San Francisco (SFO) → Washington (IAD)
About San Francisco to Washington Flights
Discover the best flights from San Francisco to Washington, covering 3,883 km in approximately 5h 21m. San Francisco (SFO) to Washington (IAD) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within United States. With 2 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 San Francisco to Washington.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from San Francisco to Washington vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $560, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $961. Savvy travelers can save up to 42% 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
85 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on San Francisco to Washington flights, we recommend booking 41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Alaska Airlines AS | $970 | $3140 | $4320 |
United Airlines UA | $1030 | $3450 | $5590 |
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$970
Business
$3140
First
$4320
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$1030
Business
$3450
First
$5590
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
San Jose → Washington
San Jose International (SJC) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)
Distance: 3,854 km
Average price: $678
Oakland → Washington
Oakland International (OAK) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)
Distance: 3,867 km
Average price: $680
Sacramento → Washington
Sacramento International (SMF) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)
Distance: 3,785 km
Average price: $668
San Jose → Washington
San Jose International (SJC) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)
Distance: 3,854 km
Average price: $678
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Washington?
The flight time from San Francisco (SFO) to Washington (IAD) is approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between San Francisco and Washington?
The aerial distance between San Francisco and Washington is 3,883 kilometers (2,413 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Washington?
Several airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Washington, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Washington?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from San Francisco to Washington. 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 Washington?
For the best prices on San Francisco to Washington flights, we recommend booking 61 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 San Francisco to Washington?
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 San Francisco and Washington?
San Francisco operates on America/Los_Angeles time zone, while Washington is in the America/New_York time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.