Journey information
Overview: San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA flight
Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA depart on average 36 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $127 (€103) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 1h 2m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $127 (€103) |
Flights per day 36 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 1h 2m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
The cheapest and fastest flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Cheapest price
$168
Average price
$346
Fastest journey
1 h 2 m
Average duration
4 h 22 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA will cost around $346 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
Of the 4 flights that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Monica, CA onTue, May 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct flights cover the 191 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 2 m .
On Tue, May 19 the longest flights will take 14 h 8 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.
2:11 AM14h08San Diego, CA4:19 PMSanta Monica, CA$1681One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM1h04San Diego, CA2:19 PMSanta Monica, CA$2461One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM1h13San Diego, CA3:28 PMSanta Monica, CA$4651One-way0 transfers
3:37 AM1h02San Diego, CA4:39 AMSanta Monica, CA$5061One-way0 transfers
3:37 AM1h02San Diego, CA4:39 AMSanta Monica, CA$5061One-way0 transfers
1:15 PM1h04San Diego, CA2:19 PMSanta Monica, CA$2461One-way0 transfers
2:15 PM1h13San Diego, CA3:28 PMSanta Monica, CA$4651One-way0 transfers
2:11 AM14h08San Diego, CA4:19 PMSanta Monica, CA$1681One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $127.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$409 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $50 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 45m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA:
A bus is $17 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA costing on average $50 (€40).
A bus is $376 (€304) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA costing on average $409 (€330).
Other travel options to Santa Monica, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 38m.
Flight takes on average 5h 45m.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA flight times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA flights for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:11 AM San Diego, CA | 14h08 | 4:19 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:37 AM San Diego, CA | 1h02 | 4:39 AM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 PM San Diego, CA | 1h04 | 2:19 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 PM San Diego, CA | 1h13 | 3:28 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA by bus, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
FAQs: San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts, a series of free outdoor concerts featuring diverse musical acts on the iconic pier
- Santa Monica Farmers Market, a vibrant weekly market showcasing local produce, artisanal goods, and live entertainment
- Santa Monica Film Festival, an annual celebration of independent films with screenings, panels, and networking opportunities.
- Santa Monica Pier, an iconic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean
- Third Street Promenade, a bustling pedestrian street known for shopping, dining, and street performances
- Santa Monica State Beach, a popular beach offering sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball
- Palisades Park, a picturesque park with walking paths, ocean views, and public art installations
- Tongva Park, a modern urban park with unique landscaping, play areas, and art installations.
- Pacific Park, a family-friendly amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier with rides and games
- Santa Monica Farmers Market, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, local goods, and live music
- Heal the Bay Aquarium, an educational marine center located under the Santa Monica Pier
- Bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a scenic coastal path perfect for cycling enthusiasts
- Enjoy a sunset yoga session on Santa Monica Beach, offering a serene experience with ocean views.
- Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer with vibrant beach activities and events
- Independence Day, spectacular fireworks over the ocean and festive celebrations
- Labor Day, a lively atmosphere with warm weather perfect for beach outings.
popular airports
Popular airports from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport.
- Shops in terminals 1 and 2, including Duty-Free and Hudson News.
- Parking available, price varies.
- Restaurants in terminals 1 and 2, including fast food and sit-down options like The Counter and Phil's BBQ
- Available outside the terminal.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available throughout the airport.
- Hotels nearby, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Mari within walking distance.
- Showers available at the Airspace Lounge, access fee required.
- Lounges available, including United Club and Airspace Lounge.
- Lost and Found located in terminal 2 East, baggage claim area.
- Car rental services available at Rental Car Center, free shuttle from terminals
- Bus Route 992, Airport Station, 4.8 km
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
