Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix: what you need to know
Around 2 hours 5 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix.
Phoenix's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as San Francisco (the location of San Francisco International Airport).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is the most traveled route, with 110 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from SFO to PHX is with Southwest Airlines at 22:35. Opt for the first departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 05:00 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from SFO to Phoenix. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're going away during a peak month like August, make your way to the airport even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. You can expect lines to be longer during holiday periods like summer and spring break.
Nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix are available for booking. Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is where you'll be touching down.
A variety of airlines offer direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix. Some of the most well-known are:
You won't need your passport or a visa to fly within United States. You will need a valid identity document however, like a driver's licence or ID card. Add them to your packing list after booking your cheap tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix.
The journey from central San Francisco to SFO takes approximately 47 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 21 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Need a convenient hotel near SFO? If you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phoenix
$87 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix. Return flights start from $171. These fares can change based on demand and availability.
Book 9 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from SFO to Phoenix.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll get in touch straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time checking for flight tickets from SFO to Phoenix every day.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix. Enter your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to get the best deals.
Airports in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Phoenix. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is around 33 minutes.
It'll take around 1 hour and 54 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel close to SCF if you're catching a late flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
As soon as your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 11 minutes by car. Central Phoenix is approximately 8 kilometres from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
The trip will take about 34 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from SFO to Phoenix, kick back at a hotel close to PHX. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Phoenix
Before scheduling your flights from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Phoenix offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season brings better deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
Before locking in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Phoenix, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 44ºC.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from SFO to Phoenix in January when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Phoenix right here. Check out these options after locking in your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix:
Desert Botanical Garden and Heard Museum are just the start of the top attractions to add to your Phoenix travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Papago Park.
Complete your Phoenix trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from San Francisco International Airport to Phoenix to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info on car rentals in Phoenix, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.
