Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City is 4 hours 55 minutes.
Mexico City is two hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located. Mexico City follows the UTC-6 timezone.
The busiest route is from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). There are 36 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SFO to MEX is the 06:33 Aeromexico service. If you prefer traveling later, the final departure is at 23:55 with Aeromexico.
Leave enough time to make your SFO to Mexico City flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
You can book a direct San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City ticket. Begin your journey at SFO and arrive at Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
Book your favorite seat with United Airlines. This leading carrier offers direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from SFO to Mexico City. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Give yourself a breather (and maybe even a better deal) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Located around 18 kilometers from the center of San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near SFO. Whether you're catching an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are all about convenience:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Francisco International Airport, data shows 78% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mexico City
The lowest price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City flight is AED 521. The cheapest price for a return flight is AED 1,328. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from SFO to Mexico City by booking three months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
Schedule your trip for August. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City tickets. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from SFO to Mexico City couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Find a cheap flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Mexico City
Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 13 kilometers away.
It typically takes 40 minutes if you're traveling on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MEX instead:
Reserving your ride from Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from SFO to Mexico City can help you lock in the lowest rate.
Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU)
The center of Mexico City is about 56 kilometers from Mexico City Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU). After your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the center will take you 2 hours or so.
Verticca Hotel is one accommodation option within an easy drive of NLU. Unpack your bags here after your SFO to Mexico City flight and then put up the 'Do not disturb' sign to get some rest.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Reserving your ride from NLU one week in advance often means better prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Mexico City
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City. September is the most popular month to travel to Mexico City. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in November.
Lock in a San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City plane ticket with a departure in May if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from SFO to Mexico City in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF) on average.
More about Mexico City
After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Mexico City, find a hotel that offers both comfort and a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Mexico City:
Historic Center (Centro Historico) and Zócalo are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Mexico City must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Explore more of Mexico
You've visited Mexico City, now it's time to discover other parts of Mexico. Journey about 467 kilometers west to Guadalajara to check off its leading sights. From Guadalajara Cathedral to Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mural Gigante FRIDA KHALO, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If there's time to check out another great destination in Mexico, head for Puebla, about 105 kilometers southeast of Mexico City. Zócalo de Puebla, Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Centro Histórico de Puebla are the start of reasons to visit.