As one of the US’s economic and cultural centres, San Francisco, commonly referred to as Frisco, is a magnet for tourists from all around the world. Known as one of the most diverse cities in America, San Francisco is a colourful city in the true sense of the word.
It’s also one of the richest, mainly because of the IT and digital sectors, making it a top location to reach by private jet.
San Francisco is a highly connected city — both inside and outside the USA. Here are the top locations from where you can reach it, ranging from North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
Topics
1. Private Charter: Los Angeles to San Francisco
Los Angeles to San Francisco is definitely the most popular flight on this list. The distance between the two cities is around 615km, which roughly translates to a longish six hour drive. But once you hop onto your private jet, you’ll be there in no time — it’s only an hour from Frisco by turboprop or less if you choose a faster and bigger jet.
The flight is not only the shortest, but also the cheapest compared to the other flights on this list. The starting price is around $7,500 and goes up to $12,300, depending on the jet.
Los Angeles to San Francisco: Pricing Options
If you’re travelling with a small party, the turboprop and the light jet are great choices, while the midsize and heavy jets can accommodate more people.
Here’s a detailed list of one-way prices. Double the numbers and you’ll get your two-way ticket.
The prices below are based on the Jettly Private Jet Charter Cost Estimator. Note that other private charter companies might have lower or higher prices, depending on the company.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $7,698 | 60 min |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $7,441 | 40 min |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $9,494 | 40 min |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $12,272 | 35 min |
Los Angeles to San Francisco: Airport Options
Los Angeles is the second largest urban area in the USA and that means it has a lot of people going in and out. It’s no surprise that it has no less than six airports, but only three are suitable for private jet travelling. They are:
- Los Angeles International Airport or (LAX)
- Hollywood Burbank Airport
- Long Beach Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Close to the Pacific Ocean and 30 km from Los Angeles Downtown, LAX is one of the busiest airports in America — serving more than 88 million passengers. It’s one of the best destinations for beginning or ending a trip, because it serves over 100 airlines (again, the most in the USA). It boasts no less than 10 terminals.
The world’s biggest FBO operates at LAX, namely Signature Flight Support. The title is there for a reason, since it offers everything private flyers require. It’s comfortable and clean, and has richly furnished facilities, professional staff, competitive prices, and amenities of all kinds. There’s also Atlantic Aviation, which is quite good too.
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Burbank is the smallest and quietest airport in Los Angeles, mostly because of the strict noise regulations (commercial flights are only due from 7:00 am and 10:00 pm). It’s closest to Downtown LA and other famous areas, such as Hollywood, Pasadena, and San Fernando Valley.
There are also two FBOs that offer their services to private flyers:
Long Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport, also known as Daugherty Field, is three miles away from Downtown Los Angeles. It’s another great choice if you want to reach the centre as soon as you can.
The two FBOs that’ll be at your disposal are:
The first one offers easy access to business and shopping centres located nearby, while the second one offers a premium office, kitchen facilities, and fully equipped lounge.
2. Private Charter: Seattle to San Francisco
There’s a considerable distance of around 1300 km between Seattle and San Francisco, which makes driving an unnecessary 13-hour torment. Flying is definitely more appealing, and flying by private jet even more, since you’ll be there in less than two hours.
Seattle to San Francisco: Pricing Options
But, the distance has its cost, and the additional kilometres immediately up the price. The starting price is around 15 000 dollars and it can go up to 26 000 dollars, depending on which jet you choose.
Budgeting up front is an important thing. There’s a detailed list of the prices in relation to the type of plane you want to choose. Take your time and plan your trip.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $16,300 | 2 h |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $15,757 | 1 h 20 min |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $20,104 | 1 h 20 min |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $25,986 | 1h 15 min |
Seattle to San Francisco: Airport Options
Seattle has been a centre for aircraft manufacturing for ages, and it’s quite logical that the city should have its share of airports. There are no less than three in the wider area — quite a big number, since Seattle is not so big — and all of them are suitable for receiving you and your private jet.
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- King County International Airport
- Renton Municipal Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma is the major airport in the wider area, located 23 km from Downtown Seattle. Going strong since the 1940s, it’s one of the busiest — and paradoxically, the smallest — airports in the state.
