Cheap Flights from Manchester to San Francisco International

Terminal Information

Manchester Airport

You will need to arrive at Manchester Airport at least 3 hours before your flight to San Francisco is scheduled to depart.

Aer Lingus, Lufthansa and Swiss flights depart from Terminal 1, Virgin Atlantic and Delta flights depart from Terminal 2 and KLM and British Airways flights depart from Terminal 3. Both Terminal 1 and 2 have a wide selection of shops in the terminals, many of which are fashion and beauty brands whereas Terminal 3 just has the basics such as Boots, WH Smith and Accessorize. When it comes to food and drink each terminal offers something a little different with a number of bars, restaurants and coffee shops including Starbucks, Costa, Burger King, Frankie and Benny’s and The Lion and The Antelope. An hour of free Wi-Fi access is available in the terminals.

Upgrades at Manchester Airport are the Fast Track security passes which gives you access to a dedicated security lane and the premium Escape Lounges. Benefits of the Escape Lounge include newspapers, televisions, unlimited free Wi-Fi and complimentary food and drinks.

San Francisco International Airport

The airport is 13 miles to the south of downtown San Francisco and has 4 terminals. Flights from Manchester to San Francisco with connections outside of the US arrive into the International Terminal (Terminal –I). Delta flights with a connection in New York and Virgin Atlantic flights with a connection in Atlanta arrive into Terminal 1.

You can use the free AirTrain shuttle service to travel around the airport, between the terminals, to the car rental centre and the BART station. The BART station is at the G side of the International Terminal and from here you can take direct trains to San Francisco, East Bay and San Mateo. Connections onto the Caltrain service to San Jose are also available. Tickets can be purchased from the station.

Practical Information

As part of the Visa Waiver Program British passport holders can travel to the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa. You will need to apply for authorisation to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation online before your flight. An application is valid for one year, or until your passport expires if sooner. 

What to expect in San Francisco

As one of the world’s most expensive cities you will find visiting San Francisco can cost more than you would expect to pay in Manchester. The city has a vibrant dining scene and sushi, vegan and Asian cuisine are all favourites.

San Francisco is a tourist haven with lots of things to do, an exciting arts scene on a backdrop of beautiful scenery. Take a look at some of the best things to do in the city.

San Francisco is 8 hours behind the UK.