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)
Reserve a hotel near SFO if you're catching a late flight from Columbus to San Francisco International Airport. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
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.