The airport is connected to the city by both bus and train, and also has a huge garage with 13,000 spaces and many shuttle services.
The main FBO operating nearby is Signature Flight Support SEA – Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport. It offers various amenities, clean and nicely furnished facilities, and polite and professional staff.
King County International Airport
King County International Airport is a lot closer to Seattle Downtown — only around 8 km. A famous historical institution, it holds the unique Museum of Flight, which you can check out if you have a couple of hours to spare, and the headquarters of the Boeing corporation.
Signature Flight Support BFI – Boeing Field/King County International Airport is the main FBO servicing at this airport.
Renton Municipal Airport
Renton Municipal Airport is the smallest airport in Seattle, and it’s mainly used for recreational flying and as a stopping point for air-taxis.
In this case, the airport itself provides the FBO, mainly in cooperation with the city of Renton.
3. Private Charter: San Diego to San Francisco
The flight from San Diego to San Francisco is roughly the same as from Los Angeles. The distance is around 700 km, which roughly translates to an hour and a half flight. When you add the significant comfort and the luxury of the private jet, it makes the eight and a half hour drive considerably more unappealing.
San Diego to San Francisco: Pricing Options
The prices — once again — reflect the distance. The flight (no matter the aircraft type) is not as expensive as the one from Seattle, nor as cheap as the one from LA, but somewhere in between.
The prices range from around 11 000 dollars to 17 000 dollars — depending on the jet.
It’s practical to have the numbers before you in a clear way when you’re considering your choices. Check the table below, and see where you stand.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $10,718 | 1 h 15 min |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $10,361 | 50 min |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $13,219 | 50 min |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $17,087 | 50 min |
San Diego to San Francisco: Airport Options
There are two great airports in the San Diego area:
- San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located three kilometres from San Diego downtown, (SAN) is a complete modern airport in the true sense of the word. It boasts two terminals with direct organized transport by bus, taxi, a shuttle, or rent a car. The airport also offers a lot of dining and shopping options, and a great leisure area.
The only FBO at SAN is, once again, the famous Signature Flight Support with their usual services and amenities. A GPU, hangar, catering, courtesy car and shuttle, and a rental car is what’s on offer as far as services go. Television, Wi-Fi, snooze room, crew lounges, conference room, showers, and even hot cookies, is what’s on offer as far as amenities go.
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Located in Tijuana, the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) also offers its services to passengers travelling to San Diego. It’s slightly further away from the city though, around 22 km from San Diego. The airport offers a lot of restaurant options, an interesting mixture of local and famous brands, but also free Wi-Fi and ATM machines. There are VIP lounges that are especially important for private jet users.
4. Private Charter: Las Vegas to San Francisco
Flying from Nevada to California is a great way to bypass the scorching sun that you’ll have to endure for around nine hours if you travel the distance by car. If, on the other hand, you choose the private jet, the only thing you’ll have to think about is how to spend the upcoming hour and a half in the air-conditioned, comfortable cabin.
But, Las Vegas is no San Diego. The 665 km distance between the two cities is much more extensive, since Las Vegas is generally very expansive.
Las Vegas to San Francisco: Pricing Options
The turboprop and the light jet to Las Vegas are more expensive than the same aircraft from Los Angeles and San Diego combined. Also, the difference between travelling with a small or a big aircraft is considerably bigger, i.e., around 13 000 dollars.
People usually go to Las Vegas to spend a lot of money, so high prices — especially for a private jet — shouldn’t be much of a surprise.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $23,123 | 3 h |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $22,352 | 2 h |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $28,519 | 1 h 50 min |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $36,863 | 1 h 40 min |
Las Vegas to San Francisco: Airport Options
Private jets are not something uncommon in Las Vegas. There are two airports especially suitable for private aircraft:
- Harry Reid International Airport
- Henderson Executive Airport
Harry Reid International Airport
Located just 8 kilometres to the south of Downtown Las Vegas, and named after a famous senator of Nevada, Harry Reid International Airport is the most famous and large institution in the area. Going strong since 1948, it’s been receiving tourists for more than half a century.
Well connected to the area mainly due to RTC Transit, it offers fast shuttle transport to the centre of the city.
