Travelling from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN): What you need to know
Your trip gets off the ground at Los Angeles's main airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Explore the options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN) departing from this terminal.
Expect to be travelling for 1 hour. That's the average time for a direct Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport flight.
San Diego (where San Diego International Airport is located) and Los Angeles share the UTC-8 timezone. With no time difference, coordinating plans between the cities is hassle-free.
The busiest route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), with 47 direct weekly services. If you'd rather get moving right away, the earliest flight from LAX to SAN is the 8:15am United Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 10:58pm with United Airlines.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Los Angeles to SAN. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to skip the mad dash to your gate.
December is a busy month for air travel. If you're taking off then or during a major holiday like Thanksgiving, show up even earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international journeys.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Go straight to your destination from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN) can be booked from here.
When jetting out of LAX, you can catch a direct flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport with Delta Air Lines.
The preferred choice for passengers flying between LAX and SAN is Delta.
Among carriers operating on this route, Delta has the highest percentage of on-time landings.
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes about 1 hour by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 29 kms (18 miles) in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Los Angeles International Airport has a solid on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from LAX land on schedule 81% of the time.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
With public transport, you can travel from central Los Angeles to VNY in around 1 hour 15 minutes. The terminal is roughly 29 kms (18 miles) away, and getting there by car will take approximately 35 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your Los Angeles to SAN flight? Unwind in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your trip officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these options near SAN:
Travel at your own pace with a San Diego International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and discover more of San Diego and beyond.
Booking your vehicle around two weeks ahead of your Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport flight can help you find the best deal.
The street address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
Getting from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego
San Diego International Airport is around 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre of San Diego. It takes around 15 minutes or so to drive to the city.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport is £38. For a return flight on this route, the best price is £81. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Book 11 months before you travel. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from Los Angeles to SAN.
The best month for picking up cheap Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport tickets is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to SAN by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
September is the quietest month for flights from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport (SAN), while May is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to visit San Diego based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Los Angeles to SAN plane ticket departing in August if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in San Diego to range from 17ºC to 28ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport in February when temperatures are between 7ºC and 23ºC.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to San Diego International Airport, browse our selection of hotels including:
San Diego Zoo and San Diego Balboa Park are just a couple of the top attractions to put on your San Diego travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at USS Midway Museum.
Explore more of the United States
Los Angeles is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've experienced San Diego. Around 177 kms (110 miles) away to the northwest, its best attractions include Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl.
Long Beach is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 145 kms (90 miles) northwest of San Diego. No trip is complete without visiting The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Centre.