San Francisco, CA SFO to San Diego, CA SAN flight with United

Thu, Sep 17
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Alaska Airlines
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American Airlines
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Journey information

Overview: San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA flight

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Icon of flight

Flights from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 68 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €27 if you book in advance.

There are 17 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:17, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 1h 30m. July is the cheapest month to fly.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
458 miles (738 km)
Average flight duration
4h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
€27
Flights per day
68
Direct flights
17
Fastest flight
1h 30m
First flight
12:17 AM
Last flight
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
42 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

The cheapest and fastest flights from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 17

Cheapest price on Sep 17

€114

Average ticket price on Sep 17

€504

Fastest journey on Sep 17

1 h 40 m

Average journey duration on Sep 17

1 h 42 m

Flights on Sep 17

70

Distance

738 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around €504 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €114.

Fast flights

On Thu, Sep 17, we found 70 flights from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, including 18 direct services.

On Thu, Sep 17 the direct flights cover the 738 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .

On Thu, Sep 17 the longest flights will take 1 h 43 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.

  • Alaska AirlinesAS3310
    11:38 AM1h50
    San Francisco International Airport
    1:28 PMSan Diego International Airport
    1141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Alaska AirlinesAS426
    7:08 AM1h40
    San Francisco International Airport
    8:48 AMSan Diego International Airport
    1141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Alaska AirlinesAS424
    8:25 AM1h43
    San Francisco International Airport
    10:08 AMSan Diego International Airport
    1141One-way
    0 transfers
  • Alaska AirlinesAS3007
    9:27 AM1h49
    San Francisco International Airport
    11:16 AMSan Diego International Airport
    1141One-way
    0 transfers
  • UnitedUA444
    8:27 AM1h50
    San Francisco International Airport
    10:17 AMSan Diego International Airport
    1381One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €92 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €92, while a flight costs an average of €462.

Distance: 458 miles (738 km)

Compare flight with

Flight
Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

€462

Average price

€127

Average price

€92

Average price

Cheapest

€85

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 11m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

15h 36m

Average total duration

15h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 42m

Average total duration

14h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

2.2 - 4.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

United

Most popular airline

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus 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.

The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of €92.

This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:

A bus is €35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €127.

A bus is €370 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €462.

The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 11m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 14h 12m.