There are two main FBOs operating at Harry Reid airport: the always present Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation. Both of them offer high-end services and amenities suitable for private flyers.
Henderson Executive Airport
Covering around 760 acres, Henderson Executive Airport is the most famous and luxurious option for private jets. Located nearby Henderson, Nevada, slightly further away than Harry Raid, the airport is 18 kilometres from the city centre of Las Vegas.
The company running the airport also boasts FBO high quality services and security for every passenger.
5. Private Charter: Mexico City to San Francisco
There is around 3,027 km between the capital of Mexico and the jewel of the West coast. Travelling by car is not a smart option when you plan on crossing a continent, so a plane’s the only logical option. For comfort and luxury, a private aircraft is perfect.
Mexico City to San Francisco: Pricing Options
As the distance rises, so do the dollar and the pesos. If you want to travel from Mexico City to San Francisco by private jet, you have to be prepared to pay a considerable amount. Even the turboprop and the light jet are quite expensive — the starting price is around 33 000 dollars.
Renting a heavy jet that can carry around 100 people means you’ll have to cash out around 53 and a half thousand dollars or 1,054,239.75 Mexican pesos. In case you want to check the details, there’s a table to help you get an all around picture.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $33,574 (MXN$ 661292.98) | 5 h 45 min |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $32,455 (MXN$ 639252.50) | 3 h 50 min |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $41,408 (MXN$815595.98) | 4 h |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $53,524 (MXN$1054239.75) | 3 h 20 min |
Mexico City to San Francisco: Airport Options
There are a lot of airports in the wider area, but if you’re travelling from Mexico City, you’ll probably use one of the following three:
- Mexico City International Airport;
- Felipe Ángeles International Airport;
- Toluca International Airport.
Mexico City International Airport
Mexico City International Airport is the largest airport in Mexico, and the 16th busiest in the whole world — servicing more than 136,000 passengers on an average day. The airport is well connected to the centre of Mexico city, which is only eight kilometres by car. There’s also the subway, the trolley, the metrobus, and the authorized taxis — so you have many transportation options to choose from.
There are no less than nine FBOs operating at Mexico City International Airport:
- Aerocharter de Mexico
- Aeroméxico Servicios
- Aeroservicios Especializados
- Alfa 4
- ASMCORP
- Azteca Handling Services
- Consorcio Aviation
- Menzies Aviation
- Passenger Handling Services
All of them offer something different and distinctive (you can imagine the competition), so check them out and choose the one that suits you the most.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport
Named after a hero of the Mexican Revolution, Felipe Ángeles is as new as it gets as it was opened last year (2021) with a huge celebration. It’s not a very usual experience to land at a brand-new airport, so check it out. It’s slightly smaller than Mexico City International Airport.
Since the airport is still expanding, it hasn’t reached its full potential. There’s a railway under construction (projected for 2023), but the bus, the car, and the shuttle transport are all fully functioning, and allow easy access to the centre of the city.
Probably due to the same reasons, the airport company offers FBO services at the airport itself.
Toluca International Airport
Finally, Toluca International Airport is the smallest airport on this list, but it’s still functioning — due to the newness of Felipe Angeles — as the main alternative to Mexico International in the wider Mexico City area. Its main strength is the proximity to Santa Fe financial district (only 40 kilometres by car), which is why it’s mostly used by business people.
There’s shuttle and car transportation available.
Again, there are a lot of FBOs at Toluca International Airport. Here’s an extensive list: Eolo Plus, Universal Aviation, FBO Across Signature, CENTURY AVIATION FBO, Servicios Aereos Estrella, S.A. De C.V, ICCS Toluca FBO, Jetex Toluca, Lic. Adolfo López Mateos International Airport, Aeromaan, Servicios Integrales de Aviación d/b/a FlyMex, Avemex etc.
6. Private Charter: London to San Francisco
Flying from the city of Dickens to the Golden Bridge is no small thing. There’s no other way to cross the Atlantic Ocean than either on a boat or a plane — and flying (especially with a private jet) is definitely the more comfortable and quicker option of the two. The distance is huge, around 8,600 km in a straight line.
