San Francisco has all the energy of a big city combined with quirky and quaintness of a small town. Historical pastel-hued houses sit side-by-side with new American cuisine, hubs of creative communities and tech-giants. Nature lovers, art lovers, foodies and those looking for romance, are all easily charmed by this classic coastal city.
View our San Francisco travel guide
Flights from Sydney (SYD) to San Francisco (SFO)
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Flight prices are per adult in Australian Dollars, based on payment at qantas.com by BPAY made 7 days or more before departure, or PayID. A fee applies for other payments. Fares may not be available on all flights or days. Fares displayed are the lowest available and may not apply on direct flights. Some flights are operated by partner or subsidiary airlines.
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International flights are subject to government and regulatory approval.
Reasons to fly with Qantas
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine.
Baggage included in every fare
Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.
Frequent Flyer program
Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and use Qantas Pointsin Australia and around the world, and earn Status Credits on eligible flights.
Visiting from Sydney to San Francisco
Flight information (SYD to SFO)
The approximate time for a direct Qantas flight from Sydney to San Francisco is 13 hours and 20 minutes.
How many flights per week are there from Sydney to San Francisco?
On average, there are 3 flights per week from SYD to SFO.
When to visit
The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. Autumn (August to October) offers some of the city's warmest temperatures year-round, not to mention fewer crowds than summer. There are lovely sunny days, street fairs and it's the perfect time to enjoy California’s farm fresh cuisine. Spring is another good time to visit thanks to its mild temperatures and lack of rain (compared to other parts of California) and a great time to get outdoors.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
San Francisco Airport (SFO)Opens external site in a new window is the main international airport serving the city of San Francisco, USA, being the largest airport in the Northern California region and the second busiest after Los Angeles Airport. San Francisco Airport is located 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, close to the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno. The airport has four terminals, the international terminal and three domestic terminals.
Arriving in San Francisco
The staff at San Francisco Airport will greet you when you land and assist with your needs. Once you collect your bags from the arrivals area, there are various transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into San Francisco from San Francisco Airport
There are many transport options available at SFO to get to San Francisco city centre. The AirTrain offers a transfer between terminals. Board one of the 5 bus lines available at San Francisco Airport operated by SamTrans. Jump in a taxi to get to San Francisco within 30 minutes. SFO BART is the best way to get around San Francisco Airport taking just 25 minutes to get to the city centre. From SFO it's possible to connect to Caltrain services for a cheaper option using public transport. Car rental and ride share services are popular ways to get to the town centre from the terminals.
Getting around San Francisco
Once you're in San Francisco the cable car is both a tourist highlight and great way to see the city. There is also bus, ferry, taxi, the BART and the San Francisco hop-on hop-off tour. A convenient way to see the popular tourist sites such as Alcatraz and the famous Chinatown district is to hire a car, though parking can be tricky. It’s popular to hire a bike to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and walking is ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the US. Most major sites in San Francisco are reachable on foot and the best way to explore a neighbourhood.
Just got back from San Francisco - what to do according to Qantas Frequent Flyers
Feel the energy, experience the quirks and check out its surrounds.
We asked three Qantas Frequent Flyers to share what they did when they landed in San Francisco – take notes for your own trip.
Departure information
Fly from Sydney
Once you’ve purchased your tickets from Sydney, there are a few things you should know so you’re prepared for your upcoming trip.
What is the main airport called?
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).Opens external site Is an international airport in Sydney, Australia located 8 km south of the Sydney central business district, in the suburb of Mascot.
Baggage allowance
Passengers on Qantas flights from Sydney are allocated checked baggage. If you require extra luggage, you can purchase an additional baggage allowance online before departure.
Checking in
Passengers travelling from Sydney, ensure you check-in online or via the Qantas App before you arrive at the airport from 24 hours before departure.
Why Qantas
Experience the Qantas difference
Fly with Qantas and enjoy a comfortable journey with familiar smiles waiting to welcome you onboard.
Included baggage
Enjoy peace of mind knowing baggage is included on all Qantas flights. Find out all you need to know about checked baggage.
Food and drinks on every flight
Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine+.
Inflight entertainment
Enjoy a range of entertainment on every flight including TV, the latest movies and more+.
Important Information
* Flight prices are per adult in Australian Dollars, based on payment at qantas.com by BPAY made 7 days or more before departure, PayID or Qantas issued UATP. For other payment options a percentage based fee applies, capped at a maximum per passenger of $22 for Domestic or $120 for International travel. Prices are not guaranteed until payment is made. Fares may not be available on all flights or days. Some flights are operated by partner or subsidiary airlines. Prices may fluctuate if taxes or foreign exchange rates change. Passengers booking Premium Economy may be seated in Economy on connecting flights. Check the fare rules for more details before booking. Inclusions vary between flights. All schedules subject to change, including last minute aircraft changes. QantasLink flights operated by Sunstate Airlines (Qld) Pty Ltd ABN 82 009 734 703, Eastern Australia Airlines Pty Ltd ABN 77 001 599 024, and National Jet Systems Pty Ltd ABN 11 008 279 203. Licence No per state: QLD - 407, NSW - 2TA000237, VIC - 30362, SA - TTA155, WA - 9TA52.
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Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
Disclaimer: +Meals, beverages, entertainment and offerings vary between flights and cabins. Alcohol offered during select flight times on select flights.