We focused on investigating the propagation characteristics of surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in SAW-based single-electron-transport (SAW/SET) devices. SAW/SET devices operating in the gigahertz frequency range were fabricated on a GaAs/Al(x)Ga(1-x)As heterostructure. The transmittance and reflection performances of SAW/SET devices were obtained via the electrical measurement. Modeling based on coupling-of-modes theory was introduced to analyze SAW/ SET devices. Based on this model, many second-order effects such as propagation loss and the mechanical and electrical loadings caused by electrode perturbation of the surface were taken into account. Multiple-transit reflections of SAWs were also contained in the calculation. The calculated transmittance and reflection performances were in good agreement with the measured data. Furthermore, we proposed four interference types which could satisfactorily explain the periodic oscillations presented in the acoustoelectric current versus frequency characteristics.