MEL - SFO

$535 Find Cheap Flights from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to San Francisco – Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest return flight
$1,146
Typical prices: $1,168-$1,884
Fiji Airways
Sun 18/11Sun 25/11
MEL - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest direct flights
$1,255
Typical prices: $1,299-$2,372
United Airlines
Sun 18/11Sun 25/11
MEL - SFO • Direct
Direct flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 14h 25m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 85% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travellers who book at least 26 weeks in advance save around 27% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 22% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top stopover airports
Cheapest • Avg $1,234 (return)
Shortest trip • 18h 09m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you enjoy your trip to San Francisco!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

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

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Melbourne to San Francisco

Wed, 18 Nov - Wed, 25 Nov
Fiji Airways Logo
13:45 - 12:35MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
17h 50m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
21:50 - 12:25SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
19h 35m1 stop Nadi
$1,146Fiji Airways
Sat, 30 Jan - Sun, 7 Feb
Fiji Airways Logo
13:35 - 12:35MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
18h 00m1 stop Nadi
Fiji Airways Logo
21:50 - 12:45SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
19h 55m1 stop Nadi
$1,146Fiji Airways
Wed, 20 Jan - Wed, 27 Jan
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:45 - 11:59MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
41h 14m3 stops Nadi Los Angeles Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:54 - 12:20SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
28h 26m2 stops Los Angeles Nadi
$1,234Multiple Airlines
Wed, 20 Jan - Wed, 27 Jan
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:45 - 17:10MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
22h 25m2 stops Nadi Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
16:07 - 12:20SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
25h 13m2 stops Los Angeles Nadi
$1,247Multiple Airlines
Wed, 18 Nov - Wed, 25 Nov
United Airlines Logo
12:45 - 08:10MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
14h 25mdirect
United Airlines Logo
23:35 - 10:30SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
15h 55mdirect
$1,255United Airlines
Wed, 18 Nov - Wed, 25 Nov
United Airlines Logo
12:45 - 08:10MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
14h 25mdirect
United Airlines Logo
12:26 - 09:30SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
26h 04m1 stop Los Angeles
$1,257United Airlines
Mon, 9 Nov - Sun, 22 Nov
Lufthansa Logo
12:45 - 08:10MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
14h 25mdirect
Lufthansa Logo
21:20 - 09:30SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
41h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
$1,264Lufthansa
Thu, 5 Nov - Thu, 12 Nov
Lufthansa Logo
12:45 - 08:10MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
14h 25mdirect
Lufthansa Logo
21:20 - 09:30SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
41h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
$1,334Lufthansa
Tue, 17 Nov - Fri, 25 Dec
American Airlines Logo
08:00 - 20:27MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
31h 27m2 stops Sydney Kingsford Smith Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
11:25 - 09:30SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
27h 05m1 stop Los Angeles
$1,345American Airlines
Sat, 7 Nov - Thu, 26 Nov
American Airlines Logo
22:45 - 13:19MEL  Melbourne-SFO San Francisco
33h 34m1 stop Los Angeles
American Airlines Logo
05:23 - 05:00SFO  San Francisco-MEL Melbourne
28h 37m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$1,349American Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines, and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a return flight from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

Return flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco typically range from $1,168 to $1,884. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $1,146 on Fiji Airways.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco. It's 6% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 22% higher.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

•May is the cheapest month to fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco at $1,129 return.
•December ($1,768) and July ($1,665) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 56% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco are cheapest 26 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 27% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$535
Beat the crowds with an average 27% drop in travellers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 21% increase in travellers.
One-way flight from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco

When to book flights from Melbourne to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Melbourne to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price

Your Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco:

    • Earliest: departs at 11:45 and lands at 02:10
    • Latest: departs at 12:45 and lands at 03:10.

    The flight takes about 14h 25m.

  • Which cabin classes can I book on flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco:

    • Economy class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    A direct flight from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco takes 14h 25m, covering 20,350 km.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flight?

    Return flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco range from $1,168 to $1,884, with an average of $1,449 over the past 12 months. Anything below $1,168 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 15% above the $1,449 route average. Book 26 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by having a stopover when flying from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $1,234 return via Nadi (NAN), compared with $1,743 for direct.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    United Airlines is the only airline operating Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights. 85% of its flights are on time.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by United Airlines and Virgin Australia. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A350-900 variants.

  • How are flight departures from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco spread across the day?

    Afternoon is the busiest departure period on Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights, with 100% leaving in that window. Morning departures account for 0%, Evening flights for 0%, and Night flights for 0%.

  • How are flight prices from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco looking right now?

    One-way fares from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $983, which is 8% below the typical average for this route.

