SFO - DEN

$136 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Denver – Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Denver (SFO-DEN)

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

Recent return flight deals from San Francisco to Denver

Wed, 28 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Frontier Logo
16:57 - 20:25SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
26h 28m1 stop San Diego
Frontier Logo
22:29 - 12:51DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
15h 22m1 stop San Diego
$259Frontier
Wed, 28 Oct - Sun, 1 Nov
Frontier Logo
06:02 - 09:40SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
2h 38mdirect
Frontier Logo
07:00 - 16:02DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
10h 02m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$260Frontier
Thu, 1 Oct - Wed, 7 Oct
United Airlines Logo
21:13 - 00:53SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
2h 40mdirect
United Airlines Logo
06:00 - 07:41DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 41mdirect
$301United Airlines
Fri, 11 Dec - Tue, 15 Dec
Alaska Airlines Logo
17:25 - 23:51SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
5h 26m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:49 - 17:57DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 08m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$313Alaska Airlines
Tue, 27 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Southwest Logo
15:50 - 23:00SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
6h 10m1 stop Los Angeles
Southwest Logo
08:05 - 09:50DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 45mdirect
$315Southwest
Fri, 9 Oct - Mon, 12 Oct
United Airlines Logo
19:43 - 23:23SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
2h 40mdirect
United Airlines Logo
05:00 - 06:41DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 41mdirect
$327United Airlines
Tue, 6 Oct - Tue, 13 Oct
Southwest Logo
11:00 - 14:35SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
2h 35mdirect
Southwest Logo
20:40 - 22:20DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
2h 40mdirect
$328Southwest
Wed, 21 Oct - Sat, 24 Oct
Southwest Logo
08:10 - 15:15SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
6h 05m1 stop San Diego
Southwest Logo
08:45 - 14:35DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
6h 50m2 stops Reno San Diego
$335Southwest
Tue, 27 Oct - Sat, 31 Oct
Alaska Airlines Logo
17:45 - 11:02SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
16h 17m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Alaska Airlines Logo
15:30 - 10:41DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
20h 11m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$337Alaska Airlines
Wed, 30 Sep - Sat, 3 Oct
Delta Logo
05:45 - 12:09SFO  San Francisco-DEN Denver Intl
5h 24m1 stop Salt Lake City
Delta Logo
13:00 - 23:51DEN  Denver Intl-SFO San Francisco
11h 51m2 stops Salt Lake City Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$339Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand, and travel trends for San Francisco to Denver flights

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

How much is a return flight from San Francisco to Denver?

Return flights from San Francisco to Denver start at $259. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical return fares ranging from $278 to $532. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $259 on Frontier.

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

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Francisco to Denver and is 10% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 12% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Denver?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Denver at $294 return.
  • June ($506) and July ($482) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 72% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Francisco to Denver the cheapest?

Flights from San Francisco to Denver are cheapest 8 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 39% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for San Francisco to Denver flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$136
Best time to beat the crowds (26% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (28% more expensive on average)
Flights from San Francisco to Denver

When to book flights from San Francisco to Denver

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

Your San Francisco to Denver flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines, and booking questions.

  • How do I get from Denver Airport to downtown Denver?

    The RTD bus service connects Denver Airport with the city and departs every 15m from the airport. The bus stop is located at the DEN Transit Center at the south end of Jeppesen Terminal. There is also an information counter in the arrivals hall if you have any questions about routes, fares, or directions. Day passes can be purchased for approximately $9 in cash (no change given) at the bus driver or with credit cards at the ticket machines.

  • Where can I eat at Denver airport after I’ve landed?

    If you land at Jeppesen Terminal and fancy authentic American cuisine, opt for the Boulder Beer Tap House at level 5 on the west side of the terminal. Here you can consume scrumptious snacks, warm dishes, and craft beer. For Mexican food, the Cantina Grill at level 6 is also a good option to get something hearty to eat.

  • Where can I find the car rental center at Denver airport?

    Explore the city and its surroundings conveniently with your own four wheels and rent a car directly from one of the companies located at the airport. The airport has its own car rental center which can be reached with a courtesy shuttle departing from Jeppesen Terminal at level 5, island 4. Companies operating at the airport include Avis, Thrifty, and Enterprise, which are at your service 24/7.

  • Is there a hotel at Denver airport?

    The Westin Denver International Airport Hotel is just a few steps from the terminal building and provides transit flyers, late arrivals, or early departing passengers with a nearby bed. Apart from its over 500 rooms, the hotel boasts a conference center, pool, and gym, as well as various restaurants.

