Philadelphia (PHL) → San Francisco (SFO)
About Philadelphia to San Francisco Flights
Discover the best flights from Philadelphia to San Francisco, covering 4,048 km in approximately 5h 34m. Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within United States. With 4 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Philadelphia to San Francisco.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Philadelphia to San Francisco vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $596, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $989. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
56 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Philadelphia to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 81 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
UPS Airlines 5X | $940 | $4410 | $5950 |
Alaska Airlines AS | $1020 | $4380 | $5260 |
United Airlines UA | $1040 | $3350 | $5850 |
Piedmont Airlines PT | $1160 | $3680 | $6740 |
UPS Airlines
5X
Economy
$940
Business
$4410
First
$5950
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$1020
Business
$4380
First
$5260
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$1040
Business
$3350
First
$5850
Piedmont Airlines
PT
Economy
$1160
Business
$3680
First
$6740
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
New York → San Francisco
John F. Kennedy International (JFK) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 4,152 km
Average price: $723
Newark → San Francisco
Newark Liberty International (EWR) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 4,118 km
Average price: $718
Washington → San Francisco
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 3,921 km
Average price: $688
Philadelphia → San Jose
Philadelphia International (PHL) to San Jose International (SJC)
Distance: 4,019 km
Average price: $703
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
The flight time from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO) is approximately 5 hours and 34 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
The aerial distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco is 4,048 kilometers (2,515 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
Several airlines operate flights between Philadelphia and San Francisco, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Piedmont Airlines and 1 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Philadelphia to San Francisco. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to San Francisco?
For the best prices on Philadelphia to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 86 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.
Do I need a visa to travel from Philadelphia to San Francisco?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.
What is the time difference between Philadelphia and San Francisco?
Philadelphia operates on America/New_York time zone, while San Francisco is in the America/Los_Angeles time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.