Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Seattle
The San Francisco to Seattle corridor is a battleground for Alaska Airlines and United, yielding consistently competitive fares and ample nonstop options from all three Bay Area airports. Expect a brisk 2-hour 10-minute hop north, though prevailing winds frequently stretch the return leg to Seatac closer to 2 hours 30 minutes.
The San Francisco to Seattle route is a vital corridor, heavily serviced by major carriers like Alaska, United, Delta, and Southwest, reflecting its significance as a tech-to-tech hub connection. San Francisco travelers benefit from frequent departures and competitive pricing, making it an exceptionally convenient route for both business and leisure, often allowing for same-day returns or quick weekend trips without time zone hassle.
San Francisco to Seattle Route Overview
| Route | San Francisco (SFO / OAK / SJC) → Seattle (SEA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~680 miles |
| Flight Time (Outbound) | ~2h 10min |
| Flight Time (Return) | ~2h 30min |
| Nonstop Carriers | Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines |
| Connecting Carriers | American (via LAX/PHX) (via LAS) |
| Peak Season | June–September (dry season, 70–80°F) |
| Shoulder Season | May, October |
| Premium Cabins | First/Business available on Alaska Airlines and United Airlines |
Last verified: June 2026
How Much Does a Flight from San Francisco to Seattle Cost?
| Cabin | Airline | From | Stops | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Alaska Airlines | $59 | Nonstop | Lowest published round-trip |
| Economy | United Airlines | $79 | Nonstop | Competitive nonstop fare |
| Economy | American | $78 | 1 stop | Often cheapest with connection |
| Business | Multiple (via Camli) | $400 | Nonstop | Consolidator fare — premium cabin |
| Business | Alaska Airlines | $800 | Nonstop | Published business class fare |
Prices shown are indicative round-trip starting fares as of May 2026, inclusive of taxes and fees. Actual fares vary by date, availability, and booking class. Consolidator fares are available exclusively through Camli and may not appear on public booking sites.
Airlines Flying San Francisco to Seattle
This route is a prime example of intense competition driving consumer value; Alaska Airlines and United are in a constant tug-of-war for market share, frequently resulting in attractive fare sales and abundant nonstop availability.
- Alaska Airlines (AS) — nonstop, Daily or near-daily service. Mileage Plan members earn well on this route. Free checked bag on certain fare classes.
- United Airlines (UA) — nonstop, Daily or near-daily service. MileagePlus earning. Economy Plus available for extra legroom.
- Delta Air Lines (DL) — nonstop, Daily or near-daily service. SkyMiles earning. Comfort+ upgrade available. Free messaging on all flights.
- Southwest Airlines (WN) — nonstop, Daily or near-daily service. Two free checked bags. No change fees. Wanna Get Away fares are the lowest.
- American (XX) — connecting, Via via LAX/PHX. Connecting service through via LAX/PHX. Can offer competitive fares.
- Frontier (XX) — connecting, Via via LAS. Connecting service through via LAS. Can offer competitive fares.
Best Time to Fly from San Francisco to Seattle
Cheapest Months to Fly
November through March typically present the lowest fares, coinciding with Seattle's rainier, cooler 'off-season.' Demand plummets as the summer crowds dissipate, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind the Pacific Northwest's quintessential grey skies. Avoid June through September if price is your primary concern, as Seattle’s glorious dry season drives up airfare considerably.
Monthly Price Calendar
- Jan (medium): Post-holiday sales on Alaska and United offer good value from SFO.
- Feb (medium): Escape San Francisco's winter chill; find deals before spring break demand.
- Mar (medium): Spring break for Bay Area schools increases demand; book SFO-SEA early.
- Apr (low): Mild weather in Seattle; good fares before summer peak from SFO.
- May (medium): Pre-summer demand builds; consider midweek flights for better SFO prices.
- Jun (high): Peak season begins; book early for best SFO prices on all carriers.
- Jul (medium): Highest demand from SFO; expect premium pricing for summer travel.
- Aug (medium): Continued high demand from SFO; limited last-minute deals.
- Sep (high): Post-Labor Day dip in fares; still pleasant weather in Seattle.
- Oct (medium): Fall foliage in Washington; good value before holiday travel from SFO.
- Nov (low): Thanksgiving travel surges; book SFO-SEA well in advance for best rates.
- Dec (medium): Holiday travel peaks; secure flights early for Christmas/New Year's from SFO.
