Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackIn October, traffic is often lighter than summer peak months, making BART, rideshares, and airport shuttles efficient options to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). BART connects downtown San Francisco and the East Bay directly to SFO; consider leaving earlier for morning flights. For travelers from nearby cities like San Jose and Oakland, Caltrain plus a shuttle or a direct car service are common; always check BART and traffic advisories before you go.
Major carriers often update schedules for fall seasonality, but SFO to JFK remains one of the busiest transcontinental routes with multiple daily nonstop flights year-round. Expect a mix of early-morning red-eye departures and daytime flights; check your airline or OTA for exact October timetables. Sign up for airline alerts and verify departure times 24–48 hours before travel.
SFO follows standard TSA rules year-round, but October sees more comfortable weather allowing for layered clothing and fewer bulky winter coats. Use TSA PreCheck if you have it to speed through security, and pack liquids in accordance with the 3-1-1 rule. For travel to nearby destinations like Napa or Silicon Valley after arrival, pack carry-on essentials to avoid baggage delays.
October traffic is generally moderate; however, occasional roadwork or special events (e.g., Fleet Week in some years) may cause weekend delays. Check local DOT or SFO advisories for real-time construction updates and allow extra time for airport parking or drop-off. Using rideshare pickup zones or the long-term economy lot can save time during peak periods.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) you can conveniently access San Jose (Silicon Valley), Oakland, Palo Alto, Napa Valley wine country, and the greater Bay Area. Many travelers choose SFO when visiting tech hubs, vineyards, or planning a multi-city California itinerary. Use rental cars or regional shuttles for day trips.
October often has lower leisure demand than summer, yielding competitive fares from SFO to JFK, especially midweek. Business travel resumes after Labor Day, so book early for Friday and Sunday peak times; Tuesdays and Wednesdays commonly offer the best October deals. Use fare alerts and flexible dates to lock in the best SFO to JFK airfares.
The AirTrain combined with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or subway is often the fastest budget option from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan, taking roughly 45–60 minutes to Midtown depending on connections. Taxis and rideshares are direct and convenient but subject to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Consider total travel time and luggage when choosing; for group travel, a taxi or ride service may be more economical.
Customs wait times at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) vary, but October typically sees moderate throughput with fewer summer tourists. Expect 20–60 minutes for processing for U.S. domestic transcontinental arrivals, longer if you have checked international connections. Use mobile passport or Global Entry where applicable to expedite processing; always allow extra time for baggage and customs when scheduling ground transportation.
Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) arrive on multiple terminals depending on the airline—commonly Terminals 1, 4, 7, and 8. Check your airline confirmation for the specific terminal and gate; terminal assignments can change, so verify arrival information before you land. Terminals at JFK connect via AirTrain for convenient transfers to ground transportation.
October features vibrant cultural events that can influence travel demand. In New York, look for the New York Film Festival, Open House New York, gallery openings, and Halloween week activities, which increase hotel occupancy near Manhattan and Brooklyn. San Francisco’s October calendar can include Fleet Week (some years), late-season Giants baseball, and wine harvest events in Napa. When planning SFO to JFK travel in October, check event calendars and secure transport and lodging early to avoid premium pricing. CTA: Review NYC & Company and Visit San Francisco event guides before booking your October SFO→JFK trip.
For October travel, the best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and early morning departures. Early flights tend to have fewer cascade delays and lower fares; red-eye flights can maximize daytime in New York but may be less comfortable. If you want lower prices and fewer crowds, avoid weekends and major NYC event weekends in October. CTA: Compare afternoon vs. early-morning SFO to JFK flights for October to find the best balance of price and convenience.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) save time—usually 5–6 hours—while connecting flights can lower cost but add total travel time and risk of missed connections. Common layover hubs for one-stop itineraries include Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). In October, weigh the savings of a cheaper connecting fare against the convenience of a nonstop; if you have tight schedules or multiple meetings in New York, nonstop is often worth the premium. CTA: If time is money, book a nonstop SFO to JFK flight; if saving is priority, compare single-stop options carefully.
United, Delta, American, and JetBlue frequently operate nonstop SFO–JFK flights in October; Alaska may offer connecting options or seasonal nonstops depending on the year. United and American typically provide multiple daily flights with a range of cabin classes (basic economy to first/flagship), Delta offers competitive schedule frequency and modern transcontinental service, while JetBlue emphasizes extra legroom in select economy seats and strong inflight entertainment. Compare loyalty benefits—such as elite upgrades or credit card-embedded perks—if you fly frequently. CTA: Check each carrier's October schedule for nonstop availability and compare seat maps and baggage fees before booking.
Pack in layers for an October SFO to JFK trip — light sweaters and a medium jacket are useful for both Bay Area mornings and chillier New York evenings. Bring a compact umbrella for occasional East Coast showers and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Manhattan or Brooklyn neighborhoods. For airport logistics, enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if eligible to speed screenings and customs, and arrive 90 minutes before domestic transcontinental flights if you need checked baggage or special assistance. CTA: Prepare a travel checklist for your October SFO→JFK trip to pack smart, speed through airports, and enjoy fall in both cities.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) typically take about 5 hours to 5 hours 45 minutes of flight time, with an effective clock-change of +3 hours when landing in Eastern Time. In October, airlines maintain multiple daily nonstops including early-morning departures and late-evening red-eyes that arrive in the morning at JFK. Frequency may be higher on peak business days; check real-time schedules on airline sites. For scheduling, factor in 30–60 minutes for taxi and runway delays and extra time for deplaning and baggage claim at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in October, search with flexible dates, compare nonstop vs. one-stop options, and set fare alerts across multiple OTAs and airline sites. Midweek departures (Tues–Thurs) often have lower fares, while Friday and Sunday travel can spike. Consider nearby airports—Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC)—for outbound flexibility, and look at multiple arrival airports if your final destination is Jersey City or Newark. Use airline flash sales and check legacy carriers (United, Delta, American) alongside low-cost options and JetBlue, which frequently runs transcontinental promotions. CTA: Set a price alert now for SFO to JFK October flights and compare nonstop and connecting options to lock in the best fare.
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), travelers commonly access Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and nearby Jersey City or Hoboken via public transit and ferries. Many international and domestic visitors connect to leisure destinations like the Hamptons or Westchester after arriving at JFK. Consider regional transit connections and off-airport car services for easier transfer to those locations.
October in New York typically brings crisp fall weather, so pack a medium-weight jacket, layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn. An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is wise for occasional showers. If traveling from San Francisco, expect a more pronounced temperature change — keep a warm layer handy for arrival and transit from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
October hosts several NYC events such as Open House New York and cultural festivals that can increase demand for hotels and local transport, but they rarely cause major airport delays. If a large convention or sports event coincides with your arrival, ground transportation and nearby hotels may fill up faster; book ahead. For updates, check NYC & Company event calendars and JFK advisories.
