Flying from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): What you need to know
Get your trip planning underway by checking out where you'll catch your flight from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Explore the options for taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), two of the city's main airports.
Around 6 hours is the typical travel time on a direct Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport flight.
San Francisco is three hours behind Washington DC. San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, which runs on the UTC-7 timezone.
The most popular route is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with 21 direct services every week. If you're looking to take off without delay, the earliest flight from DCA to SFO is the 7am United Airlines option. If you need some extra time before takeoff, the last departure is at 6:59pm with Alaska Airlines.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are travel rules worth sticking to. Be at the airport on time to board your flight from Washington DC to SFO.
Heading off during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Get there in one go from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Nonstop flights from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are available from here.
United Airlines is a well-known airline that operates direct flights from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport taking off from DCA.
The majority of travellers prefer to fly with United Airlines from DCA to SFO.
The most punctual carrier on this route is United Airlines. Its services arrive as scheduled 76.67% of the time.
Travelling from central Washington DC to DCA takes around 45 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a comfortable hotel near Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport, these stays will put you a quick hop from check-in:
When it comes to Ronald Reagan National Airport's on-time performance, data shows 76.44% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Catching a flight out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? Direct Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) flight tickets can be booked from here.
United Airlines has direct flights from Washington DC to SFO departing from IAD. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and arrive at your destination in a single stretch.
United Airlines is the top choice for passengers flying from IAD to SFO.
Alaska Airlines is the most reliable carrier flying between Washington Dulles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport, with 79.59% of its services arriving as scheduled.
IAD is around 56 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you 50 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your Washington DC to SFO flight? Relax in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your trip officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
74.39% of flights departing Washington Dulles International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Get to your destination faster from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Direct flights from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport are available from here.
Get ready for takeoff with United Airlines. It offers direct Washington DC to SFO flight tickets from BWI.
Most passengers prefer to book seats with United Airlines from BWI to SFO.
With a dependable 87.84% of services arriving as scheduled, United Airlines is the leading carrier for punctuality on this route.
From central Washington DC, BWI is around 48 kilometres away. It takes roughly 50 minutes to reach the airport by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so on public transport.
Sleep a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport flight with plenty of time to spare. These hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport make it a breeze to get to the terminal if you're flying out early:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights get to their destinations without delays. At BWI, that figure is 77.13%.
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you have a late flight from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these options near SFO:
Pick up a San Francisco International Airport rental car and discover San Francisco and beyond with your own wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are popular outlets you can book with here.
Booking your ride around one week in advance of your Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport flight can help you find the best deal.
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport is roughly 18 kilometres from central San Francisco. How long it takes to get to the centre by car hire or cab depends on the time of day. Do a little research before you go.
Travelling on public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport is ج.م. 4,001. For a return flight on this route, the best price is ج.م. 7,959. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares can change.
To pick up cheap flights from Washington DC to SFO, book early. Airlines generally offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport tickets across the month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Save time looking for cheap flight tickets from Washington DC to SFO by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Find the best deal on a flight from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when planning the timing of your trip. February is the quietest month to visit San Francisco. August is when most people book flights from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which may be ideal if you're after more action.
The warmest month in San Francisco is September, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 22ºC. Book your Washington DC to SFO flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Look for cheap tickets from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 16ºC.
More about San Francisco
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in San Francisco right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Washington DC to San Francisco International Airport:
There are so many things to explore in this city, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island are major attractions which should be on any well-planned San Francisco itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited San Francisco, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Journey around 257 kilometres east to Fresno to tick off its top sights. From Forestiere Underground Gardens to Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in the United States, head for Sacramento, about 129 kilometres north-east of San Francisco. Old Sacramento Waterfront, Fright Planet - America's Haunted Theme Park and California State Railroad Museum are the start of reasons to visit.