Cheapest Days of the Week
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures generally offer the best value for flights between San Francisco and Seattle. Sundays are almost universally the most expensive, followed by Friday evenings, due to high business and weekend leisure demand.
How Far in Advance to Book
For economy class, target booking 3-6 weeks out for the best balance of availability and price. Business class fares tend to stabilize 2-3 months prior, but can see last-minute drops if cabins aren't filling. For holiday travel, particularly around Thanksgiving or Christmas, extend that window to 4-5 months; waiting any longer is a gamble you'll likely lose on this popular route.
San Francisco to Seattle Travel Tips
- Consider OAK or SJC: While SFO offers the most nonstop frequencies, Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) often feature slightly lower fares on Southwest or Alaska, especially if you're not tied to a specific Bay Area location. Compare all three origin airports before locking in your ticket.
- Alaska Airlines Dominates: Alaska Airlines operates the most flights on this route and generally offers a superior in-flight experience compared to Southwest or even United's regional jets. Their frequent flyer program is also highly relevant for this specific corridor; accruing miles here adds up quickly.
- Wind Affects Return: Don't be surprised by the longer return flight time from Seattle to San Francisco. Headwinds over the Pacific Northwest regularly add 15-20 minutes to the journey. Plan your connections or ground transportation accordingly, especially if your schedule is tight.
- Basic Economy Caveats: United and Delta frequently offer Basic Economy fares on this route. Understand the restrictions – no seat selection, last to board, and often no changes – before booking. For a short flight, it might be tolerable, but know what you're sacrificing for the lower price.
- Connecting Options Rarely Worth It: While American (via LAX/PHX) and Frontier (via LAS) do offer connecting itineraries, the time saved by a nonstop from SFO/OAK/SJC almost always outweighs the marginal fare difference. Only consider connecting if the price drop is substantial or if you have a specific airline loyalty you need to maintain.
About Seattle
Escape the Bay Area Fog
Trade San Francisco's summer fog for Seattle's sunnier June-September dry season, offering 70-80°F weather perfect for outdoor exploration.
Quick Tech Hub Hop
With a 2h 10min flight, San Francisco tech professionals can easily commute or visit Seattle's thriving tech scene via nonstop flights on Alaska, United, Delta, or Southwest.
Weekend Getaway Ready
The short flight time from SFO makes Seattle an ideal weekend escape for San Franciscans, offering a change of pace without significant travel commitment.
Direct Access to the Pacific Northwest
San Francisco travelers enjoy seamless direct flights, making Seattle the perfect gateway to explore Washington's mountains, islands, and vibrant city culture.
Visa & Entry Requirements — Seattle
Domestic flight — no passport required
Domestic US flight. Any valid government-issued photo ID is accepted by TSA.
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|---|
| Timezone | Pacific Time (PT / UTC-8) |
| Language | English |
| Plug Type | Type A/B |
Entry requirements verified June 2026 for US passport holders.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Francisco to Seattle Flights
- Which Bay Area airport is best for flying to Seattle?
- SFO generally offers the most nonstop options and major airline presence. However, both OAK and SJC provide competitive alternatives, particularly with Southwest and Alaska. Your best airport depends on your specific location in the Bay Area and which airline offers the best price/schedule for your travel dates.
- What's the typical flight duration from San Francisco to Seattle?
- Expect approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes for the northbound flight to Seattle. The return journey, however, often takes closer to 2 hours and 30 minutes due to prevailing headwind conditions over the Pacific Northwest.
- Are there any budget airlines flying this route?
- Southwest Airlines is a major player on this route, often providing competitive fares and a more flexible baggage policy than legacy carriers. Frontier Airlines also offers connecting options via Las Vegas, but nonstops are generally preferred for this short hop.
- When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Seattle from San Francisco?
- The cheapest fares are consistently found during Seattle's "off-season," which spans from November through March. This period experiences cooler temperatures and more rain, but demand for travel drops significantly, leading to lower airfares.
- Should I book a connecting flight or stick to nonstops?
- For a route as well-served as SFO-SEA, connecting flights are rarely worth the added travel time and risk of delay. Nonstop options are abundant and generally offer only a marginal price difference, if any, compared to itineraries with layovers.
- What's the best strategy for finding cheap flights on this route?
- Be flexible with your departure airport (SFO, OAK, SJC) and travel days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays are often cheapest). Book 3-6 weeks out for economy, and consider traveling during the November-March off-season for the lowest fares. Always compare prices across Alaska, United, Delta, and Southwest.