Traveling from San Diego to Phoenix: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Check out your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Phoenix jetting off from either of these.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) are the chief entry points to Phoenix.
Jump on a direct San Diego to Phoenix flight and you'll be flying for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
San Diego and Phoenix are both in the UTC-7 timezone. This means you won't need to account for any time differences.
With 75 flights a week between the two airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from San Diego to Phoenix with American Airlines at 06:15. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from SAN to PHX is with Frontier Airlines at 22:15.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your San Diego to Phoenix flight.
Popular months like July or high seasons such as spring break and Thanksgiving will mean bigger lines at security and check-in. Traveling then? Play it safe and get to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of an international departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Phoenix
$43 is the best price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Phoenix. A return flight starts at $90. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
To snag cheap San Diego to Phoenix flights, reserve your journey two months ahead of your departure.
May is the best month for nabbing an amazing deal on a plane ticket from San Diego to Phoenix. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from San Diego to Phoenix by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Find a cheap San Diego to Phoenix flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from San Diego to Phoenix, you can depart from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in one seamless trip.
Choose from a variety of airlines offering direct San Diego to Phoenix plane tickets with departures from SAN, including:
SAN is about 2 miles from central San Diego. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the center, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 20 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel close to San Diego International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from San Diego to Phoenix, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
Of all flights leaving San Diego International Airport, 71.38% land on schedule at their destination.
SAN is located at N Harbor Dr.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
The distance from Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) to central Phoenix is roughly 15 miles. It takes about 35 minutes to get to the center driving.
Getting there on public transport takes about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Book a hotel close to PHX if you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego to Phoenix. Settle into one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is roughly 4 miles from central Phoenix. Once you've hopped off your flight from San Diego to Phoenix, it'll take you approximately 10 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 35 minutes on public transport.
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Grab a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Check out the availability and rates from Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at PHX can land you a better rate.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located at 3400 Sky Harbor Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is about 25 miles from the center of Phoenix. It'll take you about 40 minutes to reach the city center in a ride-share or cab after your flight from San Diego to Phoenix.
Whether you're searching for a mini just for you or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Alamo and Budget.
Get ahead of the game and reap the rewards. Book your ride from AZA two weeks before your flight from San Diego to Phoenix to access the best rates.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport's official address is 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
Visit San Diego during high season if you want a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from San Diego to San Diego in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a San Diego to Phoenix ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Phoenix to range from 79ºF to 111ºF.
Search for cheap flights from San Diego to Phoenix in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 39ºF and 68ºF on average.
More about Phoenix
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Phoenix, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Phoenix:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are leading attractions which should feature on any well-planned Phoenix itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've done Phoenix, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey around 300 miles west to San Diego to check off its must-visit sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 260 miles north-west of Phoenix, Las Vegas is another favorite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience.