London to San Francisco: Pricing Options
The ocean and the huge distance take their toll on the prices. Also, London is a generally expensive place, and the pound is usually very strong, so it’s no surprise that the prices are twice as high as some of the more expensive charters on this list.
There is a lot of variation in the prices when considering different jets. Here’s a table where you can check all the details you need, and we even converted the dollars to pounds, so you can see the difference from both sides.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $79,636 (£66,237) | 16 h 30 min |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $76,981 (£64,029) | 12 h |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $98,217 (£81,692) | 10 h 30 min |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From €$126,955 (£105,595) | 9 h 30 min |
London to San Francisco: Airport Options
London is one of the flying centres of the world, serving as a starting point for travellers to America for almost a century. Due to its rich history and tradition, there are a lot of jet users and jet setters, and the offer is quite varied and rich. Еxclusive runways, VIP rooms, hangarage for aircraft — London has it all.
There are a lot of airports in the wider London area, but the three most popular if you’re flying private are:
- Luton Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Heathrow Airport
Here’s the basic info about their services and their FBOs.
Luton Airport
Located 45 kilometres from Central London lies Luton Airport, going strong since 1938. It’s connected to London by both road and rail; car, bus and train are potential transport options. The train is especially effective and practical, since in about 30 minutes you’ll go from shopping at Oxford or Bond street, to flying on your private jet.
There are four FBOs that are offering their services at Luton Airport:
All of them provide luxury services such as conference rooms, kitchens, gift shops, Wi-Fi, VIP rooms — and a lot of them are pet friendly.
Stansted Airport
The fourth busiest airport in the UK is located around 70 kilometres from London’s central area. It’s well connected, like almost all airports in the London area, offering shuttle, rent a car, taxi services, and rail transportation. If you catch the ultra-efficient train, you’ll be on Liverpool street in London in around 45 minutes.
Universal Aviation is the most important FBO at Stansted Airport, going strong for more than 30 years. The VIP lounges, the catering services and the transport are the things they’re most proud of. Also, it offers the only carrier service in Stansted.
There are five more FBOs that offer their services nearby Stansted Airport — all of them famous for their professionalism and efficiency:
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport, or better known as London Heathrow, is the largest and busiest airport in the UK. It was ranked seventh busiest airport in the world in terms of international passengers, and eighth busiest in Europe in terms of total passengers.
Heathrow is by far the closest airport to London of the three (only 22 kilometres from the centrer). A train will take you from the centre of London to the airport in less than 20 minutes. The proximity and the security — Heathrow is located near the Royal Air Force (RAF) headquarters — are its main strengths.
Again, you’ll meet your familiar FBO, Universal Aviation, which is not literally on Heathrow, but quite close to it. They share Northolt airfield with the RAF, which means extra security in these troubled times.
But, as is the case in the UK, they’re not the only FBO at Heathrow. Here’s an extensive list of other companies, ranked in no particular order (they’re all equally good and professional):
- Meridian Teterboro
- Ross Aviation
- Signature Flight Support
- Sheltair
- Jet Aviation
- Greenwood Lake Aviation
- Lynx FBO Network
7. Private Charter: Seoul to San Francisco
Seoul is swiftly becoming one of the world’s biggest metropolises, boasting around 10 million people in its urban area, and is the world’s fourth largest metropolitan economy. The economy and the technology are so forward that it looks like a city from the future. Yet it’s not as expensive as Japan, but the living standard is costlier than that of China.
Flying from one of the world’s digital and design capitals of the world should be a blast. But, between Seoul and San Francisco, there are more than 9 000 kilometres, so the flight isn’t going to be cheap.
Seoul to San Francisco: Pricing Options
In comparison to the other locations on this list, flying from Seoul to San Francisco is slightly more expensive than flying from London. If you fly with Jettly, you won’t find anything cheaper than 80 000 dollars for a turboprop or a light jet, nor cheaper than 130 000 for a heavy jet. In the table, you can check all the facts in relation to the prices.
| Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
| Turboprop | 9 | From $84,271 (₩108,622,790) | 17 h 10 |
| Light Jet | 9 | From $$81,462 (₩105,002,074) | 12 h |
| Midsize Jet | 10 | From $103,934 (₩133,967,807) | 11 h |
| Heavy Jet | 96 | From $$134,345 (₩173,166,674) | 10 h |
Seoul to San Francisco: Airport Options
There are two airports in Seul that can offer you their services, and both of them are quite good. Seoul – Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Both of them have a lot of FBOs and a variety of services suitable for private jets.
