Other Options for This Route
San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) in October from $589
From $589
San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) in October from $3,349
From $3,349
San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) in January from $1,282
From $1,282
Complete travel information for your April journey
April travel at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is characterized by springtime demand, occasional coastal fog, and strong connectivity to tech and wine country destinations. For travelers flying to London Heathrow (LHR) this April, book international flights 6–8 weeks in advance, use BART for reliable airport transfers, and consider TSA PreCheck to speed security. Nearby cities commonly accessed from SFO include San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, and Santa Cruz; plan ground transport early during April events and festivals. For cheap flights from San Francisco to London in April, compare fares across carriers, set price alerts, and consider midweek departures.
In April, the most reliable options to reach San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from downtown are BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), rideshares, and airport shuttles. BART offers direct service to the SFO International Terminal with predictable travel times, while rideshares and taxis provide door-to-door convenience—book early during April weekends or spring events to avoid delays. For low-cost travelers, public transit plus a short shuttle remains the cheapest option; consider scheduling transport in advance to secure the best rates.
April typically brings mild spring weather to the Bay Area, but coastal fog can still cause occasional morning delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Check flight status and arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours for international flights to London Heathrow (LHR) in April; airlines often pad schedules during spring events. Sign up for airline alerts and use real-time airport and airline apps for last-minute updates.
Before traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) in April, verify the current UK entry requirements, any vaccination or testing rules, and airline-specific health policies. Regulations can change, so consult official sources like the U.S. Department of State, the UK government website, and your airline’s travel advisories within 72 hours of departure. Carry digital and physical copies of any required documents and enroll in alerts for last-minute updates.
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) in April, compare fares across multiple OTAs, sign up for fare alerts, and be flexible with midweek departures—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yield lower prices. Consider nearby departure alternatives like Oakland or San Jose if dates are flexible, and book 6–8 weeks in advance for the best April deals. Use price-tracking tools and set alerts for San Francisco to London fares to snag discounts quickly.
Most long-haul carriers operate from the International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport (SFO); verify your airline’s terminal and check-in times beforehand. In April, peak travel days around spring school breaks may increase line times, so check-in online and arrive 3 hours early for international departures. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR if available to expedite security screening and review baggage rules to avoid surprises at the counter.
From San Francisco International Airport (SFO), travelers commonly connect to nearby major cities and destinations such as San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, and Santa Cruz—each reachable by car, shuttle, or transit. If you’re heading farther, convenient connections to Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Silicon Valley tech hubs are common, making SFO a strategic departure point in April for both leisure and business travelers. Plan ground transport ahead of time for a smooth transfer to regional hotels or attractions.
Arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in April offers easy rail and road connections to central London and nearby destinations such as Windsor, Oxford, Reading, Cambridge, and Bath. Expect cool, variable weather and plan for possible spring crowds; take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line for the quickest transit to central London, or pre-book a private transfer for direct trips to towns like Windsor or Oxford. For customs and immigration, have your passport and documentation ready, and check UK government guidance on entry rules before arrival.
In April, the fastest options from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London are the Heathrow Express to Paddington (about 15–20 minutes) or the Elizabeth Line for a lower-cost rail alternative with similar convenience. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be more expensive during peak times; pre-booked private transfers are a good choice for groups or travelers with heavy luggage. Consider the Underground (Piccadilly Line) if you need direct stops across central London at a lower cost.
Visa and entry requirements for arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in April depend on your nationality and travel purpose—check the UK government website for current visa rules and passport validity requirements. For short stays or tourism, many nationalities can use the ePassport gates, but others may need to queue at manual immigration counters; prepare proof of onward travel and accommodation bookings. Always verify rules within 7 days of travel as policies can change seasonally.
April sees spring festivals and events on both sides of the Atlantic that can impact travel: San Francisco hosts Earth Day celebrations and the Bay Area roster of concerts and tech meetups, while London and nearby cities stage Easter events, the Oxfordshire spring fairs, and various cultural festivals. These events can increase hotel and airfare demand around peak weekends—book flights and ground transport early if your April trip coincides with major events. For smoother travel, check event calendars for both San Francisco and London before finalizing April itineraries and reserve transfers in advance.
