How to find cheap flights to San Diego
The lowest price we've found for a one-way flight to San Diego is $15. A return fare starts at $43.
Monitor fares easily with Price Alerts delivered right to your inbox or app. Just sign up for these automatic notifications and book at the perfect time, every time.
The earlier you book, the better. You might even be able to score some incredible early bird deals for your flight.
Select 'Add nearby airports' when searching to give you a better shot at finding cheap flights to San Diego. This will give you more choices for where you take off and land, along with different fares.
Indirect routes usually cost less, so consider taking a flight with a stop. Just uncheck the 'Direct flights' box when searching for your tickets.
Best time to go to San Diego
If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll help you find the cheapest month or day to fly.
To experience the city at its busiest, book your flights for July. Traveling during peak periods typically means there's more to see and do than at other times of the year.
May is the quietest month to travel if you want a more relaxed pace. There's also a good chance you'll find cheaper prices on plane tickets to San Diego then.
With averages of between 63ºF and 82ºF, August is when San Diego is at its warmest. Plan your visit around your weather preferences to make the most of your time here.
February has the lowest temperatures, ranging from about 45ºF to 73ºF.
June is the driest month in San Diego. You can leave your raincoat at home and enjoy clearer skies.
Traveling to San Diego: what you need to know
There are a few airports to consider when organizing your San Diego flight. Browse the options for jetting into San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
Most travelers arrive through San Diego International Airport (SAN), the main entry point to the city.
Avoid the layovers and travel to your destination in a single hop. Book a direct flight to San Diego with one of these popular airlines:
When you touch down in San Diego, you'll be in the UTC-7 timezone.
Once you've booked your ticket, choose a stay that fits seamlessly into your travel plans. Here are some comfy hotels to put on your short list:
Getting to central San Diego from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
SAN, the city's main gateway, is located about 3 miles from central San Diego.
If you're ride-sharing or taking a cab after your flight to San Diego, it'll take around 10 minutes to reach the center.
Expect the journey to take roughly 20 minutes when using public transport.
Take your pick of comfy hotels near San Diego International Airport. Check in and put your feet up at one of these after your flight to San Diego:
Eager to hit the road without delay? You can book a car rental at SAN with trusted suppliers such as Thrifty, Dollar and Budget. Hop into the driver's seat and get ready to explore San Diego and beyond.
San Diego highlights
Put these major attractions on your must-do list after hopping off your flight to San Diego:
San Diego Zoo: Around 2 miles north of the city center, this landmark is a classic place to start your sightseeing around the city.
Fashion Valley Shopping Center: You'll discover this shopping area roughly 4 miles north of the center. Do a little spending here in between seeing the sights of San Diego.
USS Midway Museum: Take on this landmark next. Around 1 mile west of the city center, it's worth checking out to get the full San Diego experience.
Explore more of the United States
There are plenty more places to explore in the United States, starting with Los Angeles. Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Bowl are must-visits in this city, which is about 110 miles northwest of San Diego. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most convenient airport for Los Angeles.
Long Beach is another standout destination in the United States and is roughly 95 miles northwest of San Diego. Get right to the good parts at attractions like Queen Mary, The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art.
About 90 miles northwest of San Diego, Anaheim is worth a detour. A few great reasons to visit include Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland/California Adventure.
Complete your trip with a San Diego car rental
Thinking of renting a car in the city? Browse the car rentals in San Diego and get behind the wheel when you're ready. Compare rates in one place to find the ideal match after you've booked your hotel and cheap flight to San Diego.