Train takes on average 15h 6m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA flight times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA flights for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
UnitedUA2610 · UA5821:56 PM San Francisco International Airport
3h30
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA2610 · UA11001:56 PM San Francisco International Airport
6h06
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2387 · AA15112:00 PM San Francisco International Airport
7h48
9:48 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA16682:10 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h44
3:54 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA2352 · UA1649 · UA11002:10 PM San Francisco International Airport
5h52
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA1596 · UA55292:20 PM San Francisco International Airport
6h32
8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA1596 · UA5402:20 PM San Francisco International Airport
6h14
8:34 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAA74083:25 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h45
5:10 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA1430 · UA23954:18 PM San Francisco International Airport
6h10
10:28 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA1754 · UA11004:25 PM San Francisco International Airport
3h37
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA15614:47 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h48
6:35 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAA74415:16 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h44
7:00 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA15776:55 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h50
8:45 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA55086:55 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h50
8:45 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA4429:00 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h47
10:47 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAA93419:13 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h46
10:59 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Thursday, September 17
UnitedUA1479 · UA55075:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
8h04
1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2116 · AA22665:30 AM San Francisco International Airport
12h16
5:46 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2116 · AA23615:30 AM San Francisco International Airport
10h10
3:40 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2116 · AA17695:30 AM San Francisco International Airport
8h41
2:11 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
skywest airlinesAA6404+American AirlinesAA19515:50 AM San Francisco International Airport
9h32
3:22 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
skywest airlinesAA6404+American AirlinesAA4805:50 AM San Francisco International Airport
12h26
6:16 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
skywest airlinesAA6404+American AirlinesAA21225:50 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h13
12:03 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA1599 · UA19406:15 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h46
1:01 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA1599 · UA55076:15 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h49
1:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAS620 · AS6977:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h21
1:21 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA19807:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h43
8:43 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA1260 · UA10687:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
4h35
11:35 AM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAA93067:08 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h40
8:48 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAS4267:08 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h40
8:48 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAS1410 · AS13947:23 AM San Francisco International Airport
5h53
1:16 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2414 · AA19518:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
7h22
3:22 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2414 · AA21228:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
4h03
12:03 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2414 · AA5598:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
13h35
9:35 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2414 · AA4808:00 AM San Francisco International Airport
10h16
6:16 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAS4248:25 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h43
10:08 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAA93908:25 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h43
10:08 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA4448:27 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h50
10:17 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA1469 · UA13028:45 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h05
2:50 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA2431 · UA2187 · UA55298:50 AM San Francisco International Airport
12h02
8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA2431 · UA2187 · UA5408:50 AM San Francisco International Airport
11h44
8:34 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
Alaska AirlinesAS30079:27 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h49
11:16 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAA93409:27 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h49
11:16 AM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA5251 · UA5307 · UA110010:05 AM San Francisco International Airport
9h57
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA5251 · UA5307 · UA58210:05 AM San Francisco International Airport
7h21
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA2115 · UA2187 · UA54010:13 AM San Francisco International Airport
10h21
8:34 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA2115 · UA2187 · UA552910:13 AM San Francisco International Airport
10h39
8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA551010:17 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h47
12:04 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA1595 · UA2184 · UA58210:30 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h56
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA217710:35 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h43
12:18 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA1578 · UA5994 · UA110010:40 AM San Francisco International Airport
9h22
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA1578 · UA5994 · UA58210:40 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h46
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA1604 · UA128110:43 AM San Francisco International Airport
6h35
5:18 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAS718 · AS241010:44 AM San Francisco International Airport
5h27
4:11 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAS331011:38 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h50
1:28 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAA754811:38 AM San Francisco International Airport
1h50
1:28 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
Alaska AirlinesAS235 · AS42511:57 AM San Francisco International Airport
5h39
5:36 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA125712:00 PM San Francisco International Airport
1h44
1:44 PM San Diego International Airport0 transfersDirect
UnitedUA4790 · UA5259 · UA110012:05 PM San Francisco International Airport
7h57
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA6050 · UA5307 · UA110012:16 PM San Francisco International Airport
7h46
8:02 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
UnitedUA6050 · UA5307 · UA58212:16 PM San Francisco International Airport
5h10
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport2 transfers
American AirlinesAA2334 · AA55912:19 PM San Francisco International Airport
9h16
9:35 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
American AirlinesAA2334 · AA48012:19 PM San Francisco International Airport
5h57
6:16 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA1506 · UA58212:29 PM San Francisco International Airport
4h57
5:26 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer
UnitedUA540 · UA552912:35 PM San Francisco International Airport
8h17
8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport1 transfer
Alaska AirlinesAS68 · AS6351:45 PM San Francisco International Airport
6h09
7:54 PM San Diego International Airport1 transfer

This is the last flight of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight

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.

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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA flights with Omio?

United as well as Alaska Airlines, CitizenPlane, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines and more offer flights services from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Why book with Omio vs United?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for United, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alaska Airlines, CitizenPlane, American Airlines or Spirit Airlines to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare United with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Why book with Omio over Kayak, Skyscanner or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alaska Airlines, CitizenPlane, American Airlines or Spirit Airlines to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Airlines: United, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, skywest airlines, CitizenPlane from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CAFind the best flights between San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with Omio's travel partners United, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, skywest airlines, CitizenPlane from €27. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.