For April travel between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and London Heathrow (LHR), the best combination of price and convenience is usually found by booking 6–8 weeks ahead and flying midweek. Early April (after Easter if school holidays are over) can be less crowded and less expensive, while late April weekends may see higher demand due to spring festivals in the UK. If you value comfort, choose daytime departures that align with your sleep schedule to reduce jet lag; for the cheapest fares, look for late-night outbound options.
Direct nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) save time—typically 10–11 hours in the air—and reduce the risk of missed connections; they are often more expensive but are ideal for business travelers and families. Connecting itineraries via hubs like New York, Chicago, or European gateways can be cheaper and offer more flexible scheduling in April, but require longer total travel time and careful layover planning. When choosing between direct and connecting flights for your April trip, weigh price against convenience, seat availability, and potential for delays; use flight comparison tools to evaluate both options side-by-side.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are primary nonstop options from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) in April, offering comparable flight times, premium cabin services, and reward program benefits. Price-focused travelers may find one-stop itineraries from other carriers cheaper, while frequent flyers should consider alliance partners and mileage earning when selecting flights. Review baggage policies, seat pitch, and included amenities for April flights—especially if you’re traveling with excess luggage or in a group—and book directly with the airline for easier changes and customer service.
For April travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR), pack layers and a compact travel umbrella for variable UK spring weather, and bring a universal adaptor for UK plug types. To reduce jet lag, try to adapt sleep patterns a day or two before departure and stay hydrated on the 10–11 hour flight; schedule light outdoor activities upon arrival to help reset your circadian rhythm. Book airport transfers in advance—especially for travel to nearby destinations like Windsor or Oxford—and keep digital copies of travel documents for quick access through customs and immigration.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) typically take about 10 to 11 hours westbound or eastbound, depending on winds and routing. In April, airlines often schedule daily nonstop services with higher frequencies on peak days; check carrier timetables for exact departure windows. Allow extra time for check-in and immigration on arrival into London, and plan layovers with a minimum of 2–3 hours at U.S. hubs if booking connecting itineraries. Remember the time difference—London is 7–8 hours ahead of San Francisco depending on daylight saving dates—when planning arrival times and ground transportation.
To secure cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR) in April, compare multiple booking platforms and set price alerts at least 6–8 weeks before travel. Be flexible with departure days—Tuesday or Wednesday flights often cost less—and consider early-morning or late-night departures to reduce fares. Look at nearby airports such as Oakland International or San Jose (All Airports) for alternate routing opportunities, and use airline newsletters and flash-sale trackers to catch limited-time discounts. When a good fare appears, book quickly and use refundable or flexible fares if your plans might change.
April in London is typically cool and changeable—expect temperatures between 8–15°C (46–59°F) with possible light rain, so pack a waterproof jacket and layers when arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring nearby destinations like Windsor, Oxford, or central London; an umbrella and a light scarf can add comfort for spring showers. Check local forecasts before departure and pack adaptors and travel-size toiletries for seamless arrival.
Major carriers offering direct flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in April typically include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with additional seasonal or codeshare options from other international airlines. Flight schedules vary by week and airline, so check the carriers’ websites for April frequencies and any temporary schedule adjustments. For the best fares and seat selection, book early and compare direct flights using primary search tools.
From London Heathrow Airport (LHR), travelers can reach Windsor by coach or taxi in about 20–40 minutes, Oxford by direct bus services or train connections (typically 1–1.5 hours), and Reading by direct rail links via Paddington or by coach. In April, weekend rail engineering works can affect schedules—check National Rail and coach operators before arrival. Pre-booking a shuttle or private transfer is recommended if you need guaranteed timing or are traveling in a group.
Arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) entails standard customs and immigration checks; have your passport and completed landing card information ready if required, although most passengers use ePassport gates. Declare any dutiable goods and follow signage to baggage reclaim; April arrivals during holiday weekends may encounter longer lines, so allow extra time for connections. Use customs red/green channels appropriately and check UK customs allowances in advance.