- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Flights from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA depart on average 52 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $168 (€137) if you book in advance.
The earliest flight runs at 05:02, the last at 23:29. The fastest flight covers the 1952 miles (3143 km) distance in 6h 56m. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1952 miles (3143 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $168 (€137) |
Flights per day 52 |
Fastest flight 6h 56m |
First flight 5:02 AM |
Last flight 11:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Cheapest price
$254
Average price
$962
Fastest journey
6 h 34 m
Average duration
6 h 47 m
Flights per day
50
Distance
3143 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA will cost around $962 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $254.
Of the 50 flights that leave Columbus, OH for San Diego, CA onSun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct flights cover the 3143 km distance in an average of 6 h 47 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 6 h 34 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the longest flights will take 7 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
AA1689 · AA559
AA1279 · AA2485
AA2476+
AA3418
UA1597 · UA2177
AA1279 · AA2458
AA1689 · AA559
AA1958 · AA2477
AA2484+
AA4487
UA728 · UA5507
AA1279 · AA2485Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $168. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $168, and a bus costs an average of $183.
Distance: 1952 miles (3143 km)
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$188 Average price Cheapest | $232 Average price | $447 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 34m Average total duration Fastest 5h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 55h 30m Average total duration 55h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 32h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA:
A flight is $44 (€36) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA costing on average $232 (€190).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 55h 0m.
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA flights for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA3524 · UA2428 | 5:20 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h08 | 9:28 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2484+ AA4487 | 5:30 AM John Glenn International Airport | 6h45 | 9:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3102+ AA3418 | 5:45 AM John Glenn International Airport | 9h26 | 12:11 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2476+ AA3418 | 5:45 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h24 | 10:09 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2980 · AA1621 | 6:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 8h13 | 11:13 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA3495 · UA635 · UA2855 | 6:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 13h24 | 4:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA3206 · AA466 | 6:01 AM John Glenn International Airport | 10h04 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2205 · UA2491 | 6:30 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h21 | 10:51 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2482+ AA4041 | 6:30 AM John Glenn International Airport | 9h03 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1597 · UA2177 | 7:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h51 | 11:51 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA466 · UA660 | 7:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h21 | 11:21 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2380 · AA3102 | 7:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 8h11 | 12:11 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2380 · AA2459 | 7:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 10h20 | 2:20 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3217 · AA466 | 8:03 AM John Glenn International Airport | 8h02 | 1:05 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1958 · AA2477 | 8:06 AM John Glenn International Airport | 6h44 | 11:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2482+ AA3572 | 8:20 AM John Glenn International Airport | 7h13 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA3484 · UA1803 · UA1302 | 9:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 8h55 | 2:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA3484 · UA543 · UA2855 | 9:00 AM John Glenn International Airport | 10h24 | 4:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA3467 · UA2690 | 9:07 AM John Glenn International Airport | 13h43 | 7:50 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA728 · UA1561 | 9:10 AM John Glenn International Airport | 12h29 | 6:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA728 · UA5507 | 9:10 AM John Glenn International Airport | 6h50 | 1:00 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA728 · UA1302 | 9:10 AM John Glenn International Airport | 8h45 | 2:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park art museum known for Spanish old masters, South Asian works, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark building.
Leading contemporary art museum with major postwar and current works, especially strong in Southern California and Pacific Rim artists.
Vast cultural park with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, walking paths, and some of San Diego's best photo spots.
Scenic cove known for sea lions, clear water, coastal cliffs, and highly shareable sunset and ocean-view walks.
Wide sandy beach beside the Hotel del Coronado, popular for walking, photography, and classic Southern California scenery.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature coastal San Diego staple with strong Baja influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and casual foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shop culture.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant serving fresh local catch, fish tacos, and sandwiches in a relaxed harbor setting near the fishing fleet.
Historic, no-frills Mexican restaurant famous for house-made tortillas, rolled tacos, and comforting traditional plates. A beloved local institution with a classic atmosphere.
Iconic casual spot in Ocean Beach known for oversized burgers, fries, and a lively beach-town vibe. A long-standing San Diego favorite.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA flights use the John Glenn International Airport to San Diego International Airport airport pair, with some services landing at McClellan-Palomar Airport. Use this guide to compare Columbus, OH and San Diego, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
John Glenn International Airport is 2 km from Columbus city centre. Public transport options include:
John Glenn International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Various locations, including American, Italian, and fast food
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at John Glenn International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at John Glenn International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at John Glenn International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, such as Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn..
San Diego International Airport is 4 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Diego International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance..
McClellan-Palomar Airport has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at McClellan-Palomar Airport: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need