Route guide

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Seattle | EazAir

Travellers

San Francisco to Seattle flight insights

Average flight time

~2h 5m (estimated)

SFO → SEA

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$79

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 19, 2026.

Planning a trip from San Francisco to Seattle? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 5m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $79 (last checked Sep 19, 2026).

San Francisco to Seattle covers a straight-line distance of about 679 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~2h 5m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from San Francisco to Seattle on Eazair
OriginSan Francisco (SFO)
DestinationSeattle (SEA)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$79
Fares Last CheckedSep 19, 2026

Flight deals from San Francisco to Seattle

Direct flights connecting San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) typically take just over two hours. This short hop along the Pacific Coast covers approximately 680 miles, keeping air travel time brief for passengers heading north. Travelers leaving the Bay Area will arrive in King County with plenty of time to explore Pike Place Market or grab coffee near Puget Sound on the exact same day. Multiple major carriers operate daily nonstop routes between San Francisco and Seattle, giving passengers numerous departure schedules to fit their itineraries. Alaska Airlines maintains a massive hub in Washington State and runs frequent direct flights out of SFO, while United Airlines considers San Francisco a primary hub and offers heavy frequency on this Pacific coast corridor. Delta Air Lines also provides direct service on this northbound route, ensuring travelers have strong competition among major aviation networks. Passenger demand for travel from San Francisco to Seattle peaks during the summer months, specifically July and August, when the Pacific Northwest experiences its lowest rainfall and warmest temperatures. Winter travel along this route sees increased traffic around the Thanksgiving and late December holidays, requiring early reservations for specific departure times. To secure favorable availability on these heavily flown West Coast routes, passengers should finalize their SFO to SEA itineraries well in advance of these seasonal spikes.

View of Seattle, a popular flight destination from San Francisco

About Seattle

Popular areas to know in Seattle include Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont.

Mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers — the Pacific Northwest's rainy reputation is strongest from October through April.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from San Francisco to Seattle?
A direct flight from San Francisco to Seattle typically takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 680-mile distance between the two airports.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco to Seattle?
Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all operate regular direct flights connecting San Francisco to Seattle on a daily basis.
What are the departure and arrival airports for flights from San Francisco to Seattle?
Flights on this route depart from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
When is the busiest time of year to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?
July and August are the busiest months to fly from San Francisco to Seattle due to the drier, warmer summer weather heavily favored by tourists visiting the Pacific Northwest.
Are there any direct early morning flights from San Francisco to Seattle?
Yes, major carriers like United and Alaska Airlines typically schedule the earliest departures from San Francisco to Seattle around 6:00 AM.
How far in advance should I book my flight from San Francisco to Seattle?
For the most availability on flights from San Francisco to Seattle, it is recommended to book your tickets at least four to six weeks before your desired departure date, especially during the summer peak.
What is the typical baggage allowance for economy flights from San Francisco to Seattle?
Standard economy tickets from San Francisco to Seattle on major carriers like Delta or United usually include one personal item and one carry-on bag, while checked luggage requires an additional fee.
Can I take a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Seattle?
Because the flight time from San Francisco to Seattle is barely over two hours, airlines do not typically operate overnight red-eye routes, with the latest departures usually leaving the Bay Area around 10:30 PM.
Do I need a passport to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?
No passport is required for flights from San Francisco to Seattle since it is a domestic route, but travelers aged 18 and older will need a valid government-issued ID to clear TSA checkpoints.
Is it common for flights from San Francisco to Seattle to experience weather delays?
Flights from San Francisco to Seattle can occasionally face delays during the winter months due to heavy coastal rain in Washington or dense morning fog rolling through the Bay Area.
How far is it from San Francisco to Seattle?
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Seattle is about 679 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from San Francisco to Seattle?
Since San Francisco to Seattle 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 Seattle?
Based on a recent live fare search, United Airlines and American Airlines had bookable flights on the San Francisco to Seattle route.
What's the weather usually like in Seattle?
Mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers — the Pacific Northwest's rainy reputation is strongest from October through April.

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.