Travelling from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): What you need to know
Your boarding pass to adventure starts at Atlanta's main airport, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Explore the options for booking a flight from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) leaving from this base.
The average length of a direct Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport flight is 5 hours 20 minutes.
The timezone in San Francisco is UTC-8, which is three hours behind Atlanta. San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco.
The busiest route is from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with 63 direct weekly services. If you're not one for hanging around, the earliest flight from ATL to SFO is the 7am United Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 10:25pm with Delta Air Lines.
To ensure you get on your flight from Atlanta to SFO, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're travelling during a popular month like March, make your way to the airport even earlier. You'll want to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Check-in and security lines are longer during high seasons like Christmas and New Year.
Airports in Atlanta
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Take the express route from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Direct flights from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operate from here.
At ATL, there's a range of airlines offering direct flights from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport, such as:
Delta is the airline with the highest passenger demand for flights from ATL to SFO.
The carrier with the most consistent on-time arrival rate on this route is United.
ATL is around 16 kilometres from central Atlanta. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 20 minutes.
Looking for a comfortable hotel near Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
When it comes to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 77% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find ATL at 6000 N Terminal Parkway.
About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your luggage at baggage claim and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these options near SFO:
Pick up a San Francisco International Airport rental car and explore San Francisco and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are leading providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, book your ride around one week in advance of your Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport flight.
Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco
Central San Francisco is around 21 kilometres from San Francisco International Airport and takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. Work out your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a car hire, taxi or ride-share.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
$190 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport. Return flights start at $240. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Score cheap flights from Atlanta to SFO by booking four months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
Schedule your trip for September. That's the best month for landing the biggest deals on Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Atlanta to SFO by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when prices go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport.
The best time to fly from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
May is the busiest month for flights from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Visit San Francisco in January for a more low-key escape.
The warmest month in San Francisco is September, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC and 22ºC. Book your Atlanta to SFO plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap tickets from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 16ºC.
More about San Francisco
After booking your flight from Atlanta to San Francisco International Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring San Francisco:
Every great holiday has to include a little sightseeing. Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island are must-do's during your San Francisco adventure.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen San Francisco, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Travel about 257 kilometres east to Fresno to tick off its must-visit sights. From Forestiere Underground Gardens to Shinzen Japanese Garden and Fresno Chaffee Zoo, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 129 kilometres northeast of San Francisco, Sacramento is another favourite stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Old Sacramento Waterfront, California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.













