Travelling from San Francisco International (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM): what you need to know
Around 17 hours 20 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from San Francisco International to Mumbai.
Mumbai's timezone is UTC+5:30, making Mumbai 13 hours 30 minutes ahead of San Francisco.
You can choose from three weekly San Francisco International to Mumbai flights. The 20:30 departure with Air India is the earliest flight you can take. Air India operates the latest service of the day at 22:25.
Your SFO to BOM flight won't wait if you're running late, so get to the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead for international travel.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Getting to Mumbai (and then exploring more of India!) is a snap with Air India. This popular carrier has direct flights from San Francisco International to Mumbai.
Most passengers choose to fly with Air India on this route.
Among carriers operating SFO to BOM flights, Air India has the best track record for timely arrivals.
We make it a breeze to book a flight with a stopover. To see all your options for tickets from San Francisco International to Mumbai, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Top stopovers between SFO and BOM include:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International
London Heathrow
Bengaluru
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Mumbai (BOM)
At the moment, ₹ 28,240 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way San Francisco International to Mumbai flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is ₹ 65,121. Keep in mind that fares may change due to availability when booking.
To secure cheap tickets from SFO to BOM, book your journey 11 months ahead of your departure.
Schedule your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for flights from San Francisco International to Mumbai. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You won't have to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's a new deal on cheap flights from SFO to BOM.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals on flights from San Francisco International to Mumbai.
Handy information about San Francisco International (SFO)
Of all flights departing from San Francisco International, 78% arrive on time at their destination.
To get to San Francisco International from central San Francisco, it'll take about 25 minutes if you're planning to drive. Of course, this depends on traffic. It's approximately 21 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
You can expect a journey time of around 35 minutes when using public transport.
Booked an early flight from San Francisco International to Mumbai? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to SFO:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Mumbai Airport (BOM)?
Flights from SFO to BOM typically include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect regarding baggage policies:
Air India
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Mumbai Airport (BOM), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
Emirates
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x38x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Mumbai Airport (BOM), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
British Airways
Carry-on allowance: 23kg cabin bag (56x45x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Terminal A
Arrival terminal: Mumbai Airport (BOM), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure
You can access comprehensive facilities at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) including complimentary Wi-Fi throughout all terminals, numerous dining and shopping options, and dedicated nursing rooms for families travelling with infants. The airport also provides currency exchange services, ATMs, and various lounges for passenger comfort. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers efficient transport connections including BART rail service, rental car facilities, and multiple parking options for your convenience.
Arriving at Mumbai (BOM)
Reserve a hotel near BOM if you have a late San Francisco International to Mumbai flight. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Mumbai rental car. Grab your wheels from Europcar, Avis or North Car Hire to explore Mumbai and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Mumbai around four weeks in advance increases your chances of getting a good deal.
Getting from Mumbai (BOM) to central Mumbai
Mumbai is roughly 24 kilometres from the centre of Mumbai. Driving there takes about 45 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour.
When to fly to Mumbai (BOM)
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from San Francisco International to Mumbai. February is the most popular month to visit Mumbai. If you'd like a quieter vibe, go in March.
Lock in your flight from San Francisco International to Mumbai for April if you'd like to go to Mumbai during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures of between 25ºC and 34ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from SFO to BOM in January. Temperatures average between 20ºC and 31ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Mumbai is tropical with warm temperatures year-round, distinct wet and dry seasons, and high humidity levels. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Mumbai's winter months offer cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making this one of the best times to explore Mumbai. Pack light cotton clothes for daytime and a thin jacket for evening outings.
March – May: Summer brings hot, humid weather to Mumbai with temperatures rising steadily through the season. Stay cool with lightweight cotton clothes and plan indoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours.
June – September: Mumbai's monsoon season delivers warm, humid days with frequent rainfall that transforms the city into a lush, green landscape. Light, quick-dry clothing works best for navigating the wet weather, while indoor attractions and covered markets offer excellent rainy-day exploration opportunities.
October – November: Post-monsoon weather brings relief with moderate humidity and gentle breezes. You'll find this ideal for exploring outdoor attractions, walking tours, and sightseeing across the city's vibrant neighbourhoods.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Mumbai draws millions with its film industry, street food culture, and mix of colonial architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. The city runs on fast-paced energy where local trains connect diverse neighbourhoods, from upmarket areas to traditional markets. Whether you're booking flights to Mumbai for business or leisure, expect a city that never quite slows down.
Things to do in Mumbai: Stroll along Marine Drive, the seafront promenade about 2 kilometres south of the city centre, and watch the waves crash against the seawall. Head to Juhu Beach, roughly 18 kilometres northwest, for street food vendors and sunset views over the Arabian Sea. Explore Crawford Market, approximately 3 kilometres southeast in the Fort district, where you can browse fresh produce, spices, and textiles under the Victorian-era architecture.
Cultural experiences: Browse ancient manuscripts at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, about 8 kilometres southeast of central Mumbai, or catch classical Indian dance performances at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Nariman Point, roughly 2 kilometres south. Sample traditional Maharashtrian thali in the historic Fort district, just 1 kilometre southeast, and discover the region's culinary heritage through street food tours in Crawford Market.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi in August and September when the city comes alive with processions and celebrations. The cooler months from October to February offer the best time to visit Mumbai for outdoor exploration and comfortable sightseeing. Join the festivities during Navratri in September and October with traditional dance and music events throughout the city.
Explore more of India
Ahmedabad is just one of the many places in India waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Mumbai. Around 451 kilometres away to the north, check out popular attractions including Akshardham Temple, Centre of akshardham and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Pune is another standout destination in India and is around 121 kilometres south-east of Mumbai. No trip is complete without dropping by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Shaniwar Wada and Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple.