Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle and you'll be in the air for an average of 2 hours 15 minutes.
Seattle's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as San Francisco (the location of San Francisco International Airport).
With 138 flights a week between the two airports, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the most popular route. Alaska Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:00. If you prefer to get more out of your day before flying, the latest flight from SFO to SEA is with United Airlines at 23:15.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your SFO to Seattle flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good general rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct San Francisco International Airport to Seattle ticket. Start your trip at SFO and end it at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Well-known carriers that operate direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle include:
Located around 18 kilometres from the centre of San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your travels? Stay near SFO. Whether you're taking an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
77.36% of flights leaving from San Francisco International Airport make it to their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Seattle
C$85 is currently the best price for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Seattle flight. Return flight tickets start at C$176. These prices may change depending on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from SFO to Seattle, book your trip one month before your planned departure.
The best month for finding cheap San Francisco International Airport to Seattle tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from SFO to Seattle by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 23 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes about 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near SEA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget to explore Seattle and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around one week ahead of your flight from SFO to Seattle.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Central Seattle is around 3 kilometres from Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE). Once your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 10 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 25 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to LKE. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your SFO to Seattle flight:
Best time to go to Seattle
Carefully consider your travel dates before booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle. The city comes alive during peak season, but hotel prices are generally higher and major attractions can be busy. Plan your trip to Seattle in the low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Seattle is August, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Lock in your San Francisco International Airport to Seattle flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SFO to Seattle in February when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Seattle
Start your Seattle trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Seattle, explore our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. LMN Architects, Greyhound: Bus Station and Boeing Radiation Effects Lab are top attractions which should be on every Seattle itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've done Seattle, now it's time to discover more of United States. Travel around 241 kilometres south to Portland to tick off its must-visit sights. From Pioneer Courthouse Square to Portland Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Spokane is another essential stop in United States and is around 370 kilometres east of Seattle. No trip is complete without visiting Manito Park, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Spokane Falls.