Flying from Los Angeles to San Diego: what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego. Explore the options for setting off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY), two of the city's main airports.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) are the major arrival points in San Diego.
A direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego takes an average of 58 minutes. San Diego's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as Los Angeles.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 177 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Los Angeles to San Diego is with United Airlines at 23:20. Choose the first LAX to SAN departure with Delta Air Lines at 08:35 to maximise your time in San Diego.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading away during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
When flying within United States, you won't need a visa or passport. However, you'll have to present some form of identification, such as an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've found cheap flights from Los Angeles to San Diego, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, you can depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Travel from LAX to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in one seamless trip.
When departing from LAX, you can catch a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego with United Airlines.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Los Angeles to San Diego leaving from Los Angeles International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
Located around 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 32 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The same journey on public transport takes roughly 54 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your break? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Los Angeles to San Diego or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Break up your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick another place off your list. Popular stopovers between Los Angeles International Airport and San Diego are:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
VNY is around 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. It takes 34 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before catching your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego? Relax in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your break officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego takes around 9 minutes by car. It's approximately 5 kilometres away.
Getting there on public transport takes about 20 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to SAN if you have a late flight from Los Angeles to San Diego. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
As soon as your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego has arrived, you can reach the city centre in about 39 minutes by car. Central San Diego is approximately 56 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
Public transport will get you there in around 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to CLD. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego:
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to San Diego
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego is 32 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 67 €. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Lock in cheap tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego by booking 8 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Plan your trip for April. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has fallen.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Los Angeles to San Diego.
Best time to go to San Diego
May is the quietest month for flights from Los Angeles to San Diego, while July is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to San Diego based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
When booking your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, think about the kind of weather you like. August is the warmest month in San Diego, with temperatures ranging from 17ºC to 28ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego in February when temperatures average between 7ºC and 23ºC.
More about San Diego
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring San Diego:
San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are a couple of popular attractions to add to your San Diego itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at SeaWorld San Diego.
Complete your San Diego trip with a car rental
Discover our range of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Los Angeles to San Diego. Whether you're looking for an economy ride, a standard vehicle or something with all the extras, you can compare companies in one go to get the best deal.