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Officially recognized as the fourth best airport in the world (by Skytrax) and the best airport in Asia-Pacific, it offers things that’ll make you head spin. A golf course, video game rooms, a spa, a gym, sleeping rooms, a casino, indoor gardens, and a museum of Korean culture are some of them. It’s also unbelievably clean, again, one of the cleanest in the world.
Seoul’s city centre is about an hour away from the airport, and you can reach it either by taxi or The Express Train (also called All Stop train). Both of the options will take you approximately an hour to reach the city. Interesting fact: by 2025, ICN is going to offer flying taxis to transport visitors from the airport to the city.
Considering the FBOs, the situation is quite similar: professionalism and luxury. You’ll find the following five, all of them offering a variety of lounges and services:
Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Gimpo International Airport was the main airport serving Seoul, after being replaced by ICN. It’s not as big and modernized as the former, but it’s usually preferred by private jet travellers due to its close proximity to the centreof the city, which is only around 15 kilometres to the west side of Seoul.
To reach the airport from the city, a taxi is the primary option, since — if the traffic is not horrible — you’ll reach it in no time. But, if you’re willing to spend some extra bucks, there’s a private helicopter service at your disposal.
There’s a wide variety of FBOs on Gimpo. They offer private lounges, catering, VIP rooms, shopping centres, dining rooms, and much, much more. Here’s a list of the FBOs presented in no particular order:
Which Jets Can Fly You To San Francisco?
Since our list is quite heterogeneous, with both short-range and long-range flights, we focused on a more all-around review of the types of jets you can use and the circumstances in which they’re most suitable. Obviously, the shorter routes are more suitable for turboprops and light jets, while the intercontinental flights are only reachable with bigger options.
Turboprops
Turboprops are the smallest jets on this list, especially suitable for shorter routes, not to mention more affordable. They can reach speeds of around 300 knots, and need refueling every 2414 kilometres.
They’re perfect if you fly out of one of the first four locations on this list (Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, and San Diego) since none of them exceeds 1300 kilometres.
We recommend The Piaggio Avanti II because of its elegant form and luxurious interior.
Light Jets
The situation with the light jets is quite similar. Great for short-distance flights (such as the first four destinations on our list) it cannot exceed the 400 knots barrier. It also needs refilling every 2,735 kilometres: as you can see, the difference is not considerable.
We recommend The Falcon Jet, again because of its elegance and comfort. Also, the luggage area is quite extensive in accordance with its size. It’s quite suitable for inter-city travel, such as the Las Vegas-San Francisco flight.
Midsize Jets
Midsize jets are usually the most popular option, since they strike a fine balance between size and speed. They can reach speeds of around 460 knots, and need refilling every 3,540 km, which makes them suitable for longer journeys — such as the one from Mexico City.
We recommend the Westwind II; with its speed of around 476 kilometres per hour, you’ll reach San Francisco in no time.
Heavy Jets
For the flights from London and Seoul, you better stick to the “heavier” options. They’re the true rulers of airspace, and the ultimate models of speed and comfort. Also, they are extremely durable and safe and can fly for 9 500 kilometres before needing a refill. Like we said, an obvious choice for intercontinental and overseas flights.
Falcon 900EX is the model we recommend in this case, because it strikes a fine balance between speed and durability. Also, like many of the heavy jets, it’s the epitome of comfort and luxury.
Conclusion
San Francisco is the perfect place to go to with a private jet. Well connected — both in the USA and outside of its borders — and beautiful in itself, it’s a great flying destination.
Just keep in mind the distances and the prices. The charters inside America are more affordable and available, especially with smaller types of jets. But, if you want to reach it from further away — like Europe or Asia — you’ll have to pay considerably more.
EN 
FR 
DE 
IT 
ES 
ES_MX 
ZH 
ZH_HK 
ZH_TW 
SV 
RU 
RO 
PT 
PT_BR 
PL 
NL 
JA 
FI 
KO 
DA 
NB 
TR