Cheap flights to San Francisco

Direct flights from London to San Francisco take approximately 10.5-11.5 hours westbound and around 9.5-10.5 hours eastbound. Several airlines offer non-stop services, making San Francisco a convenient gateway to the US West Coast.

The best time to visit San Francisco is September-October when the weather is warmest and driest, often called "Indian Summer." Spring (April-May) also offers pleasant conditions with blooming flowers. Summer (June-August) can be surprisingly cool and foggy, particularly in the mornings. Winter (December-February) brings more rain but milder temperatures and fewer tourists. San Francisco's microclimates mean weather varies significantly across neighborhoods.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located approximately 21km south of downtown San Francisco. It's a major international hub with excellent transport connections including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), shuttles, taxis, ride-share services, and rental cars to the city and wider Bay Area.

The cheapest time to fly to San Francisco is generally January-March (excluding holidays and half-term) and November (avoiding Thanksgiving). Prices peak during summer holidays (June-August), Easter, Christmas, and around major events like Fleet Week (October) or Pride (June).

San Francisco is 8 hours behind the UK. When it's noon in London, it's 4am in San Francisco. Both regions observe daylight saving time (though dates differ slightly), so the 8-hour difference remains consistent most of the year.

English is the primary language in San Francisco. The city's diverse population means many languages are spoken, including Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), and Tagalog. UK visitors will have no communication difficulties, though American English vocabulary differs slightly from British English.

Yes, UK driving licence holders can drive in California using their UK photocard licence for short tourist visits. While San Francisco itself has challenging hills, limited parking, and good public transport, having a car is ideal for exploring Wine Country, Big Sur, or Yosemite. Carry your passport as additional ID.

Yes, direct flights operate from London Heathrow to San Francisco with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United Airlines. These non-stop services take approximately 10.5-11.5 hours westbound, making San Francisco easily accessible for both city breaks and longer California road trips.

Airlines operating direct flights from the UK to San Francisco include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and United Airlines. Non-stop services primarily depart from London Heathrow. Connecting flights via other US or European hubs are also available with various carriers.

British passport holders don't need a visa for tourist visits to the United States for stays up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. You must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before travelling, ideally at least 72 hours in advance.

Flight prices from the UK to San Francisco typically range from £350-£750 for economy return tickets, depending on season, airline, and booking time. Summer months (June-August) and holidays command higher prices. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) often offer better value. Booking 8-12 weeks in advance usually secures competitive rates.

San Francisco offers the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, Alcatraz Island prison tours, and Fisherman's Wharf with sea lions at Pier 39. Explore the hilly streets, vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District, visit Golden Gate Park and the de Young Museum, experience the eclectic Haight-Ashbury, enjoy stunning views from Twin Peaks, take a ferry to Sausalito, or drive the Pacific Coast Highway. The city combines natural beauty with cultural diversity and innovation.

The US Dollar (USD) is the currency in San Francisco. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including contactless and mobile payments. San Francisco is quite cashless, though carrying some cash for tips, food trucks, and farmers' markets is advisable. Tipping 15-20% in restaurants is expected.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for San Francisco. US healthcare is extremely expensive without insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance should include substantial medical cover (at least £5 million), trip cancellation, lost belongings, and coverage for activities like cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge or wine tours in Napa Valley.

Baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket class. Most transatlantic economy fares include one checked bag (23kg) and one carry-on (typically 10kg). United Airlines and other US carriers have specific policies that may differ from UK carriers. Premium cabins offer higher allowances. Always check your airline's policy when booking.

San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers – quite different from typical California. Summer (June-August) averages 18-21°C with morning fog ("Karl the Fog"). Autumn (September-October) is warmest at 20-24°C. Winter (December-February) brings rain and temperatures around 13-16°C. Spring (March-May) is mild at 15-19°C. Always pack layers as temperatures vary significantly throughout the day and between neighborhoods!