  • Which car hire options are available at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $22 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Fox

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco usually depart from Melbourne (MEL) and arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while afternoon departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Melbourne Airport to San Francisco route, 15% of flights were delayed in the past three months, with delays averaging 2h 39m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco pass through?

    One-stop flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco most commonly connect through:

    • Nadi (NAN) – 62% of one-stop connections
    • Auckland Intl (AKL) – 25% of one-stop connections
    • Los Angeles (LAX) – 5% of one-stop connections
    • Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) – 5% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 23% on flights from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $1,368 return on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $1,776, a difference of $409.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to three days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • Which airlines fly from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Melbourne Airport and San Francisco.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different stopover airport from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco?

    Flying via Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 18h 09m, compared to 19h 06m via Nadi (NAN) and 19h 11m via Auckland Intl (AKL).

  • What is the time difference between Melbourne Airport and San Francisco?

    San Francisco is 18 hours behind Melbourne Airport (Pacific Time vs Eastern Australia Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Francisco?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Francisco are Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and Chase Center. These are among the most viewed places in San Francisco on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Among airlines operating Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights:

    • United Airlines: offers free seat selection
    • Virgin Australia: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Virgin Australia: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Lufthansa: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

    Baggage allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route, and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • Can I fly from Melbourne to San Francisco directly?

    You will be able to find some direct flights from major airports in Melbourne to San Francisco International Airport. These flights will reduce your travel time by up to five hours in comparison to connecting flights that can take as long as 19h. United Airlines provides direct flights for this route.

  • Where can I find the prayer room at Melbourne International Airport?

    Opposite the Departures Area of Melbourne International Airport, you will find multi-faith prayer rooms. There is no cost to access these prayer rooms.

  • Are there hotels onsite at the San Francisco International Airport?

    You will be able to find numerous choices for accommodation once you have landed at the San Francisco International Airport. There are quite a few hotels located onsite and several more are located nearby. You will be able to get to nearby hotels either by using the hotel's shuttle service or by hailing a cab.

  • Where can I find restaurants in San Francisco International Airport?

    There are several choices for restaurants located within the airport. You will be able to find food services whether you are in Terminal 3, 2, or 1, as each terminal caters to travellers needs. Cat Cora's Kitchen restaurant can be found in Terminal 2; this restaurant is a great choice for travellers who enjoy health-conscious meals above fast food.

  • Is there a medical clinic at the San Francisco Airport?

    The San Francisco International Airport provides all the necessary services for travellers, including a medical clinic. Should you need any health care once you have landed, you will be able to find the medical clinic at the International Terminal Departures area on Level 3 of the airport.

Your guide to booking Melbourne Airport to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly, and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Saturday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $1,368, about $409 less than Saturday fares (23% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 26 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 27% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Melbourne Airport to San Francisco trip for May. Fares historically average $1,129 return in that month – typically $639 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Nadi Airport (NAN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages $1,234 return on this route – about $508 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • Melbourne is served by 4 airports. The Melbourne International Airport (MEL) is one of the most popular in the region. However, Avalon Airport (AVV), Moorabbin Airport (MBW), and Essendon Fields Airport (MEB) also cater to international flights to and from Melbourne.
  • Melbourne International Airport provides travellers with a useful app that informs travellers of discounted flights while ultimately aiming to make travelling from the airport as easy as possible. You will be able to use the app to calculate flight fares and discover essential information about your flight.
  • There are 3 international airports in and around San Francisco, although, when flying from Melbourne, it is best to fly to the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The San Francisco International Airport is well-connected to the city, which means you will be able to travel to and from the airport and use it as a base during your stay.
  • You can find Hungry Jack’s, Billie Chu, and BAXA Noodle Bar restaurants in Melbourne International Airport. There are numerous family-friendly restaurants located in the airport. Billie Chu hosts a play area and a children’s menu to cater to families with younger children.
  • If you travel from San Francisco Airport to the city centre via the BART quick train, you can expect a rough travel time of 45–60min, including your wait time. The cost of this trip will be around $ 8.65 (A$ 12).
  • The train station at San Francisco airport is located in the airport opposite the Garage G. Between three and four trains depart from the station each hour and it will take you around 30min to reach downtown San Francisco via train.
  • You can find tax-free retailers in the International Terminal A of San Francisco International Airport. In International Terminal G, you will find a Duty-Free Burberry retailer where you can purchase luxury items tax-free.

Prefer to fly direct from Melbourne to San Francisco?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Melbourne Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Melbourne to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Melbourne

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Melbourne to San Francisco

Complete your trip to San Francisco with a hotel stay or car hire