{ "response": { "Key": "MAD-SFO", "orig": { "code": "MAD", "type": "airport", "city": "Madrid", "fullCity": "Madrid, Spain", "airport": "Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport" }, "dest": { "code": "SFO", "type": "airport", "city": "San Francisco", "fullCity": "San Francisco, California", "airport": "San Francisco Intl Airport" }, "faq": { "q0": { "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "A nonstop flight from Madrid (MAD) to San Francisco (SFO) typically takes around 12 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 50 minutes. With one stop, common layovers like London, Paris, or New York can extend total travel time to 14 to 17 hours. The return flight from San Francisco to Madrid is often slightly longer, averaging 11 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 50 minutes nonstop." }, "q1": { "question": "Are there any direct flights from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Yes, Iberia flies non‑stop from Madrid to San Francisco. The service runs three times a week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — with departures around 12:35–12:45 PM, for a total of six weekly flights.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service and weekly frequencies are summarized from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). Where available, on-time and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, and typical fares from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines", "flight_schedule" ] }, "q2": { "question": "Are there visa requirements to travel from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Yes — there are travel‑authorization requirements for a flight from Madrid to San Francisco, depending on your citizenship: If you are a Spanish citizen, you may travel to the U.S. for short visits (tourism, business, etc.) without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, but you must obtain ESTA approval in advance. If you are a U.S. citizen, no visa is needed for entry into the U.S. For travelers going from San Francisco back to Madrid: U.S. citizens can visit Spain and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period without a visa for tourism or business. Non‑U.S. or non‑Spanish nationals should check both U.S. and Schengen visa requirements based on their citizenship." }, "q3": { "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San Francisco?", "answer": "San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers several ground transportation options to the city center. BART rapid rail is the fastest and most-used public transit, with a station in the International Terminal. Ride-share services like Lyft and Uber pick up on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage, while taxis are available outside Arrivals. Rental cars are accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line to the consolidated Rental Car Center, and autonomous Waymo rides are also available for select passengers. Hotel shuttles and SamTrans buses provide additional connections.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation", "title": "Ground Transportation | San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico", "time_published": "2026-04-08T21:19:40Z" }, { "url": "https://flysfo.com/de/node/10188", "title": "Ground Transportation | San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico", "time_published": "2026-04-08T21:19:40Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SFO", "title": "San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-27T05:13:36Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_International_Airport", "title": "San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-07-18T07:52:09Z" }, { "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/pt-br", "title": "Home Page | San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" } ] }, "q4": { "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "The cheapest months to fly from Madrid to San Francisco are September, October, and November, with average fares around $739–$763. The most expensive period is late spring through mid-summer, especially June when average prices peak at $1,199, followed by July and May.", "methodology": "This 'good deal' estimate shows a representative best price for each departure date across roughly a 12-month window (about 3 months back and 9 months forward). It is built from real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, accumulated into a price history for each departure date. Rather than weighting all of that history equally, we apply exponential time decay so recent prices dominate — a price seen yesterday counts almost in full, one from about a month ago roughly a third, and prices from a few months back very little — giving a figure that tracks today's market instead of a stale long-run average. Clear price outliers are removed before any calculation, departure dates with no observations are filled in from nearby dates, and the resulting curve is lightly smoothed so it reads as a clean seasonal trend rather than day-to-day noise. For this route, fares for the requested travel direction were unavailable, so the pattern shown is derived from the reverse direction, which shares the same seasonal demand cycle.", "toolsUsed": [ "seasonal_prices" ] }, "q5": { "question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "For flights from Madrid to San Francisco, the best fares are typically found when booking 10 to 13 weeks ahead, with an average price around $836. Booking at the last minute can push prices above $1,000, while the cheapest single fare observed was $833 at about 85 days out.", "methodology": "This booking-window guidance is built from the same real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, re-grouped by how many days before departure each price was seen (from the departure day out to about 180 days ahead) across the route's price history. At each booking lead time we report the 25th-percentile price — the cheaper end of what travelers were quoted, rather than the rock-bottom minimum (which can be a fluke) or the average (which is pulled up by expensive last-minute fares). The buy-or-wait advice then applies a risk