- Must visit
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A renowned fusion of zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum focused on the Sonoran Desert. It is one of Tucson’s signature attractions and excellent for understanding local desert
Flights from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ depart on average 42 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $179 (€146) but you can travel from only $74 (€60) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 22:45. The fastest flight covers the 364 miles (587 km) distance in 3h 22m. June is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 364 miles (587 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $179 (€146) |
Flights per day 42 |
Fastest flight 3h 22m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Cheapest price
$348
Average price
$396
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
7 h
Flights per day
3
Distance
587 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ will cost around $396 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $348.
Of the 3 flights that leave San Diego, CA for Tucson, AZ onMon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct flights cover the 587 km distance in an average of 7 h but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the longest flights will take 7 h 38 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $85. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $85, and a flight costs an average of $179.
Distance: 364 miles (587 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$364 Average price | $138 Average price | $119 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 38m Average total duration 13h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 2m Average total duration 13h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ:
A train is $19 (€15) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ costing on average $138 (€113).
A train is $245 (€201) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ costing on average $364 (€298).
Other travel options to Tucson, AZ take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 8m.
Train takes on average 13h 32m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ flights for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA1501 · UA4035 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 14h27 | 8:42 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2535 · AA584 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h53 | 3:08 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2830 · UA6023 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h32 | 2:47 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2535 · AA2926 | 6:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h15 | 12:30 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1006 · UA433 · UA6023 | 6:20 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h27 | 2:47 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA625+ AA6369 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 4h40 | 11:05 AM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625+ AA4935 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h43 | 1:08 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625+ AA6367 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 3h24 | 9:49 AM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625+ AA6368 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h28 | 4:53 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625+ AA4126 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h29 | 5:54 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA625+ AA6373 | 6:25 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h02 | 2:27 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2368 · UA1762 | 6:30 AM San Diego International Airport | 13h42 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2368 · UA1188 | 6:30 AM San Diego International Airport | 6h02 | 12:32 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2274 · UA540 · UA1762 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h57 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA373 · AA584 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h53 | 3:08 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2274 · UA6023 | 7:15 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h32 | 2:47 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5519 · UA5688 | 7:58 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 15h28 | 11:26 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5519 · UA6023 | 7:58 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 6h49 | 2:47 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5519 · UA540 · UA1762 | 7:58 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 12h14 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1055 · AA584 | 8:05 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h03 | 3:08 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5520 · UA1762 | 8:40 AM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 11h32 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2476 · UA1762 | 8:45 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h27 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5449 · UA540 · UA1762 | 9:11 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h01 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5449 · UA1596 · UA1762 | 9:11 AM San Diego International Airport | 11h01 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5449 · UA6023 | 9:11 AM San Diego International Airport | 5h36 | 2:47 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461 · AA2622 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 12h49 | 10:36 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461+ AA4126 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h07 | 5:54 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461+ AA6373 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 4h40 | 2:27 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461+ AA6370 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h12 | 7:59 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461+ AA4935 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 3h21 | 1:08 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2461+ AA6368 | 9:47 AM San Diego International Airport | 7h06 | 4:53 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2165 · UA4035 | 10:10 AM San Diego International Airport | 10h32 | 8:42 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5384 · UA360 · UA1762 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h23 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5384 · UA2758 · UA1762 | 10:49 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h23 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA1337 · UA1762 | 10:55 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h17 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2309 · UA1596 · UA1762 | 11:01 AM San Diego International Airport | 9h11 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2428 · UA1596 · UA1762 | 11:44 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h28 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2237 · UA4035 | 11:58 AM San Diego International Airport | 8h44 | 8:42 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1565 · UA1762 | 12:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h39 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477 · AA2622 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h50 | 10:36 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477+ AA4126 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 5h08 | 5:54 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477+ AA6368 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 4h07 | 4:53 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2477+ AA6370 | 12:46 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h13 | 7:59 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5515 · UA1762 | 12:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 7h20 | 8:12 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1763 · UA5688 | 1:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 9h47 | 11:26 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2459 · AA1109 | 3:10 PM San Diego International Airport | 8h05 | 11:15 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2117 · UA5688 | 4:09 PM San Diego International Airport | 7h17 | 11:26 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2470 · AA2622 | 4:23 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h13 | 10:36 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2470+ AA6370 | 4:23 PM San Diego International Airport | 3h36 | 7:59 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2485 · AA1109 | 4:33 PM San Diego International Airport | 6h42 | 11:15 PM Tucson International Airport | 1 transfer | |
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 Tucson — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tucson trip today.
A renowned fusion of zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum focused on the Sonoran Desert. It is one of Tucson’s signature attractions and excellent for understanding local desert
One of the largest non-government aviation museums in the world, displaying hundreds of aircraft indoors and outdoors. It is especially popular with aviation enthusiasts and families visiting Tucson.
The city’s leading art museum, with collections spanning Latin American, Western, Indigenous, and contemporary art in the historic El Presidio area. A strong choice for both major exhibitions and a
A scenic desert canyon area with paved and unpaved trails, mountain views, and classic Sonoran scenery. It is one of Tucson’s top outdoor destinations and especially popular for walking and photograp
A spectacular desert landscape filled with iconic saguaro cacti, scenic drives, and hiking trails. It is one of the defining Tucson experiences and a priority for first-time visitors.
Known for dense saguaro forests and excellent sunset views, this section of the park is especially photogenic and widely featured on social media. It is a top outdoor stop near the Arizona-Sonora Dese
A bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bolillo roll, typically topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, mustard, mayo, and jalapeo salsa. It is one of Tucsons signature borderlands street foods.
Air-dried beef, often shredded and served with eggs, chiltepin, or in burritos and plates. It is a hallmark of Sonoran cooking and strongly associated with Tucson.
An open-faced flour tortilla baked until crisp and topped with melted cheese, sometimes with green chiles. This simple dish is a long-standing Tucson and Arizona favorite.
Upscale dining with desert views, known for Southwestern ingredients, polished service, and a romantic hacienda setting. Good choice for a fine dining meal in Tucson.
Well-known downtown spot celebrated for refined Mexican cooking, colorful presentations, and an intimate atmosphere. A long-time favorite for distinctive regional flavors.
Popular casual venue serving regional Mexican dishes with Sonoran influences, including tacos, bowls, and breakfast. Relaxed atmosphere and consistently well-liked food.
Tucson is generally affordable by U.S. city standards, with reasonable food costs and many mid-priced hotels.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants; 20% for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxi and rideshare drivers 10-15%, and round up for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Tucson, AZ flights use the San Diego International Airport to Tucson International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ 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.
Tucson International Airport is 11 km from Tucson city centre. Public transport options include:
Tucson 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 are available, including Beyond Bread and El Charro Café, located in the main terminal.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located near baggage claim and ticketingas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Tucson International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Tucson International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tucson International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton within walking distance..
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