SFO to Seattle Weekend Getaway: Flights, Hotels, and What to Do in 48 Hours

Seattle from SFO is two and a half hours. Alaska, Delta, United, and Southwest all compete on the route, keeping prices in the $100 to $230 range for round trips. Friday evening departures are plentiful, and you can be having dinner in Capitol Hill by 9 PM.

SFO vs OAK for this trip

Both airports have nonstop Seattle service. OAK is often slightly cheaper and has shorter security lines. If you live in the East Bay, fly OAK. If you're on the Peninsula or in SF, SFO is easier. Check both before booking.

Seattle vs Portland for a weekend

We get asked this a lot by Bay Area travelers deciding between the two. Seattle is bigger, has more variety (waterfront, museums, neighborhoods), and feels more like a "city trip." Portland is cozier, cheaper, and better for food-focused wandering. Both are excellent for a weekend. If this is your first Pacific Northwest trip, Seattle has more to see. If you've been to Seattle, Portland is the better return trip.

The plan

Saturday: Pike Place Market early (before 10 AM), walk the waterfront, ferry to Bainbridge Island in the afternoon, Capitol Hill for dinner and bars. Sunday: brunch in Ballard or Fremont, Museum of Pop Culture or Chihuly Garden, fly home mid-afternoon.

The light rail connects Sea-Tac Airport to downtown in 40 minutes for $3. No need for a rental car.

What it costs

$400 to $650 per person. Flights $100-230, hotels $150-200 per night downtown. Seattle dining prices are comparable to SF. See SFO to Seattle packages.