$45 Cheap flight deals from San Francisco (SJC) to Phoenix (PHX)

Phoenix features a vibrant nightlife, numerous museums, resorts and golf courses, but it's the warm winter weather and the sunshine that attracts tourists. When you use Orbitz.com to plan a trip from San Francisco to Phoenix, you'll find deals on airfare, hotel accommodations and more.

San Francisco International Airport

The San Francisco International Airport is located 13 miles south of downtown. Six airlines offer flights from San Francisco to Phoenix: US Airways, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

The airport has two long-term parking options for passengers boarding domestic flights. You can park in the short-term garage for $36 per day or the long-term garage for $18 per day. If you don't want to drive to the airport, you can take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) or a taxicab to the airport. Tickets for BART cost between $7 and $8.50. Cab fare from downtown San Francisco costs about $37.

If you have time to kill before your flight, you can grab something to eat. The airport has numerous dining options. If you want a sweet treat, visit Just Desserts. You can get breakfast, salads and sandwiches at Legends of San Francisco, or you can get a calzone at PIQ.

Phoenix, Arizona

Known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is located in the Salt Water River Valley. While the city itself is built on flat land, the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking backdrop. From avid golfers to people who love outdoor activities, anyone can find things to see and do in Phoenix.

Exploring Phoenix

Flights from San Francisco land at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The airport is located at 3400 East Sky Harbor Boulevard, 3 miles from downtown Phoenix. Trains and buses don't stop at the airport. However, the airport offers a free shuttle service to the 44th Street and Washington METRO light rail stop. You can take the shuttle bus to the station and then take either the bus or train to your final destination. Three taxi companies service the airport: Apache Taxi, AAA/Yellow Cab and Mayflower Cab. Cab fare costs $5 for the first mile and $2.30 for each additional mile. If you want access to your own vehicle while you're in Phoenix, you can make rental car reservations using Orbitz.com. The airport provides a shuttle bus to transport passengers from the terminal to the Rental Car Center. The Rental Car Center houses 11 rental car companies, including Advantage, Avis, Budget and Enterprise.

Phoenix has a subtropical desert climate with extremely hot summers and warm winters. If you're visiting Phoenix any time from May through September, be sure to pack light clothing. It's common for the daytime temperatures to reach or exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, it gets a little cooler, with average temperatures in the low 80s. The winter months are warm. High temperatures range from the mid-50s to the low 70s, and low temperatures tend to stay in the low 40s.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can go whitewater rafting in the Upper Salt River. Canyon Rio Rafting and Wilderness Aware Rafting both operate guided rafting tours. You can also go hiking along the trails on Camelback Mountain. If you'd prefer indoor entertainment, you can visit the Heard Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum, or the Arizona Science Center or see the Carnival of Illusion show.

Planning a Phoenix Vacation

From horseback riding to museums, Phoenix has plenty of things to keep you busy during your trip. Daily flights from San Francisco to Phoenix make it easy to plan your vacation. When you use Orbitz.com to make your travel arrangements, you can also make reservations for guided tours and purchase tickets for local attractions.