's carry-on size rules and consider early boarding or checked luggage. Southwest and Alaska often include a free carry-on and two checked bags may be cheaper on some fare types; low-cost fares on other carriers can add fees. Always confirm baggage allowances on the airline booking page before heading to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to avoid unexpected charges.
Yes — San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART, airport shuttles, ride-hailing, taxis, and shared vans to downtown San Francisco, Oakland (near OAK), and San Jose (SJC). For October departures, plan extra time for airport-to-city transfers during morning commuter hours or if fog affects Bay Area roadways. If you plan to park at SFO before flying to Austin, check long-term parking rates and reserve as needed.
October in the Bay Area is generally dry and mild, but marine fog can cause ground delays early in the morning or late evening at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Check FAA advisories and airline delay notifications the day of travel; airlines often rebook passengers proactively for weather impacts. Sign up for flight alerts from the airline and consider flexible tickets if you're traveling during potential festival weekends when delays are more disruptive.
Austin City Limits (ACL) typically increases demand for flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) during early October weekends, leading to higher fares and fuller flights. Book your SFO to AUS nonstop tickets well in advance and consider midweek travel or alternate nearby airports like Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) for more options. Monitor fares and set price alerts for the best deals on ACL travel.
The typical nonstop flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is about 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes. Flight time varies with winds and specific flight paths, and connecting itineraries can add several hours depending on the layover airport.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) offers taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, and regional car rentals with quick access to downtown Austin, Round Rock, and San Antonio connections. During October events like ACL, rideshare wait times can increase, so pre-book a private transfer or use shared shuttles for festival weekends. Capital Metro bus lines also provide affordable public transit into central Austin.
Yes — expect heavier arrivals and longer waits for baggage and rideshares during Austin City Limits (ACL) in early October. Consider arriving a day early to avoid event-day congestion, use baggage tracking, and reserve rental cars in advance; downtown hotels fill up quickly so confirm transportation and lodging before travel. Airlines sometimes add extra flights for ACL, but availability can be limited, so book early.
October in Austin is festival season — the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival typically draws large crowds and creates high demand for flights and hotels, especially on early October weekends. Other October highlights include University of Texas football games and local fall food and film festivals; these events can cause shorter booking windows and higher fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). If attending ACL or a major game, book flights, hotels, and transfers as early as possible and consider travel insurance for refundable coverage.
The best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and outside of major festival weekends. Early October festival weekends (like ACL) drive demand and higher prices; flying earlier in the week or later in the month often yields lower fares and more seat availability. For favorable weather and fewer crowds, aim for mid-October weekdays when Austin's weather is pleasant and flight demand moderate.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) are the fastest option at about 3 hours, reducing the risk of missed connections and baggage delays. Connecting flights via hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), or Denver (DEN) can be cheaper or offer more schedule choices but typically add 2–5 hours to total travel time. In October, weigh the cost savings of a connecting itinerary against potential festival-driven delays; for time-sensitive trips book nonstop SFO to AUS flights.
Major carriers operating nonstop between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta. Southwest often provides competitive published fares with generous two-checked-bag policies, Alaska focuses on customer service and transcon connections, while United/American/Delta offer loyalty perks and premium cabin options. For October festival travel, check each carrier’s change and cancellation policies, baggage fees, and seat availability before booking.
Pack layered clothing for warm Austin days and cool evenings, and include comfortable shoes for outdoor concerts and walking in downtown Austin. Bring sunscreen for daytime outdoor events and a light rain jacket just in case; San Francisco departures rarely face extreme October weather but always check forecasts. For airport logistics, arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) earlier than usual for festival weekends, reserve ground transport at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) ahead of time, and consider travel insurance if your trip coincides with major events.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) typically take about 3:00 to 3:15 hours. In October, expect several morning departures (6:00–9:00 AM), midday options (11:00 AM–2:00 PM), and evening flights (5:00–9:00 PM) to suit business and leisure travelers. Airlines operating regular nonstops include Southwest, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta, with increased frequencies around festival weekends.
To secure cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in October, search 6–8 weeks in advance and use fare alerts to monitor price drops. Consider flying midweek or at off-peak hours, and compare departures from Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) to increase savings. Use flexible-date search, set alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, and check low-cost carrier pages directly; sometimes Southwest and Alaska offer the best promotional fares for SFO to AUS travel.
Starting from $214
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Austin (AUS)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $290
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Austin (AUS)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Planning a trip from San Francisco (SFO) to Austin (AUS) in october? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), you can reach downtown Austin quickly and also access nearby major destinations like San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Round Rock, and Georgetown. These cities are commonly combined with Austin itineraries; rental cars and regional shuttles provide flexible ground options. If you plan multi-city travel, check intercity bus and short regional flights for time-efficient transfers.
For domestic flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), standard domestic baggage claim procedures apply and there are no customs formalities. If you have a connecting international itinerary, follow airline instructions for checked bag transfer and customs. Always check your carrier’s baggage policy ahead of arrival to ensure smooth pickup at AUS.
