Cheap Flights from Columbus to San Francisco

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Flight deals from Columbus to San Francisco International

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from Columbus to San Francisco International? Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from Columbus to San Francisco International

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like Columbus to San Francisco International flights are currently cheapest in April.

Direct flights from Columbus to San Francisco International

Columbus to San Francisco International: Alternative routes

Compare routes from Columbus to San Francisco below. You may find an airport to fly into that's cheaper, faster, or easier than San Francisco International.

Columbus to San Francisco: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight found$332
Cheapest month to flyApril
Average flight time5 hrs, 4 mins
Most popular airlineUnited
Average flights per week9

Finding cheap flights from Columbus to San Francisco International: Frequently asked questions

The best price we found for a return flight from Columbus to San Francisco International is $332. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
5 hours and 4 minutes is the average flight time from Columbus to San Francisco International.
United flies direct from Columbus to San Francisco International.
As of March 2025, there are 9 flights per week flying from Columbus to San Francisco International.
The cheapest month to fly from Columbus to San Francisco International is usually March 2025.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport on Friday, 11 April 2025.
Yes – the average flight time is 5 hours and 4 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to San Francisco International but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.
We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to San Francisco is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

Flying from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): what you need to know

  • Begin your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Explore the options for leaving from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), two of the city's main airports.

  • The average length of a direct flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport is 5 hours 2 minutes.

  • San Francisco is 3 hours behind Columbus. San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, which operates on the UTC-7 timezone.

  • The busiest route is from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with 10 direct weekly services. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from CMH to SFO is the 07:32 United option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 19:41 with United.

  • Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Get to the airport on time to board your flight from Columbus to SFO.

  • July is a peak travel month. If you're heading away then or around a major holiday like July Fourth, turn up even earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international journeys.

Airports in Columbus

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

  • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) makes it easy to travel directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) leave from this terminal.

  • United is a popular airline that operates direct flights from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport leaving from CMH.

  • From central Columbus, CMH is around 13 kilometres away. Check the official airport website or use navigation apps to find the best way to arrive at the terminal.

  • After a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:

About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco

  • San Francisco International Airport is approximately 21 kilometres from central San Francisco. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is around 20 minutes.

  • It takes roughly 47 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.

How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • Book a one-way ticket from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport from $183 or travel return from just $332. Fares listed are subject to change and may differ when you make your booking.

  • Lock in flight tickets from Columbus to SFO by booking 8 months ahead. Based on flight price data, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.

  • Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the best price across each month.

  • Set up a Price Alert for flight tickets from Columbus to SFO. You don't need to check every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll notify you the moment there's a change in price.

  • Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport.

The best time to fly from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • August is the busiest month for flights from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport. To avoid the crowds, head for San Francisco in February when it's quieter.

  • Before you book a flight from Columbus to SFO, think about the type of weather you enjoy. September is the warmest month in San Francisco, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 22ºC.

  • For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport in January when temperatures average between 6ºC and 16ºC.

More about San Francisco

  • When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in San Francisco right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport:

  • Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street are essential stops on your San Francisco itinerary.

Complete your San Francisco trip with a car rental

  • Exit all those tabs and let us do the hard work for you. We've also got awesome deals on car rentals in San Francisco once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport. Instantly compare prices in one place and drive away with the perfect ride for less.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 45 days.