Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to San Francisco (SFO)

San Francisco’s instantly recognisable landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, is as iconic as they come. But a photo with that as your backdrop isn’t the only attraction the city has to offer. From Pier 39 to Alcatraz to the surrounding areas such as Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine regions, there’s so much to do, you’re almost destined to want to make return visits. Check out Traveloka’s travel guide to help get you sorted with cheap flights, multi-city route options, discounted hotel and accommodation deals and more!

Which airlines fly direct from Melbourne to San Francisco? 

There are several carriers that provide direct flights from Melbourne (MEL) to San Francisco (SFO). Below are popular airlines that offer nonstop flights but don’t forget to compare the options against multi-stop routes which can potentially be cheaper.

• Virgin Australia/ United Airlines: Virgin and United Airlines have a codeshare agreement on this route and are full service on long haul flights. Earn frequent flyer points via the Velocity rewards program
• Qantas/ American Airlines: Qantas and American Airlines are both full service on long haul international flights and codeshare this route. Frequent flyer points can be earned via Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

You can book flights with any of these airlines on Traveloka, where you'll find the best deals and convenient booking options.

Flight time from Melbourne to San Francisco?

Strap in for a bit of a journey, as any flight from Australia to the United States is considered a long haul – and you’ll be in the air for a considerable amount of time. It takes 14 hours and 15 minutes to fly from Melbourne to San Francisco. Luckily, all the direct flights include entertainment and meals so you’ll be kept busy all flight long.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and San Francisco

Prices for flights between Melbourne (MEL) and San Francisco (SFO) can vary, depending on a number of factors, including the time of year and how far ahead of your departure you’ve booked. Airfares for this route can start from as low as AU$889 and can increase by a few hundred dollars, depending on the airline, whether its peak season and the supply and demand. Aim to save money on flights by planning ahead, booking at least one to two months before you travel and don’t forget to check out Traveloka during sales events such as Black Friday or Boxing Day for the ultimate flight deals.

Cheapest time to fly to San Francisco

Once you’ve decided to take a trip from Melbourne (MEL) to San Francisco (SFO), the next thing to do is pick the right time to fly that suits your needs and travel plans. Consider how the time of year may eat into your budget – or save you a few dollars. Flights are generally the cheapest in June to August and October, while popularity can surge in May, September and November and flight prices can often double what it would cost in quieter months.

Where is the airport in San Francisco?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main international airport servicing the San Francisco Bay Area and is located 19km from the main city centre. Once you’ve landed at the airport, there are a few easy transport options to choose from to get you where you need to go.

• Public Transport: There are a range of public transport options, all of which use the all-in-one transit card, the Clipper Card to pay for the fare. The BART Rapid Rail offers journeys to northern San Mateo County, San Francisco and the East Bay directly from SFO, while the Caltrain commuter rail provides service from San Francisco to San Jose. In terms of bus options, the SamTrans Route 292 stops directly at the airport’s terminals and there are also a number of private bus transfer options available to book.
• Shuttle: A selection of participating hotels offer courtesy shuttle buses to take you from the airport to your hotel. Check to see if your hotel is one of them and make sure to book in order to save some cash on transport.
• Taxi/Ride share: Taxis are available and will take an estimated 20-minute journey to reach downtown depending on traffic and your exact location. A fare is estimated to set you back between US$45 (AU$70) and US$65 (AU$101). Ride sharing options such as Lyft and Uber are also available, with designated pick-up zones. Prices for ride share fares will vary.
• Car rental/ personal vehicle sharing: Car rental is available at San Francisco International Airport. Access the Car Rental Center to pick up your vehicle via the AirTrain Blue Line, which operates 24/7. Personal vehicle sharing via Turo is also available at SFO. Follow signs to Garage A or Garage G (depending on where the app tells you the vehicle is) to pick up your car. 

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to San Francisco 

Australians visiting the United States will need a valid passport to be granted entry into the country. If your visit is for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) if you are eligible in order to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you’re ineligible for this, you will need to apply for a visa. Whether you’re applying for an ESTA or a visa, this needs to be sorted before you travel.

Time difference between Melbourne and San Francisco

There is a significant time difference between Melbourne and San Francisco. Melbourne is 17 hours ahead of San Francisco, or 19 hours during daylight savings months. Both Victoria and California change their clocks for daylight savings, however, so this timezone gap may change depending on the time of year.

Our tips to getting the best price on flights

On the hunt for the best deals possible when buying airfares from Melbourne (MEL) to San Francisco? Here are our best tips:

• Use Traveloka’s promotions page to access exclusive discounts and turn on flight alerts to be notified when prices drop
• Be flexible with your travel dates — fly mid-week when ticket prices are often lower or try visiting in the off-season
• Book in advance to secure the cheapest fares and avoid last-minute price surges.

Why you can trust Traveloka with your flight booking

Simplify your travel planning by using Traveloka to book your trip from Melbourne (MEL) to San Francisco (SFO). Here, you’ll find everything you need to save money, discover perks and exclusive deals that will up the ante on your holiday to the USA.

• Price Alerts: Stay updated on price drops and grab competitive deals. 
• Flexible Options: Need to reschedule? Easily manage your bookings. 
• Comprehensive Support: Customer service that’s available 24/7. 

We’re one of the fastest-growing online travel agencies here in Australia. With a stellar reputation globally and features designed for busy travellers, it’s time to experience a more innovative way to book flights.

Ready for your San Francisco adventure?

More than just flights, we can also help you find the perfect accommodation in San Francisco along with attraction tickets, tours and day trips to help you make the most of your trip.

Other popular destinations and activities in the United States from Melbourne you might want to check out:

• Melbourne to Los Angeles
• Melbourne to New York
• Melbourne to Austin
• Melbourne to Chicago