Cheap Flights from New York to San Francisco International

This information is correct as of February 2016

Airlines that fly from New York to San Francisco

There are a number of airlines to choose from when flying direct from New York to San Francisco. Delta, Jet Blue Airways and American Airlines depart from New York John F. Kennedy Airport. Virgin America depart from both JFK and New York Newark Airports.

Terminal Information

New York John F. Kennedy Airport

New York John F. Kennedy Airport is located in Queens, 12 miles southeast of Lower Manhattan.  There are six terminals at the airport, with Delta and Virgin America flights departing from Terminal 4, Jet Blue Airways departing from Terminal 5 and American Airlines flights departing from Terminal 8.

A complimentary Wi-Fi connection is available throughout all terminals for up to 30 minutes. The departures halls of all terminals are also home to duty free stores, convenience stores and a variety of food and drink outlets.

New York Newark Airport

New York Newark Airport is located 15 miles southwest of New York City in Newark, New Jersey. There are three terminals at the airport with Virgin America flights departing from Terminal A.  

Once you’re through security checks into the departures hall you’ll find a variety of food, drink and shopping outlets. For a bite to eat there are venues like Currito Cantina, Java Moon Café and Phillips Seafood. Shops include a duty free store, Hudson News, Tech on the Go and Creative Kid Stuff. Passengers also have access to free Wi-Fi for up to 30 minutes throughout the terminal building.

San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The airport is home to four terminals. Delta flights from New York arrive to Terminal 1, American Airlines and Virgin America flights arrive to Terminal 2, and, despite being a domestic flight, Jet Blue Airways flights arrive to the International Terminal.

The arrivals halls for all terminals have a good selection of facilities. There are information desks, free Wi-Fi, convenience stores and cafés. The airport also offers a variety of onward travel options.

A free shuttle service, The AirTrain, makes regular connections between all terminals, car parks, the Rental Car Center and the BART Station. In Terminals 1 and 2, the AirTrain station is accessed via Level 3 and a passenger sky bridge. In the International Terminal, the station is located on Level 7.

At the Car Rental Center, you’ll find companies including Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty and National. The BART train connects the airport to San Mateo County, San Francisco and the East Bay. There are also buses available from outside the terminal buildings as well as shared van rides and taxis. A standard taxi ride to San Francisco city centre will cost between $40.00 and $60.00 depending on when you’re making the journey.

Practical Information

British nationals don’t need a visa to travel to the US for tourists visits of up to 90 days. However, travellers need to register their journey with ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) at least 72 hours before departure.

What to Expect in San Francisco

San Francisco enjoys four distinct seasons with warmer temperatures than New York. Summer temperatures regularly reach the low thirties and winter temperatures hover between 4°c and 14°c.  San Francisco has much less rain than New York, with rainfall pretty much non-existent from June to September.

Prices in San Francisco are more or less the same as in New York. You can expect to pay around $75.00 for a mid-range three course meal for two, $7.00 for a bottle of beer and $4.00 for a cappuccino. Supermarket shopping in San Francisco is a little more expensive than in New York but public transport travel is a little cheaper.

New York is three hours ahead of San Francisco.