- 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 East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 42 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $133 (€109) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 58m. February is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€109) |
Flights per day 42 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 58m |
First flight 5:05 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $133.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$367 Average price | $39 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $39 (€32).
A bus is $338 (€277) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $367 (€301).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
Compare bus, train, 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 East Los Angeles, CA 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 East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA flights use the Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego International Airport airport pair, with some services landing at McClellan-Palomar Airport. Use this guide to compare East Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
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