Travelling from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN): what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Explore the options for taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY), two of the city's main airports.
Jump on a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport and you'll be in the air for an average of 58 minutes.
San Diego's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as Los Angeles. San Diego International Airport is located in San Diego.
The most popular route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), with 177 direct services every week. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from LAX to SAN is the 08:35 Delta option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 23:20 with United.
To ensure you catch your flight from Los Angeles to SAN, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Flying during a peak time like July? Popular seasons (like summer, Christmas/New Year and spring break) can add another hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Take off and land with no stops from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Direct flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN) operate from here.
Delta is a popular carrier that offers direct flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport leaving from LAX.
LAX is approximately 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This essential traveller tool will show you the best route and your public transport options.
After an easy start to your travels? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Planning to leave from Van Nuys Airport (VNY)? You can reserve a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN) out of this busy hub.
From VNY, direct flights from Los Angeles to SAN can be booked with United.
You can arrive at VNY from the centre of Los Angeles in about 34 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour and 41 minutes to travel the 32 kilometres or so.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before your flight from Los Angeles to SAN? Relax in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these options near SAN:
Getting from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego
San Diego International Airport is approximately 5 kilometres from central San Diego. With your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 9 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 20 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport is R 598. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,428. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
You're more likely to find cheap tickets from Los Angeles to SAN if you book 7 months before takeoff. We crunched the flight price data and found that's when fares for this route are usually at their lowest.
You'll score the biggest savings on your tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport by travelling in April. Take it one step further and use the 'Whole month' search tool to see the cheapest day to fly out.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to SAN is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as the price drops.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport. Simply enter your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport. July is the most popular month for a trip to San Diego. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in May.
Before you book a flight from Los Angeles to SAN, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in San Diego, with the temperature ranging from 17ºC to 28ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport in February if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about San Diego
After booking your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring San Diego:
San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are just two of the popular attractions to add to your San Diego must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at SeaWorld San Diego.
Complete your San Diego trip with a car rental
Once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, the next step is choosing one of our car rentals in San Diego. Browse the exclusive deals and instantly compare your options on price, pick-up convenience, fuel policies, and more.