$94 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO)

Popular airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)

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Cheap Flights from Houston to San Francisco (IAH-SFO)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $94 for one-way flights and $188 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
Alaska Airlines
United
Flights from Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO)
Origin airport
George Bush Intercontinental
Destination airport
San Francisco Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$188
Distance
1632 mi

Houston to San Francisco Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Houston to San Francisco

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Houston to San Francisco are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Houston to San Francisco with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Houston to San Francisco

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston to San Francisco: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Houston to San Francisco

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Houston to San Francisco in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $94 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Houston to San Francisco flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Houston to San Francisco airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Francisco Airport?
With United Airlines, a direct flight takes around 4 hours and 17 minutes. Jump on the 9:55AM flight from Houston Airport and land at San Francisco Airport at 12:12PM. Score an awesome deal on this route when you use Expedia to book your trip.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Houston Airport to San Francisco Airport last minute?
Being a spontaneous soul is a rewarding way to travel the globe, but it’s not always the smartest method to land a bargain fare. Think about booking your IAH to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) journey ahead of time rather than waiting until the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. Save up that spontaneity for when you get to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)!
What airline has the least delays from IAH to San Francisco Airport?
With an on-time flight record of 81%, United Airlines is the carrier that’s likelier to fly you from Houston Airport to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) without any travel delays. Flight delays aren’t just irritating — they can also lead to a missed connection that ruins your entire vacation. You can stay updated by checking your flight status through the Expedia App before you set off for the airport. If you’re already there and the delay is lengthy, visit your airline’s customer service desk to see what your options are.
What airports do you fly into for San Francisco from Houston?
From Houston, you can reach San Francisco via San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC). Do some research into which hub is the best option for you before you make a decision. If you settle on San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), it’s around 12 mi south of the downtown area. Use the cash you save when booking your journey with Expedia to uncover the city’s awesome sights, such as Pier 39 and Golden Gate Bridge.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Houston Airport to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)?
Between 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM is when you’ll find many United Airlines flights departing George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO). Our suggestion? Choose a flight that departs early. With air traffic yet to build up, your odds of boarding a delay-free flight are higher.
Can I change the date of my flight from Houston Airport to San Francisco Airport?
Easily make changes to your IAH to San Francisco Airport ticket by logging in to the Expedia Trips portal. But before you make any adjustments, read through the ticket rules in your itinerary to find out what you’re allowed to do and if fees apply for changes. Some carriers charge a change fee per person, in addition to any difference in fares. However, if you booked in the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel for free and book new flights. You can also visit our Customer Service portal for further information and to chat with our Virtual Agent.

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