Flights
London Heathrow to San Francisco
Find the best deals from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Compare 4+ airlines and book your next trip with ease.
Select your travel dates above to search live fares on this route.
Quick Facts
Essential details for your London Heathrow to San Francisco trip.
Route Overview
Everything you need to know about flying from London Heathrow to San Francisco.
Direct Flight Time
9h 50m
Non-stop service
Economy From
£450
One way, off-peak
Business From
£1350
One way, off-peak
The London Heathrow to San Francisco route is one of the busiest UK–India corridors, operated year-round by leading carriers including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines. Flights depart from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in approximately 9h 50m on a direct service.
BharatFare is a UK-specialist travel agency focused exclusively on UK to India routes. We offer exclusive fares not always available on mainstream booking platforms, along with dedicated WhatsApp support from our team of India travel experts — available 7 days a week. Whether you are travelling economy, premium economy, business class, or first class, BharatFare compares every available option on the London Heathrow–San Francisco route so you get the best combination of price, comfort, and flexibility.
Best time to book London Heathrow to San Francisco flights: Off-peak periods — January through March and September to October — offer the lowest fares on this route. Christmas, Diwali (October/November), and UK summer school holidays (July–August) are peak seasons where prices can increase significantly. We recommend booking at least 6–10 weeks in advance for the best available fares.
Travelling to San Francisco from London Heathrow? Our UK-based team can assist with group bookings, last-minute fares, flexible ticket options, and travel insurance. All bookings come with our price-match guarantee — if you find a cheaper fare, we will beat it. Contact us via WhatsApp for instant, personalised quotes.
Flights from London Heathrow to San Francisco (LHR–SFO) are operated year-round with a direct flight time of approximately 9h 50m. The London Heathrow to San Francisco flight departs from London Heathrow Airport and arrives at San Francisco International Airport. For travellers looking for cheap London Heathrow to San Francisco flights, the lowest-priced economy fares typically start around £450 one way off-peak — though prices on this route vary significantly by season and booking window.
To book London Heathrow to San Francisco flights at the best price, the ideal window is 8–12 weeks before departure for economy, and 3–6 months ahead for business class. BharatFare specialises in San Francisco flights from London Heathrow and regularly offers exclusive fares below published online rates. Whether you are searching for the cheapest London Heathrow to San Francisco economy seat or a premium business class experience from £1350, our UK-based team can find the right option for your budget and travel dates.
Direct Flights London Heathrow to San Francisco
British Airways operates the primary direct service on the London Heathrow–San Francisco route, with non-stop flights departing from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in approximately 9h 50m. Choosing a direct London Heathrow to San Francisco flight avoids layover time and reduces overall journey fatigue — particularly valuable on long-haul routes. While direct fares carry a small premium over connecting services, many travellers find the time saving well worth the extra cost.
London Heathrow to San Francisco Business Class
Business class on the London Heathrow–San Francisco route is available with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, with fares starting from approximately £1350 one way. Long-haul business class typically includes lie-flat beds, access to premium airport lounges, priority boarding, enhanced dining, and 2 × 23 kg checked baggage. For travellers making the journey regularly — especially the UK-India diaspora — business class offers a significantly more comfortable experience on this 9h 50m route. BharatFare specialises in securing exclusive business class fares on this corridor.
How to Find Cheap London Heathrow to San Francisco Flights
Economy fares from London Heathrow to San Francisco start from approximately £450 one way off-peak. To secure the cheapest London Heathrow to San Francisco fares, book 8–12 weeks in advance and travel in January–February or September–October. Avoid Christmas, Diwali (October/November), and UK summer school holidays (July–August) when prices rise sharply. Use flexible dates where possible, and set fare alerts for your preferred route. BharatFare also offers exclusive fares and price-matching — a quick WhatsApp message to our team often uncovers deals not visible on public booking sites.
Best Time to Travel
Peak season for London Heathrow–San Francisco is October to March when weather in India is most pleasant. July–August (monsoon season) sees heavy rainfall across much of India — avoid unless travelling to hill stations. Book 8–12 weeks ahead during off-peak for the best fares.
Airport Information
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) — Most India-bound services depart from Terminal 2 or Terminal 4. Arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), visa-on-arrival and e-Visa counters are available before immigration.
