Cheap flights from Christchurch to San Francisco

Prices shown below were available within the past 3 days for the period specified and should not be considered the final price offered. Please note that availability and prices are subject to change.

Cheapest time to fly from Christchurch to San Francisco

Flexible with dates? We find the best price for the week of the day you select *Prices may vary after you search.

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week: 7 Jul - 13 Jul

Flights from just $1,068

$1,188

$1,191

$1,068

$1,093

$1,109

$1,129

$1,132

$1,202

$1,069

$1,185

$1,074

JuneJulyAugustSeptember

Currency and cost comparison

TrainLocal, one-way ticket

149%Trains are 149% more expensive in San Francisco than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$2.00

San Francisco$4.97

MealMid-priced restaurant

48%The average meal is 48% more expensive in San Francisco than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$28.00

San Francisco$41.43

TaxiStandard daytime start rate

53%Taxis are 53% more expensive in San Francisco than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$4.50

San Francisco$6.88

CoffeeRegular cappuccino

70%Coffee is 70% more expensive in San Francisco than in Christchurch.

Christchurch$5.69

San Francisco$9.66

Exchange rate

1 NZD = 0.61 USD

1 USD = 1.66 NZD

Last checked on Mon, 16/06

Distance: 11155 kms

Christchurch airports

Christchurch International Airport (CHC)How far from city centre: 10 kms

San Francisco airports

San Francisco Intl Airport (SFO)How far from city centre: 18 kms

Comprehensive Guide to Flights from Christchurch to San Francisco

Dreaming of exploring the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty of San Francisco? The journey from Christchurch offers a captivating blend of trans-Pacific adventure and Californian charm. San Francisco is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, its diverse neighbourhoods, and its stunning natural scenery, attracting millions of visitors annually. The fastest way to reach San Francisco from Christchurch typically involves a direct flight, though flight times vary depending on weather and the airline.

Direct flights usually take around 14-16 hours, however it can sometimes take longer, influenced by headwinds and air traffic. Airlines such as Air New Zealand and United Airlines generally offer direct routes, although flight frequency changes throughout the year. You can typically expect multiple flights per week, but these may reduce during the off-season. For travellers seeking more budget-friendly options, connecting flights might prove more cost-effective. These might involve layover hubs like Los Angeles, Honolulu, or even Auckland, potentially increasing overall travel time to more than 24 hours.

To find the cheapest flights, the ideal months for budget travellers are typically between November and February, although the best time to book is usually 2-3 months in advance of your trip. Airfares tend to be higher during peak seasons (June-August), when school holidays coincide with pleasant weather, increasing demand. The destination is at its busiest during summer, between June and August, due to warm weather and many summer events. Conversely, the quietest times are usually the winter months (November to February), but even then you could still be able to get great deals depending on the dates you travel and the airline.

Best time to fly to San Francisco

San Francisco boasts a famously mild Mediterranean climate, however it's known for its microclimates. Summer (June to August) sees average highs around 23°C, but often with fog. Winter (December to February) brings average highs around 13-17°C and increased rainfall, averaging 97mm per month. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures, typically 17-21°C, and less rainfall, making them ideal times for a visit. You should prepare for variable conditions and pack layers, no matter when you visit.

Christchurch airports

Christchurch has two main airports that currently operate and serve commercial flights. These are Christchurch Airport and another smaller airport that is less frequented by large airlines.

Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is an international airport, serving as the main airport for the city of Christchurch. It has a modern terminal and handles a large number of flights and passengers daily. The airport is a major hub for Air New Zealand. There are several airlines operating from there.

Main airlines for this route

Air New Zealand
United Airlines
Qantas

San Francisco airports

The San Francisco Bay Area is served by several airports, with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) being the primary one. There are a few other smaller airports in the region, mostly used for domestic flights or private aircrafts.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is a major international airport, well-connected to the city centre via various modes of transport. Public transport options include BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), an efficient metro system, and several bus lines. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminals. You can also rent a car directly at the airport to explore California at your own pace.

What to do and see in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a plethora of activities to suit all interests. From iconic landmarks to cultural experiences, you'll find plenty to explore in this vibrant city. Here are three must-do activities:

Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or cycle across this iconic suspension bridge, capturing breathtaking views of the city and the bay.
Alcatraz Island: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison, learning about its fascinating history and infamous inmates.
Ride a Cable Car: Experience San Francisco's historic cable car system, a unique mode of transport that provides a charming way to see the city's hills.

Frequently asked questions about flights from Christchurch to San Francisco

Is it safe to travel from Christchurch to San Francisco during the Covid-19 situation?

At eDreams we do our best to ensure that your travel plans won't be affected by restrictions or possible cancellations that United States may apply. Using the flexible ticket gurantee you can decide if you rather rebook or get a refund!

For flights from Christchurch to San Francisco, how can I find the cheapest price?

The cheapest price for a flight from Christchurch to San Francisco is 533$. At eDreams we use different machine learned based methodologies to find our costumers the best option available, considering airline combinations, stopovers and direct flights as well as different criteria for inbound and outbound journeys.

Is San Francisco more expensive than Christchurch to visit?

Looking at cab fares, a ride in San Francisco costs about $ 6.88 NZD, 53% more expensive than Christchurch, with a fare of $ 4.50 NZD,

while train tickets cost 149% more at San Francisco: $ 4.97 NZD versus $ 2.00 NZD at Christchurch.

If you compare the price of a lunch meal, however, you can find it from 41.43 NZD in San Francisco, 48% more than the 28.00 NZD in Christchurch.

The price of the coffee is around 70% more expensive in San Francisco, with an average of 9.66 NZD , while in Christchurch the coffee costs 5.69 NZD.

How long does the flight from Christchurch to San Francisco take?

Flight length from Christchurch to San Francisco is around 15:08 hours on average, at an average distance of 12,522 km, for flights for the route (which may have 1 or more stops in other cities in between).

How is the weather in San Francisco compared to Christchurch?

While in Christchurch the temperatures can reach an average of 30 ºC in summer, with precipitation levels up to 3 mm ,San Francisco's temperatures can go up to 32.98 ºC during the hot season, with 6 mm average of rain rate . In winter, however, weather indicators show around 2.36 ºC in San Francisco, compared to the -2.38 ºC average degrees reported in Christchurch. During the winter period, Christchurch can register 2.3 mm precipitation, while San Francisco have an average of 12 mm rain level.

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