United

About
United Airlines, established in 1926, is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Operating an extensive domestic and international network, United serves more destinations than any other airline, connecting travelers across six continents. The airline's eight hubs include Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington–Dulles, and Guam. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, United offers a comprehensive range of services, including regional flights through United Express, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The airline is committed to sustainability, investing in sustainable aviation fuel and innovative technologies to reduce its environmental impact.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average United Duration
1h 30m
Cheapest United Price
€59
United frequency
38 a day
Luggage included
Carry-on baggage allowance is 7kg total (2 pieces max. ) for both Choice and Flex fares on United Airlines and Virgin Australia flights.
Additional luggage
Excess baggage fees apply for additional checked luggage beyond the standard allowance.
Luggage storage
Both airlines provide checked baggage services for storing luggage during flights.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation fees apply per person, per booking, with specific fees for different fare types.
Refund
Not applicable to flights; however, full refunds are available if flights are canceled by the airline.
Pregnant on board
Pregnant passengers are permitted to travel, with specific guidelines and medical certificates required after a certain gestational period.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors are permitted to travel, with specific age restrictions and services provided.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Meals and snacks are included on international flights operated by United Airlines and Virgin Australia.
Seat reservation
Seat selection may incur additional fees, depending on the fare type and airline.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
United Airlines and Virgin Australia offer services to and within Australia, providing accessible travel options for passengers with mobility needs.
Bikes
Both airlines permit bicycles onboard, with specific guidelines and fees.
Pets
United Airlines and Virgin Australia allow pets onboard, subject to specific policies and fees.

American Airlines

About
American Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, connecting travelers to hundreds of destinations across the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Operating from major hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, and Charlotte, American offers a wide range of travel options. Passengers can choose from Economy with affordable fares, Premium Economy with extra space, or Business and First Class featuring flat-bed seats, premium dining, and lounge access. With a modern fleet and membership in the oneworld alliance, American Airlines combines global reach with comfort and reliability.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average American Airlines Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest American Airlines Price
€66
American Airlines frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and 1 personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) included in most fares
Additional luggage
Checked bags fees vary by route. First checked bag typically $30, second $40 on domestic flights
Cancellation Policy
Basic Economy tickets cannot be changed or refunded. Other fares allow changes with fee, refunds subject to fare rules.
Pregnant on board
Passengers can fly up to 36 weeks for single pregnancies, 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. Medical certificate required within 7 days of departure if within 4 weeks of due date.
Unaccompagned minor
Children ages 5-14 can travel alone using American Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Service. Service fee is $150 each way.
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
American Airlines provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities. Assistance must be requested at least 48 hours before departure.
Pets
Small dogs and cats allowed in cabin for $125 fee. Must be in approved carrier under seat. Service animals allowed.

skywest airlines

About
SkyWest Airlines is a major North American regional airline headquartered in St. George, Utah. It operates flights for larger carriers such as Alaska Airlines (as Alaska SkyWest), American Airlines (as American Eagle), Delta Air Lines (as Delta Connection), and United Airlines (as United Express). SkyWest is the largest regional airline in North America by fleet size, passengers carried, and destinations served. The airline connects passengers to over 250 destinations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, primarily linking smaller airports to major airline hubs. SkyWest's fleet consists of regional jets, including the Bombardier CRJ series and Embraer 175 aircraft.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average skywest airlines Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest skywest airlines Price
€68
skywest airlines frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed for free.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased, and fees apply for excess, oversized, or overweight baggage.
Cancellation Policy
If canceled within 24 hours of purchase, a full refund is possible, provided the departure is at least 7 days away; after 24 hours, fees range from $100 to $500.
Refund
If SkyWest Airlines cancels a flight, passengers are eligible for a full refund.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but specific policies may depend on the partner airline.
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-14 can travel alone using the unaccompanied minor service, which includes airport escort and supervision.
Amenities on board the airplane
Seat reservation
Toilets
Accessibility
SkyWest Airlines complies with all provisions of the Air Carrier Access Act and accommodates customers with special needs.
Bikes
Bicycles can be checked in but may incur additional fees and must be properly packed.
Pets
Small pets like cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin for a fee, with restrictions on pet and carrier size.