premium that grows as departure approaches, since seat availability shrinks and prices become less predictable; using that adjusted curve we flag windows where waiting is likely to save a meaningful amount (at least $20 or 5%) versus windows where booking now is the better call. Isolated single-day recommendations are filtered out, so the advice only reflects a window that holds for several days in a row. For this route, fares for the requested travel direction were unavailable, so the pattern shown is derived from the reverse direction, which shares the same seasonal demand cycle.", "toolsUsed": [ "booking_timing" ] }, "q6": { "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "No overnight (red‑eye) flights operate from Madrid to San Francisco — neither nonstop red‑eyes nor connecting itineraries whose long leg is a red‑eye are available on this route.", "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.", "toolsUsed": [ "redeye_flights" ] }, "q7": { "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Iberia flies nonstop from Madrid to San Francisco, with six weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The typical median fare for these nonstop flights is around $1,095. Other carriers may also serve the route, often via a connection.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q8": { "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Madrid and San Francisco?", "answer": "Common layover cities between Madrid and San Francisco include London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt. These hubs offer broad connections and efficient transfers, with total travel times remaining competitive. Note that London may require a transit visa for some nationalities, while Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt allow visa-free transit for many passengers." }, "q9": { "question": "How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "On-time performance is generally reliable, though afternoon departures may face delays. Early morning flights, particularly those operated by Iberia, offer the best chance of departing on schedule." }, "q10": { "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San Francisco?", "answer": "September and October offer San Francisco's warmest, sunniest weather with fewer tourists than summer." }, "q11": { "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Bring a passport valid for your stay, a visa or ESTA authorization, proof of onward or return travel, a payment method for baggage and any required vaccination certificates." }, "q12": { "question": "Which airport should I use in San Francisco?", "answer": "San Francisco International is the primary airport, located about 13 miles south of downtown. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and a focus city for Alaska Airlines, offering extensive domestic and international connections. For most travelers, SFO is the best choice. Oakland International, across the bay, is a focus city for Southwest Airlines and often provides a lower-cost alternative with good access to the East Bay and San Francisco via BART. San Jose International is farther south, convenient for Silicon Valley business travelers and served by Southwest, Alaska, and various low-cost carriers." }, "q13": { "question": "How do I get to Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport from the city center?", "answer": "The Madrid Metro Line 8 from Nuevos Ministerios provides a fast, direct connection to all terminals for about €5, and is often the most popular choice. The 24-hour Exprés Aeropuerto bus runs from Atocha and Cibeles with similar frequency and cost. Taxis offer a door‑to‑door flat rate around €30 from the city center, while ride‑share services are available but may have designated pickup areas. Driving and parking is possible with several on‑airport lots, though the Metro or bus are typically quicker and cheaper.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip/en/aeropuertos/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/servicios-asistencia-pasajaros/meet-and-assist", "title": "Assistance services at Madrid Barajas Airport", "time_published": "2026-02-02T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip/en/aeropuertos/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/acceso-prioritario-fast-track", "title": "Preferential access at Adolfo Suarez Airport - Fast Track - Aena VIP Services", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid%E2%80%93Barajas%20Airport", "title": "Madrid–Barajas Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-23T21:26:07Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolfo_Suárez_Stadium", "title": "Adolfo Suárez Stadium", "time_published": "2026-01-20T00:40:19Z" }, { "url": "http://www.aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-adolfo-suarez/airport-services/shops-and-restaurants/sunglass-hut.html&p=1575047980206&t=t2", "title": "Sunglass Hut | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" } ] }, "q14": { "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San Francisco airport?", "answer": "San Francisco International Airport has the Grand Hyatt at SFO, an on‑site hotel connected to the terminals via the AirTrain, so no shuttle is required. There are no capsule hotels or sleeping pods inside the terminals, but the airport does offer hourly nap rooms and showers in the International Terminal. Several nearby hotels like the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront and The Westin San Francisco Airport provide complimentary shuttle service.