Journey information
Overview: Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA flight
Flights from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 27 times per day, taking around 8h 24m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $67 (€54) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
The earliest flight runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 3h 40m. November is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average flight duration 8h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€54) |
Flights per day 27 |
Fastest flight 3h 40m |
Cheapest month to travel November |
First flight 00:45 |
Last flight 23:55 |
The cheapest and fastest flights from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$191
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
6 h 16 m
Average duration
8 h 44 m
Flights per day
2
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $191.
Of the 2 flights that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Diego, CA onSat, Nov 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct flights cover the 191 km distance in an average of 8 h 44 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 6 h 16 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the longest flights will take 11 h 11 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €54.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€151 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest |
11h 24m Average total duration 8h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA flight times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA flights for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA560 · UA2177 | 2:00 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 6h45 | 8:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA560 · UA1483 | 2:00 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 4h41 | 6:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2012 · UA2177 | 2:00 PM Ontario International Airport | 6h45 | 8:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2012 · UA1483 | 2:00 PM Ontario International Airport | 4h41 | 6:41 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1989 · AA1950 | 2:10 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 9h09 | 11:19 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1989 · AA3308 | 2:10 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 5h50 | 8:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1989 · AA3291 | 2:10 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 12h14 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA488 · UA2177 | 3:15 PM Burbank | 5h30 | 8:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA336 · UA2177 | 3:20 PM John Wayne Airport | 5h25 | 8:45 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5537 · UA5248 · UA2391 | 4:15 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 6h40 | 10:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5410 · UA5899 · UA2391 | 4:15 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 6h40 | 10:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA2228 · AA3291 | 4:32 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 9h52 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2228 · AA1950 | 4:32 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 6h47 | 11:19 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1191 · UA547 | 5:06 PM Burbank | 8h23 | 1:29 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1191 · UA1302 | 5:06 PM Burbank | 5h54 | 11:00 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4643 | 5:17 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1h04 | 6:21 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA3291+ AA3441 | 5:29 PM Burbank | 8h55 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1950+ AA3441 | 5:29 PM Burbank | 5h50 | 11:19 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5805 · UA2391 | 5:45 PM John Wayne Airport | 5h10 | 10:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2239 · AA1950 | 6:02 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 5h17 | 11:19 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2239 · AA3291 | 6:02 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 8h22 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4762 · UA2391 | 6:15 PM Burbank | 4h40 | 10:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1791 · UA2391 | 6:26 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 4h29 | 10:55 PM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5299 · UA5974 · UA1434 | 6:35 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 7h59 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5299 · UA5974 · UA1799 | 6:35 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 10h13 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
UA5373 · UA1434 | 8:35 PM John Wayne Airport | 5h59 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA788 · UA540 | 9:10 PM Burbank | 7h44 | 4:54 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA6510+ AA3291 | 9:11 PM Burbank | 5h13 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2987 · AA3291 | 9:11 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 5h13 | 2:24 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1346 · UA1434 | 9:34 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 5h00 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1708 · UA1434 | 9:40 PM Ontario International Airport | 4h54 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1453 · UA1799 | 10:02 PM Burbank | 6h46 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1453 · UA1434 | 10:02 PM Burbank | 4h32 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA6004 · UA1434 | 10:35 PM John Wayne Airport | 3h59 | 2:34 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA6004 · UA1799 | 10:35 PM John Wayne Airport | 6h13 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5504 · UA1799 | 11:40 PM Burbank | 5h08 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, November 8 | |||||
UA5715 · UA1799 | 12:05 AM John Wayne Airport | 4h43 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2019 · UA1799 | 12:10 AM Los Angeles International Airport | 4h38 | 4:48 AM San Diego International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5591 · UA5349 · UA2861 | 12:35 AM Los Angeles International Airport | 7h38 | 8:13 AM San Diego International Airport | 2 transfers | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Nov 08
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Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
FAQs: Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA Flight
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, 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.

- 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.
- 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.
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.
popular airports
Popular airports from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, 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
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
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