Compare Cheap Auckland to San Francisco Flights
Headed to San Francisco on business? Perhaps you have your heart set on a happysnap taken by the Golden Gate Bridge, or the house from Full House? Either way, travelling to San Francisco is a journey to make no matter what style of traveller your are. Visiting this extraordinary and famously hilly city is made even more tempting when you can save money on flights from Auckland to San Francisco by using Webjet’s deal finder. Not only can you compare flights between carriers and travel periods, but chances are that you’ll end up with some extra spending money in your pocket; courtesy of best-value deals you find and book on Webjet. Will you use that extra budget to stay in a lavish hotel, to visit Alcatraz Island, or to indulge in a stunning degustation dinner at one of the city’s top eateries?
Compare flights, airlines, and seating classes on Webjet and make sure you take advantage of the cheap airfares from Auckland to San Francisco. Find the right flight to match your budget, dates, plans and travel preferences is only one click away.
The best time to visit San Francisco
If you’re hunting for cheap flights from Auckland to San Francisco, look to travel in the winter months of December through March. The temperatures are generally colder, averaging 10° C (50°F) and rainfall is higher, but hotel rates are at their lowest. Visiting in the spring months of March through May can also put you ahead of the summer crowds. Visitors from all across America visit the city by the bay in summer. Festivals and events take place all summer long and the increased crowds make hotel prices soar. Autumn actually brings higher temperatures than summer in San Francisco, and tourists and locals alike head to the beach to take advantage of the sunshine. If you visit in autumn, bring along a light jacket to protect you from any cool bay breezes.
Departing From Auckland
Air New Zealand and American Airlines have direct flights into San Francisco International (SFO). The flight time of this route is approximately 13 hours.
Getting to Auckland International Airport
Getting from the Auckland CBD to the airport takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic and transit type. The SkyBus is popular airport transfer option for its convenience, price point and frequency. It runs seven days a week; the City Express route operates 24 hours a day. The City Express service covers two routes, along Mt Eden Road or Dominion Road, and terminates at Queen Street. The other SkyBus service travels to the North Harbour. A one-way fare starts from $18 NZD. Of course, taxis and Uber are other alternatives and may suit those seeking a more direct route to the airport.
Parking at Auckland International Airport
If you plan on travelling to the airport in your car and want to leave it there while on holiday in San Francisco, it is highly recommended that you pre-book your parking prior to your arrival. Pre-booking can be arranged up to nine months prior to your departure date.
Where to Park at Auckland International Airport
Car parks at Auckland Airport range from covered and uncovered, economy and valet. There is also a just-opened Park and Ride service.
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For stress-free parking, or if you prefer the shortest walk to the terminals, choose the airport’s valet parking offering. These spaces will put you within a 1- to 2-minute walk to the terminal and there are options for covered or uncovered spaces.
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The airport has multiple locations available for self-parking; in areas A, D or E. The walk time from these lots to the terminals is between 2 and 3 minutes.
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The Park and Ride area is further away from the terminals, however a shuttle bus ferries passengers to and fro. This journey takes 15 minutes and buses frequent the park every 30 minutes.
Arriving in San Francisco
New Zealand travellers are recommended to apply for the ESTA travel authorisation, at least 72 hours prior to departure. This electronic visa will expedite the process of clearing Immigration upon landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
How to Get from San Francisco International to Your San Francisco Hotel or Accommodation
The cheapest way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco is on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system, or BART. This subway system will have you downtown in less than 60 minutes and it only costs $14 NZD ($9 USD) per person. To take the BART from SFO, you’ll hop on the AirTrain to get to the BART station. Taxis will put you downtown in about 30 minutes with rates starting at $55 NZD($36 USD). Only accept rides from drivers in marked, official taxis; do not accept a ride from any drivers that approach or walk up to you outside of the airport. Uber and Lyft drivers operate out of SFO and can get you to downtown at rates starting at $38 NZD ($19 USD).
Things to do in San Francisco
Head to Vista Point to take that postcard-perfect photo of yourself with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. Then head over to tour the infamous (and slightly eerie) prison on Alcatraz Island. If you’re into vineyard tours and wine tastings, consider renting a car and day tripping to the Napa or Sonoma Valleys. Both of these famous wine-producing regions are less than 90 minutes’ drive away. For nature-lovers, Muir Woods is the place to be. This is the home of giant Redwood trees; some of which come in at 76 metres tall and more than 800 years old. After exploring the Redwoods, take a stroll through Golden Gate park. With Zen gardens, walking trails and a Japanese tea garden, the park is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the hustle of the city for an hour or two. And finally, a quintessential San Francisco experience is a ride on one of the tram cars!