Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego is 1 hour 5 minutes.
San Diego and Los Angeles (where Los Angeles International Airport is located) are in the UTC-8 timezone. This means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most popular route, with 48 weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from LAX to SAN is with United Airlines at 22:58. Opt for the first departure operated by United Airlines at 08:15 if you want to fly out earlier.
Allow plenty of time to get on your LAX to San Diego flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, it's wise to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
Begin your trip at LAX and fly straight to San Diego International Airport (SAN). That's where you can expect to touch down when searching for Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego tickets.
Keep an eye out for offers from Delta Air Lines. This airline has direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego.
The journey from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 1 hour by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kms (12 miles) in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a hotel close to LAX? If you're catching an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
80% of flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule. With its strong on-time performance, delays are unlikely when flying out of LAX.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego
£37 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego flight. A return plane ticket right now is £92. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares can change.
Lock in cheap flights from LAX to San Diego by booking 11 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for landing cheap Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego tickets is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
There's no need to check back constantly to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from LAX to San Diego.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is around 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre of San Diego. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 15 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes about 25 minutes.
Think about booking a hotel near SAN if you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego. Choose one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about catching up on rest:
Reserving your ride from San Diego International Airport around two weeks before your flight from LAX to San Diego can help you get the lowest rate.
The address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is about 48 kms (30 miles) from the centre of San Diego. Explore your options for travelling into town after your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego has arrived.
After stepping off your LAX to San Diego flight, settle in at a hotel close to CLD. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Generally speaking, the sooner you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Reserve your ride from CLD as soon as you know your dates.
Best time to go to San Diego
July is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego. To skip the crowds, plan your trip to San Diego in December.
Before locking in your Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego plane ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in San Diego, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 27ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from LAX to San Diego in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 8ºC and 22ºC on average.
More about San Diego
After booking your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring San Diego:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. San Diego Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are must-do's during your San Diego adventure.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of the United States you should also see. Around 177 kms (110 miles) northwest of San Diego, a trip to Los Angeles will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading sights like Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl.
If you're interested in discovering another side of the United States, head for Phoenix, about 483 kms (300 miles) east of San Diego. Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum are among its highlights.