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

    Among airlines operating San Francisco to Denver flights:

    • Frontier: offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

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

  • Which airlines are available on the route from San Francisco to Denver?

    3 airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Denver. The airlines offering direct flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Southwest
    • Frontier

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

    Flights from San Francisco to Denver usually depart from San Francisco (SFO) and arrive at Denver Intl (DEN).

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

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

    • Frontier: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy class

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

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

    Only Economy class is available on flights from San Francisco to Denver.

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

    On this route, stopover flights are cheaper than direct options on average. Stopover fares average $335 return via San Diego (SAN), compared with $397 for direct.

  • What is the standard checked bag allowance on flights from San Francisco to Denver?

    There is no standard. Checked bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $55–$139 for the first checked bag in Economy. Premium fares and elite status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

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

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Southwest and United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A321neo variants.

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

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

    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) – 61% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) – 16% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) – 9% of one-stop connections
    • San Diego (SAN) – 6% of one-stop connections

    Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 20% on the San Francisco to Denver route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $356 return on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $443, a difference of $87. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed on the route from San Francisco to Denver?

    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 San Francisco to Denver route, 18% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 31 minutes.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Francisco to Denver flights, with 51% leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 31%, Evening flights for 12%, and Night flights for 6%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Denver?

    Some of the most popular sights in Denver are Union Station Denver and Ball Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Denver on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 05:00 and lands at 07:40
    • Latest: departs at 22:35 and lands at 01:15.

    The flight takes about 2h 40m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within 2 weeks of departure) run 28% above the route average of $395. Book 8 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Francisco to Denver?

    A direct flight from San Francisco to Denver takes 2h 40m, covering 2,497 km.

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

    No. A passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

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

    One-way fares from San Francisco to Denver are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $159, which is 39% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines's on-time performance compare to other airlines on San Francisco to Denver flights?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Frontier has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San Francisco to Denver flights are:

    • United Airlines: 88% on time
    • Frontier: 80% on time
    • Southwest: 68% on time

    On average, flights on this route are punctual 82% of the time.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from San Francisco to Denver?

    Night flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

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

    Flying via Portland (PDX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time of 5h 37m, compared to 6h 04m via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) and 6h 26m via Salt Lake City (SLC).

  • What is the time difference between San Francisco and Denver?

    Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Francisco (Mountain Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • Which car hire options are available at Denver Intl Airport (DEN)?

    Denver Intl Airport (DEN) hosts 5 major car hire companies, with daily rates starting from around $22 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Ace
    · NU Car
    · Europcar
    · Hertz

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

    Return flights from San Francisco to Denver range from $278 to $532, with an average of $395 over the past 12 months. Anything below $278 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Francisco to Denver flights?

    JetBlue is the only airline on the San Francisco to Denver route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

Your guide to booking San Francisco to Denver 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 Tuesday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $356 – about $87 less than Monday (20% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 8 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 39% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Francisco to Denver trip for February. Fares historically average $294 return in that month – typically $212 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 88% of United Airlines flights from San Francisco to Denver arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 82%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours31 minutes, so choosing an airline with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through San Diego Airport (SAN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest stopover option averages $335 return on this route – about $62 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Denver Intl Airport.
    - The Westin Denver International Airport
  • If you’d like to fly cheap and nonstop from San Francisco to the Denver International Airport (DEN), you can book with Frontier Airlines. This low-cost airline offers regular flights from San Francisco to Denver and allows you to save some money on your journey for your time away.
  • For anyone who has extra time on their hands before their departure from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and who are interested in everything connected to airports and airplanes, a visit at the Aviation Museum & Library is right up the sleeve. You can find it in the main hall of the international terminal building and get access between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.
  • Let your children use up their energy before boarding your flight from San Francisco to Denver and check out the Kids’ Spots at Terminal 3, Area F, and Area E. Tubes, toys, and interactive activities keep the little ones entertained until it is time to board.
  • Roaming through the San Francisco airport allows you to spot all the exhibited art from regional artists. The SFO Museum and Art Collection welcome and see off travelers in style with various art installations, pictures, and sculptures.
  • Pigs and dogs are usually not a common sight at airports, but at San Francisco airport they belong to the crew. The Wag Brigade consists of various specially trained dogs and a pig who give travelers a joyful (and sometimes wet) welcome and goodbye. They can be detected by their "Pet Me" vests and wagging tails while wandering through the terminals.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Denver Intl?

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

Direct departures

San Francisco to Denver Intl

Monday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Denver Intl to San Francisco

Monday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

Frontier,Southwest,United Airlines

Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Francisco to Denver

Complete your trip to Denver with a hotel stay or car hire