Updated July 2026
Aer Lingus operates direct seasonal flights from Dublin to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), typically running from May through to October. Outside the seasonal window, connecting itineraries via London, New York, or Toronto cover the route year-round. The direct flight is approximately 10.5–11 hours westbound. All US-bound passengers clear US Customs at Dublin Airport via Preclearance. Use the live search below to compare fares, then check the route guide for airline and booking details.
Aer Lingus operates the only non-stop DUB–SFO service, typically running May through October. This is a long-haul route — approximately 10.5–11 hours westbound — so seat comfort and baggage inclusions matter more than on short-haul sectors. Aer Lingus flies with Airbus A330 aircraft on this route. Outside the seasonal window, travellers connect via London Heathrow with British Airways, or via New York JFK or Chicago ORD with Aer Lingus onward.
All US-bound passengers from Dublin benefit from US Preclearance — US Customs and Border Protection is physically located at Dublin Airport Terminal 2. You clear US immigration before departure, arriving at SFO as a domestic passenger with no US immigration queue. For an early morning departure, allow at least 3.5 hours before your scheduled flight time. Preclearance queues during peak summer months can be substantial.
Fares on the direct seasonal Aer Lingus service peak in July and August. If your dates fall outside the seasonal window (typically November–April), connecting itineraries are the only option and fares are generally lower. Booking the direct service 3–4 months in advance for summer travel locks in reasonable fares before peak surge pricing. Red-eye options via New York can be cheaper but add 3–5 hours to total journey time.
Irish passport holders travelling to the US must hold a valid ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program. Apply at the official portal (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) before check-in. An ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years, and covers multiple trips. Approvals are usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. Never use third-party ESTA websites — they charge additional fees on top of the $21 official cost.
Yes, seasonally. Aer Lingus operates non-stop Dublin to San Francisco flights typically from May through October. Outside that window you will need a connecting itinerary via London, New York, or another hub. The direct flight is approximately 10.5–11 hours westbound.
Aer Lingus is the sole operator of non-stop DUB–SFO services, running seasonally in summer. Year-round connections are available via British Airways through London Heathrow, or via Aer Lingus connections through New York JFK or Chicago O'Hare.
Irish passport holders travelling on the Visa Waiver Program must hold a valid US ESTA. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — cost is $21, valid for 2 years. Most approvals are instant. Do not use third-party ESTA websites that charge excessive fees.
US Customs and Border Protection operates at Dublin Airport Terminal 2. You complete US immigration before departure, landing in San Francisco as a domestic passenger with no immigration queue on arrival. Allow at least 3.5 hours before your scheduled departure.
BART connects SFO's International Terminal directly to downtown San Francisco in approximately 30 minutes for under $10. It operates from early morning until midnight and is significantly cheaper than taxis or rideshare.
November through March offers the cheapest fares for connecting itineraries. If you want the direct Aer Lingus summer service, book 3–4 months in advance to lock in fares before peak pricing.
The direct westbound flight is approximately 10.5 to 11 hours. The eastbound return is typically 11.5 to 12 hours. Connecting itineraries add 3–6 hours depending on the hub and layover time.
Aer Lingus does operate a seasonal direct Dublin to San Francisco (SFO) service, typically running during the summer months. Outside the summer season, the most common option is a one-stop itinerary via a North American or European hub. Check the current schedule at booking — availability and frequency vary significantly by year and season.
A direct Dublin to San Francisco westbound flight takes approximately 11–12 hours. Eastbound (SFO–DUB) is typically 10–11 hours due to favourable tailwinds. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 21 km south of downtown San Francisco.