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-francisco-airport-guide.htm", "title": "San Francisco Airport Guide (SFO) - Sleeping in Airports", "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png", "time_published": "2018-10-02T00:00:42Z" }, { "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sfobg-san-francisco-airport-marriott-waterfront/overview/?EM=DNM_SANFRANCISCOAIRPORTMARRIOTT.COM", "title": "SFO Airport Hotel | San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront", "time_published": "2025-02-19T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sfowi-the-westin-san-francisco-airport/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0", "title": "The Westin San Francisco Airport (Official Site) - SFO Hotel", "time_published": "2025-02-19T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax?content_type=things_to_do&location=3&sort_by=random", "title": "Shop/Dine/Relax | San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2025-10-22T23:13:26Z" }, { "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax?content_type=All&gate_area=All&https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax?https://www_flysfo_com/passengers/shop-dine-relax?https://www_flysfo_com/passengers/shop-dine-relax?location=2&location=1659&security=All&service_tags=All&sort_by=random", "title": "Shop/Dine/Relax | San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2025-10-22T23:13:26Z" }, { "url": "http://www.flysfo.com/de/node/14691", "title": "Press Releases | San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2025-07-09T15:54:20Z" } ] }, "q15": { "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at San Francisco Intl Airport?", "answer": "San Francisco International Airport offers currency exchange services in the International Terminal and select other locations, a Reflection Room for prayer and meditation, and free Wi‑Fi throughout all terminals. The Reflection Room is a quiet space available for self‑reflection and prayer, while the Wi‑Fi network is accessible airport‑wide at no charge.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax", "title": "Shop/Dine/Relax | San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2026-03-12T16:15:43Z" }, { "url": "http://www.flysfo.com/welcome-terminal-3", "title": "Welcome to Terminal 3 | San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "http://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico", "time_published": "2026-05-08T21:34:33Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_International_Airport", "title": "San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2026-07-18T07:52:09Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San%20Francisco%20International%20Airport", "title": "San Francisco International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-28T21:12:40Z" }, { "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities", "title": "Services & Amenities | San Francisco International Airport", "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico", "time_published": "2026-03-03T22:32:54Z" } ] }, "q17": { "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "There is no nonstop service from Madrid to San Francisco, so connecting flights are the norm. On the long-haul leg, typical aircraft include the Boeing 777-200, 777, 787-9, and Airbus A350-900, with some flights operated by the Boeing 747-8I or A380-800 depending on the routing and airline. The exact aircraft varies by day and carrier, but widebody twins are most common; Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment are generally available on these aircraft.", "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_aircraft" ] }, "q18": { "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Iberia (IB), which is a member of the oneworld alliance, is the only airline operating nonstop from Madrid to San Francisco, with six weekly flights. No other alliance has a nonstop presence on this route, though other alliances may serve it via connections.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q20": { "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Madrid?", "answer": "At Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), the airline-branded lounges are the Sala VIP lounges operated by Aena: Sala VIP Cibeles in Terminal 1, Sala VIP Puerta De Alcala in Terminal 2, Sala VIP Puerta Del Sol in Terminal 3, and Sala VIP Plaza Mayor in Terminal 4. Non-Schengen passengers in the Terminal 4 Satellite can access the Neptuno Lounge, which is open 24 hours and offers a quiet space with runway views. The Hub Lounge Aerotel in Terminal 4 is a pay-per-use option with sleep pods and showers. Most lounges accept Priority Pass and are available to business class passengers and elite status holders on partner airlines, though access policies vary by lounge.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/spain/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas", "title": "Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD Lounges - MAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/spain/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas", "title": "Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD Lounges - MAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-xb/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MAD", "title": "American Express Lounges at Madrid Barajas Airport | Amex XB", "time_published": "2026-05-05T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-au/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MAD", "title": "American Express Lounges at Madrid Barajas Airport | Amex AU", "favicon": "https://www.americanexpress.com/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png" }, { "url": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip/en/aeropuertos/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/salas-vip/neptuno", "title": "Neptuno VIP Lounge at Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport - Aena VIP Services", "favicon": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip" } ] }, "q21": { "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Baggage allowance depends on the airline and fare class. Basic economy tickets may not include a checked bag, while standard international economy usually includes one checked bag and a carry‑on. Premium cabins offer more generous allowances." }, "q22": { "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Madrid to San Francisco?", "answer": "Madrid to San Francisco flights typically offer Economy and flat‑bed Business class. Premium Economy is available on some carriers; First class is rare." }, "q23": { "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Policies differ by airline and fare class; flexible and premium cabin tickets typically allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy and restricted fares usually do not." } } } }