Alaska Airlines

About
Alaska Airlines, headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, is a major U.S. airline and the fifth-largest in North America by scheduled passengers carried as of 2024. Along with its regional partners, Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines, Alaska Airlines operates a route network primarily connecting cities along the West Coast of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, to over 100 destinations in the contiguous U.S., the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico. The airline is a member of the Oneworld alliance, offering passengers access to a broad global network. Alaska Airlines is known for its customer service and loyalty program, Mileage Plan, and offers First Class, Premium Class, and Main Cabin seating options. The airline's primary hub is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In 2024, its parent company, Alaska Air Group, acquired Hawaiian Airlines.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alaska Airlines Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Alaska Airlines Price
€33
Alaska Airlines frequency
17 a day
Luggage included
1 carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9) and 1 personal item included
Additional luggage
Checked bags fees start at $30 for first bag, $40 for second bag
Cancellation Policy
Saver fares are non-refundable. Main and First Class fares are refundable with fee, depending on fare type and elite status
Pregnant on board
Passengers can fly up to 36 weeks pregnant. After 28 weeks, medical certificate required
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minor service available for children ages 5-17. Service fee is $50 per direction on nonstop flights
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Alaska Airlines provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with disabilities, including meet-and-assist services and accessible seating
Pets
Pets allowed in cabin and cargo hold. Service animals welcome. Fees apply for pets in cabin ($100)

CitizenPlane

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CitizenPlane Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest CitizenPlane Price
€27
CitizenPlane frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to San Diego, CA

Things to do in San Diego, CA

Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

San Diego Museum of Art

Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.

  • Must visit

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.

  • Must visit

USS Midway Museum

Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.

US Dollar ($)

San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a mid-range meal.
Fine dining
$75+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.

FAQs: San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Flight

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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.

FAQs
Cheap plane tickets from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as €27 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is €462 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by plane from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 1h 30m to travel the 458 miles (738 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:17 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes, there are 17 direct flights a day from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with United, Alaska Airlines, CitizenPlane, American Airlines. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.
When taking a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on United, Alaska Airlines, CitizenPlane, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA generally leave from San Francisco International Airport and arrive in San Diego International Airport.San Francisco International Airport is 0 miles (1 km) away from San Francisco, CA city centre and San Diego International Airport is 2 miles (4 km) from San Diego, CA city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
There is no time difference between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA.
The best events to attend in San Diego, CA include:
  • Comic-Con International, the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the world
  • San Diego County Fair, a month-long fair featuring rides, games, and local food
  • San Diego Beer Week, a celebration of craft beer with tastings and events across the county
  • La Jolla Music Festival, an annual event showcasing classical music performances in a picturesque coastal setting.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Diego, CA are:
  • Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
  • USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
  • La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
  • Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
  • Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
The best holidays to experience in San Diego, CA include:
  • Memorial Day, ideal weather for beach activities and outdoor events
  • Independence Day, spectacular fireworks and patriotic celebrations
  • Labor Day, perfect for enjoying the last days of summer at the beach
  • Thanksgiving, a time for family gatherings with pleasant fall weather.
The best things to do in San Diego, CA include:
  • Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
  • hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
  • visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
  • experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
The best season to visit San Diego, CA is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore San Diego, CA is during April-June or September-November.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular airports

Popular airports from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Most San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA flights use the San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport airport pair, with some services landing at McClellan-Palomar Airport. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.

Departure airports in San Francisco
Arrival airports in San Diego

Which San Francisco, CA airport do flights to San Diego, CA leave from?

Flights from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA depart from San Francisco International Airport. The airport is 1 miles (2 km) from San Francisco, CA city centre at San Francisco, CA 94128, USA.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)San Francisco, CA 94128, USAWifiShoppingParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerLoungeLost and Found Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Francisco International Airport from San Francisco city centre

San Francisco International Airport is 1 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus292, 397 · 57m · €3 · every ~6 min
SubwayYellow-S, Red-S · 27m · €9 · every ~21 min
Yellow-S, Red-S · 29m · €9 · every ~15 min

San Francisco International Airport airport facilities and services

San Francisco International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Francisco International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.

Most popular flights to and from San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA

HomeFlightsFlights in USAFlight Schedules to San Diego, CASan Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Flights

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