- 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 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 $193 (€158) but you can travel from only $144 (€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 $193 (€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
$488
Average price
$724
Fastest journey
6 h 38 m
Average duration
6 h 46 m
Flights per day
54
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 $724 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $488.
It's difficult to get from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
UA2302 · UA5507
UA426 · UA1902 · UA5508
AA1924+
AA3498
AA1924+
AA4103
AA899+
AA6465
AA1790 · AA559
AA1792 · AA2485
AA3141 · AA2477
AA1924+
AA3980
AA1793 · AA1243Omio 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 $144. 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 $144, and a flight costs an average of $193.
Distance: 1967 miles (3167 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$575 Average price | $225 Average price Cheapest | $267 Average price | $474 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 $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $267 (€219).
A bus is $350 (€286) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $575 (€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, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Detroit, MI | 12h50 | 4:20 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:11 PM Detroit, MI | 11h50 | 4:01 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:33 PM Detroit, MI | 13h00 | 6:33 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Detroit, MI | 9h06 | 4:46 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:52 PM Detroit, MI | 10h06 | 6:58 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:14 PM Detroit, MI | 9h45 | 6:59 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
AA1108 · AA2476 | 5:37 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h32 | 10:09 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA5170+ AA1621 | 6:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h13 | 11:13 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4055 · UA1930 | 6:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h38 | 10:38 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1114 · UA2399 | 6:15 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 10h06 | 1:21 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1114 · UA2491 | 6:15 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h36 | 10:51 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2482+ AA6465 | 6:45 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h48 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA899+ AA6465 | 6:45 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 14h43 | 6:28 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA3652 · UA2147 | 7:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h37 | 12:37 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA3652 · UA1343 | 7:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 16h53 | 8:53 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1355 · UA2431 · UA1940 | 7:05 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h36 | 12:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1355 · UA660 | 7:05 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h16 | 11:21 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1355 · UA1803 · UA1281 | 7:05 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 13h15 | 5:20 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1355 · UA543 · UA1561 | 7:05 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 14h34 | 6:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA482 · AA3102 | 7:47 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h24 | 12:11 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2302 · UA5507 | 8:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 8h00 | 1:00 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2302 · UA5529 | 8:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 15h43 | 8:43 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2302 · UA1940 | 8:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h41 | 12:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2302 · UA1302 | 8:00 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 9h55 | 2:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3141 · AA559 | 8:04 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 16h30 | 9:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3141 · AA2466 | 8:04 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 13h15 | 6:19 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3141 · AA2470 | 8:04 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 10h23 | 3:27 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3141 · AA2477 | 8:04 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 6h46 | 11:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA426 · UA2683 | 8:50 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 9h37 | 3:27 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA426 · UA1902 · UA1343 | 8:50 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 15h03 | 8:53 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA426 · UA1902 · UA5508 | 8:50 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 14h37 | 8:27 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA3500 · UA2163 | 10:13 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 7h50 | 3:03 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1924+ AA4103 | 10:33 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 13h54 | 9:27 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA899+ AA4103 | 10:33 AM Detroit Wayne County Airport | 10h55 | 6:28 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 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 — 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 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.

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