- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Flights from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA depart on average 55 times per day, taking around 5h 47m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €158 but you can travel from only €118 by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:54. The fastest flight covers the 1967 miles (3167 km) distance in 6h 52m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1967 miles (3167 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price €158 |
Flights per day 55 |
Fastest flight 6h 52m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 days |
Cheapest price
€158
Average price
€414
Fastest journey
9 h 1 m
Average duration
10 h 42 m
Flights per day
3
Distance
3167 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA will cost around €414 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €158.
Of the 3 flights that leave Detroit, MI for San Diego, CA onTue, Aug 04, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct flights cover the 3167 km distance in an average of 10 h 42 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 9 h 1 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the longest flights will take 14 h 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €118. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €118, and a flight costs an average of €158.
Distance: 1967 miles (3167 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€471 Average price | €185 Average price Cheapest | €219 Average price | €388 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 47m Average total duration Fastest 5h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 50h 20m Average total duration 49h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 51h 36m Average total duration 51h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
9.5 - 19.0kg CO2 emissions | 3.2 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA:
A bus is €34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average €219.
A bus is €286 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average €471.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 49h 50m.
Train takes on average 51h 6m.
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA flights for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA302 · UA5529 | 3:32 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h21 | 8:53 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA302 · UA540 | 3:32 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h14 | 8:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1793 · AA2568 | 3:52 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 11h07 | 11:59 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1793 · AA1243 | 3:52 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h11 | 8:03 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1793 · AA818 · AA559 | 3:52 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h42 | 9:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1793 · AA1011 | 3:52 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 9h45 | 10:37 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1770 · AA3322 | 4:17 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h28 | 9:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA3666 · UA1513 | 4:48 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 9h52 | 11:40 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1863 | 5:29 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h20 | 10:49 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS313 · AS467 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 22h30 | 1:01 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS313 · AS590 · AS3455 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 17h13 | 7:44 AM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS313 · AS1471 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 19h52 | 10:23 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS313 · AS1398 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h50 | 11:21 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS313 · AS1346 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 23h47 | 2:18 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS313 · AS3343 · AS3402 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 16h53 | 7:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS313 · AS1361 | 5:31 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 18h39 | 9:10 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1790 · AA559 | 5:57 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 6h37 | 9:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2457+ AA3980 | 6:11 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h15 | 11:26 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5264 · UA1531 | 6:20 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h14 | 10:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1786 · AA2568 | 7:51 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h08 | 11:59 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2484+ AA3500 | 9:20 PM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 14h44 | 9:04 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 1:43 PM Detroit, MI | 14h00 | 3:43 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA flights use the Detroit Wayne County Airport to San Diego International Airport airport pair, with some services landing at McClellan-Palomar Airport. Use this guide to compare Detroit, MI and San Diego, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Detroit Wayne County Airport is 3 km from Detroit city centre. Public transport options include:
Detroit Wayne County 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 are located in both Mcmara and North terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and Italian. Top options include Chick-fil-A and Andiamo.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout both terminals, near gates and baggage claimas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Detroit Wayne County Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Detroit Wayne County Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Detroit Wayne County Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels are available within walking distance, including The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport Hotel located in the Mcmara terminal..
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