- Recommended
California Heritage Museum
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA depart on average 48 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $116 (€96) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) 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 1m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€96) |
Flights per day 48 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 1h 1m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Cheapest price on Oct 01
$284
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$428
Fastest journey on Oct 01
1 h 4 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
1 h 55 m
Flights on Oct 01
8
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 $428 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $284.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 8 flights from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA, including 8 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct flights cover the 191 km distance in an average of 1 h 55 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 4 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the longest flights will take 4 h 56 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.










The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA flights for today, Wednesday, September 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA1565 · UA2411 | 12:37 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h15 | 8:52 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
AA3124 · AA1331 | 12:54 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h31 | 6:25 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3124+ AA6205 · AA6292 | 12:54 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h59 | 7:53 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5515 · UA1704 | 1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h40 | 8:44 PM John Wayne Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA2028 | 1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h54 | 8:58 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA2411 | 1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h48 | 8:52 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA1763 · UA2764 | 1:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h09 | 5:33 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA589 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h11 | 8:51 PM John Wayne Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA2282 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 5h38 | 7:18 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA2478 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 6h51 | 8:31 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA2764 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 3h53 | 5:33 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA2001 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 6h28 | 8:08 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA1754 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 4h09 | 5:49 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5599 · UA5597 | 1:40 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 4h52 | 6:32 PM John Wayne Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2175 | 2:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h03 | 3:27 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2117 · UA2001 | 3:56 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h12 | 8:08 PM Burbank | 1 transfer | |
UA2117 · UA552 | 3:56 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h03 | 10:59 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2234 | 5:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 1h03 | 6:03 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 1 | |||||
![]() | 1:09 AM San Diego, CA | 16h05 | 5:14 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 30 | |||||
UA1302 · UA552 | 6:28 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h31 | 10:59 PM Ontario International Airport | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 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 | |
![]() | 6:01 PM San Diego, CA | 1h10 | 7:11 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:03 PM San Diego, CA | 1h10 | 7:13 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Discover the best of Santa Monica, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Monica, CA trip today.
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Compact history museum in a landmark home and library. It explores Santa Monica's development through photographs, archives, and local stories.
Bergamot gallery showing changing exhibitions of contemporary art by established and emerging artists in a relaxed setting.
Lively pedestrian shopping street with performers, public art, and easy access to downtown Santa Monica's shops and entertainment.
Broad sandy beach with bike path, volleyball courts, and iconic coastal views. A top place for walking, relaxing, and watching sunsets.
Oceanfront bluff park with walking paths, sculptures, and sweeping Pacific views. Ideal for an easy stroll above the beach and pier.
A Japanese rice bowl loaded with fresh sea urchin from the nearby coast. It reflects Santa Monica's strong seafood culture and Japanese dining influence.
Fresh Pacific oysters served raw or simply dressed. They are a classic coastal choice that highlights the city's access to high-quality shellfish.
A fish taco made with local-style grilled or fried fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema. It reflects Southern California beach food and Mexican influence.
Casual Japanese spot specializing in fresh sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. A reliable choice for sea urchin and other seafood favorites.
Elegant seafood restaurant near the beach serving oysters, crudo, and refined coastal plates in a polished but relaxed room.
Popular all-day café known for organic breakfast, salads, and market-driven California dishes in a bright, casual setting.
Santa Monica is pricier than many US beach cities, with high hotel rates, dining costs, and parking; transit is cheaper than rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee if service is notable.
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.

Most San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA flights use the San Diego International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, 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