- 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.
Flights from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 40 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 7 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 23:24. The fastest flight covers the 416 miles (671 km) distance in 1h 23m. January is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Flights per day 40 |
Direct flights 7 |
Fastest flight 1h 23m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 11:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$284
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$730
Fastest journey on Aug 30
1 h 27 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
1 h 30 m
Flights on Aug 30
50
Distance
671 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $730 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $284.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 50 flights from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA, including 6 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct flights cover the 671 km distance in an average of 1 h 30 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 27 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the longest flights will take 1 h 37 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.
AA2571 · AA480
AA1358 · AA2122
AA7494
AA7630
AA9291
AA7630
AA9281
AA9289
AA7494
AA7416Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $117 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $117, while a flight costs an average of $697.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$697 Average price | $117 Average price Cheapest | $205 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 14m Average total duration Fastest 5h 14m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration 11h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 2m Average total duration 13h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $88 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $205 (€166).
A bus is $580 (€470) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $697 (€565).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 43m.
Train takes on average 13h 32m.
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA flights for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA7416 | 7:29 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 1h37 | 9:06 AM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA9281 | 8:29 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 1h27 | 9:56 AM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2013 · UA540 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 11h49 | 8:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2013 · UA1389 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 15h44 | 12:29 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2013 · UA5529 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 12h07 | 8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2013 · UA1281 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 8h15 | 5:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2013 · UA1302 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 6h05 | 2:50 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2013 · UA774 · UA582 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 8h41 | 5:26 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2013 · UA774 · UA1100 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 11h10 | 7:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA2013 · UA1195 · UA1100 | 8:45 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 11h10 | 7:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA9291 | 10:12 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 1h38 | 11:50 AM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2046 · AA1243 | 12:03 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 7h51 | 7:54 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2046 · AA1694 | 12:03 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 9h00 | 9:03 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2571 · AA480 | 12:42 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 5h36 | 6:18 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2076 · UA540 | 12:51 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 7h43 | 8:34 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2076 · UA5529 | 12:51 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 8h01 | 8:52 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2076 · UA1389 | 12:51 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 11h38 | 12:29 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA9289 | 2:25 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 1h27 | 3:52 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA2834 · AA1794 | 2:30 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 17h42 | 8:12 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA7494 | 8:17 PM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 1h33 | 9:50 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA1019 · AA2568 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 17h59 | 11:59 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA1694 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 16h30 | 10:30 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA1769 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 8h15 | 2:15 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA1243 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 13h54 | 7:54 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA2361 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 9h39 | 3:39 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1358 · AA480 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 12h18 | 6:18 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA2266 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 11h43 | 5:43 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1019 · AA1789 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 12h56 | 6:56 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1358 · AA1951 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 9h26 | 3:26 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1358 · AA2122 | 6:00 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 5h51 | 11:51 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1317 · UA1577 | 6:20 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 14h25 | 8:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1317 · UA2138 | 6:20 AM Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport | 12h10 | 6:30 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA flights use the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport to San Diego International Airport airport pair, with some services landing at McClellan-Palomar Airport. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 2 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose 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 located in both terminals, including American and Mexican cuisine, with highlights like Gordon Biersch and Peet's Coffee.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout the airport, near gates and baggage claimas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotels are located within walking distance, including the DoubleTree by Hilton..
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