4.9
4.6Journey information
Overview: Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA flight
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Flights from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA depart on average 34 times per day, taking around 5h 38m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $117 (€94) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 58m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average flight duration 5h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€94) |
Flights per day 34 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 58m |
First flight 5:05 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
The cheapest and fastest flights from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$406
Average price
$442
Fastest journey
58 m
Average duration
2 h 58 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 $442 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $406.
Of the 2 flights that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Diego, CA onMon, May 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 the direct flights cover the 191 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 58 m .
On Mon, May 18 the longest flights will take 4 h 57 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.
2:15 PM4h57Santa Monica, CA7:12 PMSan Diego, CA$4061One-way0 transfers- 1:50 AM0h58Santa Monica, CA2:48 AMSan Diego, CA$4771One-way0 transfers
- 1:50 AM0h58Santa Monica, CA2:48 AMSan Diego, CA$4771One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 PM4h57Santa Monica, CA7:12 PMSan Diego, CA$4061One-way0 transfers
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 $24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$428 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 38m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $394 (€318) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $428 (€345).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 38m.
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, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UA1383 · UA5508 | 2:38 PM John Wayne Airport | 6h10 | 8:48 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UA1300 · UA5508 | 3:30 PM Burbank | 5h18 | 8:48 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UA2019 · UA5508 | 3:40 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 5h08 | 8:48 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UA5415 | 4:22 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1h02 | 5:24 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| UA5351 · UA5508 | 4:24 PM John Wayne Airport | 4h24 | 8:48 PM McClellan–Palomar Airport | 1 transfer | |
| 1:50 AM Santa Monica, CA | 0h58 | 2:48 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 17 | |||||
| UA5386 | 7:00 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 1h02 | 8:02 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| UA1717 | 11:01 PM Los Angeles International Airport | 0h58 | 11:59 PM San Diego International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 18 | |||||
| 2:15 PM Santa Monica, CA | 4h57 | 7:12 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
popular airports
Popular airports from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Car Rental
- 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
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, CA
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