Tag: SFO

Based in California, San Francisco International Airport operates numerous airlines year-round and seasonally. From these 66 air carriers, United Airlines is generally considered the best airline to fly out of SFO. Many travelers consider it the leading carrier due to its extensive connectivity to a wide range of locations in and outside the USA.

Best Airlines to Fly Out of San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Apart from it, United Express and Alaska Airlines also offer a wide number of international/domestic flights to various destinations. For these air carriers, the top arrival airports are Kansas City (MCI), Salt Lake City (SLC), Chicago (ORD), and Seattle (SEA). Based on the city to reach, passengers can select the suitable carrier offering direct/connecting routes.

What are the Best Airlines to Fly Out of SFO?

Out of 66 airlines, a few carriers are generally considered the best by fliers. These include United Airlines, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, and Southwest. However, the list also includes a few airlines based on specific locations.

1. United Airlines

Indeed, United Airlines is one of the top airlines departing from San Francisco Airport (SFO). For this American air operator, this airfield is also one of the primary hubs. From this airport, flights to around 130 destinations are operated. These flight routes are inclusive of both international and domestic locations. Additionally, the airline operates these routes on a regular and seasonal basis.

In addition to connectivity, several other reasons make this carrier the best airline out of SFO:

  • This carrier operates regular and seasonal flights from SFO to the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
  • For a positive experience, a wide range of onboard facilities is catered to fliers.
  • These include:
    • Complimentary meals
    • In-flight entertainment
    • Spacious seating with extra legroom
  • These amenities can be enjoyed in any of the classes, Business or Economy Class.
  • Special assistance is provided to disabled fliers and unaccompanied minors.

2. British Airways

For flying to London out of San Francisco Airport, British Airways is a good option. To serve this international location, regular routes are managed by the carrier. These flights arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London (England). The availability of direct flights makes it one of the best options out of SFO.

  • Both one-way and round-trip flights can be booked from SFO.
  • A one-way route is available for just $384 for an adult.
  • Being a long-haul flight, the total journey is approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Apart from this British air operator, 2 other airlines also offer connectivity to London.
    • Virgin Atlantic
    • United Airlines

3. Hawaiian Airlines

When flying to Hawaii from San Francisco Airport, Hawaiian Airlines is undoubtedly the best choice. Apart from being the national carrier of the state, it serves non-stop flights to 2 major cities. One of the destinations is Honolulu, served by Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).

  • Direct flights are available from SFO to HNL.
  • The shortest route is 5 hours and 30 minutes.
  • To choose these flights, there are 4 options in terms of classes:
    • Main Cabin Basic
    • Main Cabin
    • Main Cabin Refundable
    • First Class
  • Among all these options, travelers rate Hawaiian Airlines among the best airlines from SFO to this island.
  • Apart from Honolulu, this Hawaiian carrier also flies to Maui.
    • Kahului Airport (OGG) operates these arriving flights.
    • Non-stop flights of approximately 5 hours are catered to fliers from SFO.

4. Emirates

For travelers who want comfort as a priority when flying out of San Francisco Airport, Emirates is certainly the best. It always makes sure to offer luxury air travel when moving in/out of this airfield. Primarily, it flies to only one destination from SFO, that is Dubai (UAE).

  • To arrive in this city, Dubai International Airport (DXB) can be used.
  • Direct flights are available from SFO to this city.
  • Despite this, 95 other locations are served by this carrier.
  • These are transit routes with a stopover in Dubai, leading to destinations in multiple countries.
  • A few of them are:
    • India
    • Italy
    • Vietnam
    • Thailand
    • Philippines
    • Hong Kong
    • Singapore
    • Pakistan 
    • Bangladesh
    • Sri Lanka
    • Kenya 
    • Egypt

5. Southwest Airlines

Indeed, Southwest Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly out of SFO. This air carrier departs frequently from this airfield and offers connectivity to various locations within the United States of America. Hence, it is the most affordable, convenient, and reliable carrier for travelers. To make this airline the top choice, there are other reasons as well.

  • Southwest Airlines offers domestic flights to various states in the USA.
  • Most of these are flown year-round.
  • A few flights are operated seasonally.
  • The US states where this carrier offers services are listed below:
    • Texas
    • Missouri
    • California
    • Arizona
    • Tennessee
    • Nevada
    • Colorado
    • Illinois
    • Maryland

Top-Rated Airline To Fly Out of SFO Internationally

To fly out of San Francisco International Airport, United Airlines is a top-rated carrier. It provides maximum direct/transit flights to over 27 international destinations. A few of these are in China, Germany, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. Despite this, travelers can also book flights with 47 other air carriers to destinations outside the United States. Some of the airlines and serving destinations are:

