Cheap Flights from Melbourne Tullamarine to San Francisco International from $565

Which airlines fly from Melbourne to San Francisco?

The only airline that offers direct flights to San Francisco is Qantas.

There are more options for connecting flights, which involve a stopover but can sometimes work out cheaper. The airlines with the most frequent flights are:

• Air New Zealand

• American Airlines

• Singapore Airlines

• Virgin Australia

How do I save money on a flight to San Francisco?

You can stretch your holiday budget by booking your San Francisco flights in advance. Skyscanner Australia research has found that flights to the USA should be booked 4 months ahead for the biggest savings, with discounts up to 13% on airfare. You can also search for flights by the cheapest month.

Read more about the best time to book.

Is there a time difference between Melbourne and San Francisco?

San Francisco is 17 hours behind Melbourne from April to September, 18 hours behind in October and late March, and 19 hours behind from November to early March. Make sure you check the local time before you arrive.

What weather should you expect in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a mild spring and summer, warm autumn and wet winter. September is the warmest month with an average temperature of 17°C, while January is the coolest at 10°C. The most rain falls in November to January.

How expensive is San Francisco?

Expect to pay more in San Francisco than back in Melbourne, whether you're settling the bill at a mid-range restaurant or just grabbing a coffee. The good news is that San Francisco is abundant in budget eateries too, helping your travel money to go further.

Departing from Melbourne

Flights from Melbourne can depart from either Tullamarine Airport or Avalon Airport, depending on your airline.

The majority of airlines fly out of Tullamarine, which is the larger of the 2 and closer to Melbourne, but some Jetstar and Qantas flights leave from Avalon. Make sure you check your booking so you go to the right airport, as they're located far apart. Tullamarine Airport is located 22km from Melbourne CBD while Avalon Airport is 55km away.

At Tullamarine, most international flights are at Terminal 2, apart from Virgin Australia in Terminal 3 and low-cost carriers in Terminal 4. At Avalon, all flights leave from a single terminal.

San Francisco arrivals

Flights from Australia arrive at the International Terminal of San Francisco Airport, unless you're on a connecting flight with a US airline that may use a different terminal. The airport is located 21km south of downtown San Francisco.

After arriving, you can grab a bite to eat, exchange currency and do whatever else you need to before continuing to your hotel. All 4 terminals are connected by an AirTrain service that also offers access to the BART light rail station, Rental Car Center and car parks. You can also take a bus or taxi outside the airport.

Find out more about San Francisco Airport.

What ID do you need for this flight?

• You need to show a valid passport.

• You need to have applied for ESTA authorisation for visa-free travel or to have arranged a visa.

When should I arrive at the airport for my flight to San Francisco?

It's recommended that travellers to the US check in 3 hours before their scheduled departure time.

Find your cheap flights to San Francisco from Melbourne on Skyscanner today - use the search panel above to search for the cheapest airfare and specials.

Please note: all information is correct as of August, 2017.