Washington (IAD) → San Francisco (SFO)
About Washington to San Francisco Flights
Discover the best flights from Washington to San Francisco, covering 3,883 km in approximately 5h 21m. Washington (IAD) to San Francisco (SFO) 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 Washington to San Francisco.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Washington to San Francisco vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $569, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $954. 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
41 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Washington to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 59 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 | $980 | $3570 | $4780 |
United Airlines UA | $1020 | $3550 | $5520 |
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$980
Business
$3570
First
$4780
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$1020
Business
$3550
First
$5520
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Washington → San Francisco
Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 3,921 km
Average price: $688
Washington → San Jose
Washington Dulles International (IAD) to San Jose International (SJC)
Distance: 3,854 km
Average price: $678
Washington → Oakland
Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Oakland International (OAK)
Distance: 3,867 km
Average price: $680
Washington → Sacramento
Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Sacramento International (SMF)
Distance: 3,785 km
Average price: $668
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Washington to San Francisco?
The flight time from Washington (IAD) to San Francisco (SFO) 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 Washington and San Francisco?
The aerial distance between Washington and San Francisco is 3,883 kilometers (2,413 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Washington to San Francisco?
Several airlines operate flights between Washington and San Francisco, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington to San Francisco?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Washington 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 Washington to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 39 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 Washington 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 Washington and San Francisco?
Washington 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.