Visa Requirements
Indian passport holders do not require a UK visa to transit. UK passport holders require an Indian e-Visa — apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before travel. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
Baggage Allowance
Most airlines on the London Heathrow–San Francisco route allow 23 kg checked baggage in Economy and 2 × 23 kg in Business Class, plus a 7 kg cabin bag. British Airways offers some of the most generous baggage policies on this route. Always check your specific fare conditions before travel.
Price Trends by Month
Average economy fares from London Heathrow to San Francisco.
Estimated Fares
Based on historical data for this route
Airlines Flying London Heathrow to San Francisco
Compare carriers, journey times, and indicative fares for this route. All prices are one-way per adult in GBP.
| Airline | Via | Frequency | Economy (from) | Business (from) | Est. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Non-stop | Daily | £450 | £1350 | 9h 50m |
 | Non-stop | Daily | £485 | £1420 | 9h 50m+stopover |
United Airlines | Connecting | Regular | £515 | £1485 | 9h 50m+stopover |
Delta | Connecting | Regular | £545 | £1555 | 9h 50m+stopover |
Fares are indicative off-peak prices per adult one way in GBP. Actual prices vary by date, availability, and booking class. Search above for live fares.
Best Airlines Ranked
Top-rated carriers for the London Heathrow to San Francisco route.
| # | Airline | Economy From | Baggage | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | British Airways | £445 | 23 kg economy · 2×23 kg business | Best Value |
| 2 | Virgin Atlantic | £445 | 23 kg economy · 2×23 kg business | Popular |
| 3 | Delta | £460 | 23 kg economy · 2×23 kg business | Popular |
| 4 | United Airlines | £485 | 23 kg economy · 2×23 kg business | Premium Choice |
From
£445Baggage
23 kg checkedFrom
£445Baggage
23 kg checkedFrom
£460Baggage
23 kg checkedFrom
£485Baggage
23 kg checkedWhen to Book London Heathrow to San Francisco Flights
Airlines often haven't released fares for London Heathrow to San Francisco this far out, or prices fluctuate as schedules firm up. Set a fare alert and wait.
For long-haul routes like London Heathrow to San Francisco, booking 8–16 weeks ahead typically yields the lowest fares and widest seat selection.
You can still find reasonable fares for London Heathrow to San Francisco in this window, but expect prices 10–20% above the sweet spot. Good availability on most airlines.
Booking London Heathrow to San Francisco within two weeks of departure usually means premium prices and limited seat choice. Only recommended if you have flexible dates.
About San Francisco, United States
Essential information for your London Heathrow to San Francisco trip.
San Francisco is one of America's most picturesque cities, draped across steep hills with the Golden Gate Bridge as its iconic backdrop. The city's progressive spirit, Michelin-starred dining scene, and proximity to Napa Valley wine country make it a perennial favourite for UK travellers.
San Francisco's famous fog has its own Twitter account and nickname — Karl the Fog — named by a local resident in 2010.
Timezone
GMT-8
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English
UK Visa
ESTA Required
Best Months
September to November
Peak Season
June to August
Climate
Mediterranean — mild cool summers, rainy winters, famous fog
Top Attractions
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Alcatraz Island
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Cable Cars
Travel Tips for London Heathrow to San Francisco
Pro advice to make your journey smoother and more comfortable.
Prepare for a Long-Haul Flight
Your flight from London Heathrow to San Francisco is over 9 hours. Wear compression socks, stay hydrated, and move around the cabin every couple of hours to stay comfortable.
Beat Jet Lag
Adjust your sleep schedule 2–3 days before departure. Once on board, set your watch to San Francisco time and try to sleep or stay awake accordingly.
Pack In-Flight Entertainment
Download films, podcasts, or audiobooks before you fly. Noise-cancelling headphones make a significant difference on long-haul routes.
ESTA Authorization Required
UK citizens need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before flying to San Francisco. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure — it costs $21 and is valid for two years.
US Customs and TSA
Allow extra time for immigration on arrival. Carry your hotel address and return flight details — CBP officers often ask for these at passport control.
Book Travel Insurance
Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance before flying from London Heathrow to San Francisco. It covers cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage — peace of mind for a few pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about flying from London Heathrow to San Francisco.
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London Heathrow to San Francisco?
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