Route guide

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to New York | EazAir

Travellers

San Francisco to New York flight insights

Average flight time

~6h 2m (estimated)

SFO → LGA

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$257

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 15, 2026.

Planning a trip from San Francisco to New York? The average flight time on this route is ~6h 2m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $257 (last checked Sep 15, 2026).

San Francisco to New York covers a straight-line distance of about 2,573 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~6h 2m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from San Francisco to New York on Eazair
OriginSan Francisco (SFO)
DestinationNew York (LGA)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$257
Fares Last CheckedSep 15, 2026

Flight deals from San Francisco to New York

Direct flights from San Francisco to New York typically take about five hours and thirty minutes to cross the United States. Passengers traveling from SFO to JFK or Newark cover a distance of roughly 2,580 miles during this transcontinental journey. Weather patterns, specifically the jet stream, often make the eastbound trip from San Francisco to New York slightly faster than the return flight. Multiple carriers operate daily non-stop service between San Francisco and New York. United Airlines maintains a massive hub at SFO and flies directly into Newark Liberty International Airport, while Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and American Airlines provide heavy schedules into John F. Kennedy International Airport. Alaska Airlines also schedules regular transcontinental routes from San Francisco to New York area terminals. The busiest travel months for flights from San Francisco to New York are typically June, July, and December, aligning with summer vacations and winter holidays. Travelers flying from the Bay Area to New York during these peak periods should book their tickets well in advance to secure optimal pricing. Conversely, flying from San Francisco to New York during the shoulder season months of February and October usually presents lower fares and fewer crowds at the departure gates.

View of New York, a popular flight destination from San Francisco

About New York

Popular areas to know in New York include Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Williamsburg.

Four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that bring occasional snow.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a direct flight from San Francisco to New York?
A non-stop flight from San Francisco International Airport to New York typically takes five hours and thirty minutes. Strong tailwinds can sometimes reduce the San Francisco to New York flight time by up to thirty minutes.
Which airports in New York receive direct flights from San Francisco?
Direct flights originating in San Francisco land at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the New York metropolitan area. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York restricts perimeter flying, meaning travelers from San Francisco must connect if flying into that specific terminal.
What airlines fly non-stop from San Francisco to New York?
Carriers providing non-stop service from San Francisco to New York include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines. EazAir partners with travel agencies offering tickets on these exact San Francisco to New York routes.
Which day of the week is usually cheapest to fly from San Francisco to New York?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays historically offer the lowest fares for flights departing San Francisco and arriving in New York. Weekend travel from San Francisco to New York often carries a premium due to high leisure demand.
How far in advance should I book my flight from San Francisco to New York?
For the best rates on the San Francisco to New York route, travelers should purchase tickets four to six weeks prior to departure. Booking holiday flights from San Francisco to New York requires an even longer lead time of three to four months.
Are red-eye flights available from San Francisco to New York?
Yes, numerous overnight flights depart San Francisco late in the evening and land in New York early the following morning. These red-eye options from San Francisco to New York are popular with business travelers maximizing their work schedules.
How often do winter weather delays affect flights from San Francisco to New York?
Winter storms in the Northeast can heavily impact operations, causing delays or cancellations for arriving flights from San Francisco to New York during January and February. San Francisco passengers traveling to New York in winter should monitor weather advisories closely.
What identification do I need to board a flight from San Francisco to New York?
Because traveling from San Francisco to New York is a domestic itinerary, passengers only need a valid government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport. TSA checkpoints at San Francisco International Airport will scan this ID before clearing you for your New York departure.
If I choose a connecting flight from San Francisco to New York, where are the common layovers?
Connecting itineraries traveling from San Francisco to New York frequently route through Chicago O'Hare, Denver International, or Dallas/Fort Worth. Choosing a layover rather than a direct San Francisco to New York flight can sometimes reduce your overall ticket cost.
How do I get into Manhattan after my flight from San Francisco to New York lands at JFK?
Passengers arriving on flights from San Francisco to New York JFK can take the AirTrain to the Jamaica Station, then transfer to the Long Island Rail Road or subway into Manhattan. Taxis and rideshares also service the San Francisco to New York arrivals terminal at JFK for a flat rate or metered fare into the city.
How far is it from San Francisco to New York?
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to New York is about 2,573 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from San Francisco to New York?
Since San Francisco to New York is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Which airlines operate flights from San Francisco to New York?
Based on a recent live fare search, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta Air Lines had bookable flights on the San Francisco to New York route.
What's the weather usually like in New York?
Four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that bring occasional snow.

Airline baggage policies

Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.

General airline baggage policy reference
AirlineCabin bagChecked bag
Delta Air Lines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
American Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
United Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
Southwest Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy
JetBlue Airways1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher faresNot included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above
Alaska Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it
Spirit Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier
Frontier Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier

Travel tips

Arrive early for domestic flights

TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.

Pack a mixed carry-on

Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.

Ease jet lag on longer routes

On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.

Screenshot your confirmation

Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.

Check in online when it opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.