Traveling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to San Diego: what you need to know
The timezone in San Diego is UTC-7. The city is 20 hours behind Auckland, where Auckland Airport is located.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your AKL to San Diego flight.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself a little extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from AKL to San Diego. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Traveling from central Auckland to AKL takes about 1 hour 25 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 miles in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near AKL. Whether you have an early flight from Auckland Airport to San Diego or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
Of all flights leaving Auckland Airport, 69.31% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to San Diego
$418 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Auckland Airport to San Diego flight. A round-trip ticket right now is $988. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to land cheap flights from AKL to San Diego if you book early. Airlines often have some great early bird discounts.
Scoring cheap tickets from Auckland Airport to San Diego is easier if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to access the lowest fares across the month and score an awesome deal.
Finding a cheap flight from AKL to San Diego couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Find an affordable flight from Auckland Airport to San Diego with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is around 3 miles from the center of San Diego. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 10 minutes.
It takes around 20 minutes when traveling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Auckland Airport to San Diego. Reserve one of these accommodation options near SAN instead:
Grab a San Diego International Airport rental car and discover San Diego and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are top providers you can book with here.
Booking your ride from San Diego International Airport about two weeks before your flight from AKL to San Diego can help you lock in the best possible rate.
You'll find SAN at N Harbor Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is around 35 miles from the center of San Diego. Following your flight from Auckland Airport to San Diego, it'll take you around 40 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 2 hours 15 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to CLD. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your AKL to San Diego flight:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Budget, Hertz or Avis and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Generally, the earlier you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from CLD as soon as your plans are confirmed.
Best time to go to San Diego
Visit San Diego during peak season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Auckland Airport to San Diego in the low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 63ºF and 82ºF. Lock in your Auckland Airport to San Diego plane ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
February sees average temperatures of between 45ºF and 73ºF. Look for a cheap ticket from AKL to San Diego around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Auckland Airport to San Diego, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are essential stops on your San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of United States
San Diego will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United States you should also see. Around 110 miles north-west of San Diego, a visit to Los Angeles will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in United States, consider Phoenix, roughly 300 miles east of San Diego. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are key highlights.