CarrierArrival AirportDestination Served
Air CanadaToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
Vancouver International Airport		Toronto, Canada
Dorval, Quebec, Canada
Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
LufthansaFrankfurt Airport (FRA)
Munich Airport (MUC)		Frankfurt, Hesse
Bavaria, Germany
British AirwaysHeathrow Airport (LHR)London, England
Air FranceCharles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)Roissy-en-France, France
Japan AirlinesTokyo International Airport (HND)
Narita International Airport (NRT)		Ōta, Tokyo, Japan
Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Korean AirIncheon International AirportJung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Singapore AirlinesSingapore Changi Airport (SIN)Changi, East Region, Singapore
Cathay PacificHong Kong International AirportChek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
EmiratesDubai International Airport (DXB)Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE

Best Airlines for Palm Springs Out of SFO

Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Express, and United Airlines are some of the best airlines to fly out of SFO to Palm Springs. Travelers know these air operators for providing low-budget yet comfortable services. They can choose one of these based on his/her travel needs:

AirlineArrival AirportBest For
Alaska AirlinesPalm Springs International AirportEconomic flights
Frontier AirlinesPSP Airport Cheap flight tickets with luxury onboard services
United ExpressPalm Springs Airport (PSP)Best for short-haul flights
Connects flights to United Express
United AirlinesPalm Springs International Airport (PSP)Wide network
Inflight amenities

Travelers often consider multiple air carriers among the best airlines out of SFO, including United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, and Southwest Airlines. These air operators offer Convenient connectivity. In addition, there are multiple factors that make them the best to consider. These include newer fleet, good in-flight offerings, and positive safety records.

FAQs

Which airline has the most flights out of San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

As of now, United Airlines has the most flights out of San Francisco Airport (SFO).

Which airline has a hub in SFO?

United Airlines has its main hub at San Francisco Airport (SFO).

Where does Air India fly out of SFO?

From San Francisco International Airport, Air India flies to Indian cities, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Which airlines fly out of SFO internationally?

Southwest, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and 63 other carriers fly internationally out of San Francisco Airport.

The distance from Oakland Airport to San Francisco Airport is 31 miles (50 km) and requires about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Oakland and San Francisco are iconic cities within the San Francisco Bay Area, separated by the picturesque San Francisco Bay. The region is served by two major airports: Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Oakland from San Francisco Airport

Whether you are a tourist, business traveler, or local commuter, knowing the right routes and transportation choices will make your travel smooth and successful. Among the various public transport options, car rentals, and ferries, the best choice is to rely on one’s itinerary, budget, and travel preferences.

The article below covers the distance between OAK and SFO along with commuting choices between these two busiest airports in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Distance and Travel Time Between Oakland and San Francisco

The distance between these two popular airports is an important concern for visitors, especially when arriving at OAK Airport and needing to catch a flight to SFO Airport or vice versa. However, for ease of knowledge, here’s a simple breakdown.

  • Distance between Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport: approximately 12 miles, 18 kilometers, or 10 nautical miles.
  • Driving distance between OAK and SFO: 31 miles (50 kilometers)

On average, driving from one city to another takes roughly 22 minutes. While the distance between the OAK and SFO was covered in approximately 40 minutes. However, it is important to remember that factors such as traffic can have a major impact on driving time, especially during peak hours. Furthermore, the actual path you travel may vary slightly, affecting the overall distance.

Routes Between Oakland and San Francisco Airport

There are several ways to travel between Oakland and San Francisco, each differing in time and level of convenience. Below are the primary routes:

  • Bay Bridge Route (I-80 West): This is the most popular and direct route, providing excellent, quick access to San Francisco. Under normal traffic conditions, it takes about 25–40 minutes; however, during peak hours, traffic often delays travel time to over an hour.
  • San Mateo Bridge Route (CA-92 West & US-101 North): Although this is a longer route, sometimes it helps bypass the congestion of the Bay Bridge. Travel time usually varies between 45 minutes to an hour based on actual traffic conditions. This is not the shortest route, but it can be effective when there is a big obstacle/road blockage at the Bay Bridge.
  • Ferry Route: For those who enjoy a more scenic route, ferries run from Oakland to San Francisco. The crossing takes about 20–30 minutes but adds time to getting to and from the ferry terminals. It’s not the quickest option, but it is a long, stress-free, and scenic experience across the Bay.

Rush Hour vs. Off-Peak Travel

  • Rush Hour (7:00 AM- 10:00 AM & 4:00 PM-7:00 PM): Due to the heavy traffic, the Bay Bridge frequently takes more than an hour to cross. The most intense traffic occurs on weekdays when people move back and forth between the two cities to work. If you are driving, you might avoid peak times by departing earlier or later than usual.
  • Non-Peak Hours (10:00 AM–3:00 PM & after 7:00 PM): Much smoother travel, with Bay Bridge commute times often down to 20–30 minutes. If you can be flexible, traveling outside of the peak periods is highly recommended for a hassle-free experience.

Transportation Options from Orlando to San Francisco

There are various methods to get from Orlando to San Francisco: via airline, bus (Greyhound, FlixBus), train (Amtrak), or vehicle. Select an option given below to get detailed instructions, compare ticket rates, and check journey schedules.

1. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) + AirTrain

    One of the most widely used public transportation systems in the San Francisco Bay Area is called Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART. From OAK, take BART to Coliseum Station, where you can catch a train headed for Daly City or San Francisco. The majority of San Francisco hotels are easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride from the four stations where BART stops in downtown San Francisco. It’s the most affordable way to get to and from Oakland Airport.

    • Travel Time: Approximately 15-20 min
    • Costs: 25.30 round-trip from OAK to SFO.

    2. Car Rentals

      Car rental is a flexible option, especially for travelers who like the convenience of driving themselves. Many car rental companies operate at Oakland International Airport and throughout the city, so there are plenty of cars to choose from. While car rental allows exploration beyond San Francisco, parking can be pricey and hard to find.

      • Travel Time: Without traffic, the trip takes 20 to 30 minutes. This can last up to 45 minutes or longer during peak hours (7-9 AM or 4-7 PM).
      • Cost: The cost of renting a car from OAK to SFO depends on several factors, such as rental duration and vehicle type. On average, it costs between $22 and $30 depending upon days and times.

      3. Bus

        Buses are available between Oakland and San Francisco in case you do not want to use the BART trains. Different bus companies like Greyhound, FlixBus, and Amtrak take about 30 minutes to arrive at their destination. The cost of a ticket will depend on the operator as well as the time of booking, with fares ranging from $4-$48. This is most suitable for people with tight budgets who do not mind spending a bit more time on their journey.

        4. Taxi

          The most convenient, yet expensive, method is to take a taxi from Oakland to San Francisco. The 16-minute travel costs between $45 and $55, depending on traffic and the taxi operator. Taxis provide a direct and hassle-free ride, but their high cost makes them unsuitable for budget tourists.

          5. Rideshare

            Without the inconvenience of driving, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft provide an efficient, door-to-door transportation choice. Prices normally range from $30 to $70, depending on the time of day, and are subject to change depending on traffic and demand. These services are effective for direct travel, do not require parking, and are simple to reserve using mobile applications.

            6. Shuttles

              Shuttle services are available for those who prefer prearranged transport from Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Airport. Shuttles operate on a shared basis, meaning they pick up several passengers along the route. This usually costs between $40 and $60 per person, making it a moderately priced option.

              8. Ferries

                Ferries indeed make a scenic and enjoyable method of connecting Oakland and San Francisco, offering stunning views of the Bay Area skyline. The ferry leaves from the Oakland Ferry Terminal and gets to the San Francisco Ferry Building; it covers a 20-30-minute journey.

                • Cost: A one-way fare is around $5–$7

                Oakland and San Francisco airports are only about 31 miles apart; thus, the trip is comparatively short but can vary according to traffic and mode of transportation.

                Drivers, ferry passengers, BART commuters, and those using ride-sharing services will all find an option tailored to their travel preferences. For the quickest and least expensive method of travel, BART is strongly recommended, while ferries offer an attractive option. Regardless of your choice of transportation from Oakland Airport, some planning will ensure an easy journey between these two lively metropolises.

                FAQs

                Is Oakland close to San Francisco?

                San Francisco and Oakland are both located in the San Francisco Bay Area and are very close to each other. It takes roughly 20 minutes to travel the 8.8-mile and 10.8-mile highways between the two cities.

                How do I get from Oakland Airport to San Francisco Airport?

                Numerous transportation options are available at Oakland Airport to get to San Francisco Airport. Travelers can take BART (the most used), taxis, rideshares, ferries, and use public transportation to get to SFO Airport efficiently.

                What is the cheapest way to get from Oakland to San Francisco?

                Bay Area Rapid Transit, aka BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), is the cheapest way to get to SFO Airport. The journey takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes, including a transfer at Coliseum Station, and a one-way ticket costs $11.40.

                How far apart are SFO and OAK Airport?

                San Francisco Airport (SFO) and Oakland Airport (OAK) are 32 miles or 50 kilometers apart. The distance via road is 30.5 miles.

                How long does it take to travel between OAK and SFO?

                The traveling time between OAK and SFO varies according to the mode of transportation and traffic; it usually takes 35 to 50 minutes via driving and 50 to 60 minutes by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit).

                How much is an Uber from SFO to OAK?

                It costs about $79 to take an Uber from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is 32 miles away and takes an average of 40 minutes.

                How much is the BART from Oakland to San Francisco Airport?

                The cost of a one-way BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) ticket from Oakland Airport to San Francisco Airport is about $11.40. Including a transfer at Coliseum Station, the trip takes roughly fifty to sixty minutes.

                How much is the ferry from Oakland to San Francisco?

                A one-way ferry ticket from Oakland to San Francisco costs between $5.80 and $7.30, and it takes around 30 minutes. You will need another transportation from the San Francisco Ferry Terminal to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), as the ferry does not go there directly.