SAN

$36 Find Cheap Flights from California to San Diego

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to San Diego departing on 8/17. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from California to San Diego

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from California to San Diego that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from California to San Diego

Thu, Jul 9 - Mon, Jul 13
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:11 am - 12:29 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 18mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:51 pm - 10:21 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 30mnonstop
$76Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jul 14 - Fri, Jul 17
Frontier Logo
12:50 pm - 2:08 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 18mnonstop
Frontier Logo
8:51 pm - 10:21 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 30mnonstop
$77Frontier
Wed, Jul 15 - Tue, Jul 28
Southwest Logo
8:55 am - 10:40 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 45mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:40 am - 11:35 am
SAN
-
SFO
4h 55m
1 stop
$119Southwest
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
Southwest Logo
8:55 am - 2:35 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 40m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
1:15 pm - 7:00 pm
SAN
-
SMF
5h 45m
2 stops
$139Southwest
Tue, Jul 7 - Wed, Jul 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:49 am - 8:25 am
OAK
-
SAN
1h 36mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:14 am - 9:57 am
SAN
-
OAK
1h 43mnonstop
$143Alaska Airlines
Thu, Jul 9 - Mon, Jul 13
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:49 am - 8:25 am
OAK
-
SAN
1h 36mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
9:01 pm - 10:41 pm
SAN
-
OAK
1h 40mnonstop
$144Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jul 7 - Tue, Jul 14
United Airlines Logo
6:47 pm - 11:54 pm
SMF
-
SAN
5h 07m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 10:56 am
SAN
-
SMF
4h 36m
1 stop
$157United Airlines
Wed, Jul 8 - Wed, Jul 15
Delta Logo
6:12 pm - 11:42 pm
SJC
-
SAN
5h 30m
1 stop
Delta Logo
10:54 am - 5:12 pm
SAN
-
SJC
6h 18m
1 stop
$157Delta
Tue, Jul 14 - Tue, Jul 21
Delta Logo
5:05 pm - 11:50 pm
OAK
-
SAN
6h 45m
1 stop
Delta Logo
9:46 am - 4:21 pm
SAN
-
OAK
6h 35m
1 stop
$157Delta
Tue, Jul 28 - Mon, Aug 3
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 9:59 am
RNO
-
SAN
3h 59m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 10:56 am
SAN
-
RNO
4h 36m
1 stop
$197United Airlines
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$36
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 2% increase in price.
Flight from Las Vegas to San Diego

Flights from California to San Diego: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from California to San Diego 
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
SBA
-
SAN
Jun 2026
Check your flight the night before! My flight was canceled and rebooked but it is a common thing to have flights cancelled. The airport is small so going through TSA is fairly quick.
CupcakeFlew with Alaska Airlines
SMF
-
SAN
Apr 2026
Check flight delays on Google prior to arrival at airport.
PhilipFlew with Alaska Airlines
SFO
-
SAN
Feb 2026
Taking a flight with a smaller plane was pleasant, fewer passengers and.easier boarding and disembarking.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
STS
-
SAN
Jan 2026
If you want a better experience, fly non stop. American has a superior wireless connection experience. Delays appear to be the norm. Book two hours between flights minimum. Check your bags.
EricFlew with Alaska Airlines
SBP
-
SAN
May 2025
SBP gets busy in the early morning with several flights departing between 6am and 7am. Arriving early will avoid stress.
CaseyFlew with Scandinavian Airlines
LAX
-
SAN
May 2025
Better concession options on other terminals than 3, if you’re flying Delta. Explore if you have time.
Verified travelerFlew with Alaska Airlines
STS
-
SAN
Oct 2024
An hour before flight was enough time for departing from Santa Rosa. (I doubt anyone is at the airport and working at 4:30am).
JamesFlew with Alaska Airlines
SJC
-
SAN
Jun 2024
It’s pretty simple there. It’s one of the better airports.TSA has never been a problem for me there it moves and is mostly efficient… I was happy that we didn’t have to takeoff our shoes, which surprised me. They’re always seems to be long walk to the gates coming and going not sure why that is
Joo YoungFlew with Alaska Airlines
SMF
-
SAN
Jul 2024
Make sure your seat can recline when you board!
JoonwonFlew with Alaska Airlines
SJC
-
SAN
Apr 2024
The airplane is a quite small one, compared to the regular size, so pls be ready for some restrictions on carry on bags.

FAQs for booking flights from California to San Diego

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from California to San Diego?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from California to San Diego.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from California to San Diego?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to San Diego from California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from California to San Diego?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to San Diego with an airline and back to California with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from California to San Diego?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to San Diego from California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from California to San Diego

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from California to San Diego? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12536 reviews
8.5Crew
7.8Comfort
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
7.0Entertainment
Airline reviews

Over all it was great. My original flight was canceled but they quickly rebooked me. I was frustrated because I had to cancel my entire plans for the day but all considered, not bad. The crew tried to keep us calm while we sat in the plane for was felt was an hour or so but they could use a bit of a script. The seats were comfortable and I would give it another try.

8.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Jun 2026
SBA - SAN
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Over all it was great. My original flight was canceled but they quickly rebooked me. I was frustrated because I had to cancel my entire plans for the day but all considered, not bad. The crew tried to keep us calm while we sat in the plane for was felt was an hour or so but they could use a bit of a script. The seats were comfortable and I would give it another try.

Having the internet available while flying was great. Better than having to choose from watching movies from a limited selection.

Not able to get boarding pass for domestic connection flight when check in at international airport. I was told I need to get connection flight boarding pass after I entered US. It us very inconvenient.

I was very impressed at how Alaska Airlines handles people with medical needs.

Everything went smoothly from the transfer from Orlando to a quick board. Flight was not full and we were able to get underway a little early. My only critique is that in Orlando, they offered active duty service members and veterans to board ahead of their zones in the initial boarding process. They did not offer to veterans in San Diego. Both flights were comfortable

Good flight overall. Lots of bumps during flight but pilot kept searching for smooth air

The gate agents begged us to check our carryons. They BEGGED us, over and over, and said that the flight was completely, totally full, and said that if we don't check our bags, it will cause huge delays. They finally said that "group suchandsuch will be required to check bags!" So I checked mine. Well, the flight wasn't close to being full, and many of the overhead compartments were *empty*! Moreover, my bag was delayed at the carousel, and it wasn't on the carousel that was posted. COME ON, AIRLINE, you can look at the seating for the flight on your computer and decide whether it's really necessary to beg and beg and beg people to go through the hassle of checking their bags! This is annoying as hell and makes me not want to use your crummy airline ever again.

A gluten free option I could actually eat would have been nice.

Good. I didn’t order food and there was no entertainment available.

It is a hassle to not have entertainment screens on the backs of the seats.

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

No gluten free snacks. Seats felt worn or bare bones even though it was a new 737 MAX 8.

Plane was clean and comfortable. Flight attendants and gate staff were professional, friendly and efficient. Boarding and deplaning were orderly and efficient. All in all, the typical excellent Southwest experience.

Not having a five hour delay with little notice! The crew was very kind, though, and just as tired as we passengers were. The flight didn't depart until nearly 1 am...and no reason was ever given.

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

The Air hostess were very rude on my flight from Houston to Austin . Their regular communication itself felt a they are shouting at people.

Boarding was easy. The seats are small and fairly uncomfortable

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

Flight delayed two hours , missed connection flight then connection cancelled- horrible experience with hotel

The checking was disaster, the crew wasn't behave well. It took us two hours to check in, after that thr line at the TSA was long, we barely make the flight. Bad airline

I like that if they asked you to checked in a bag at the gate they give you priority to board

I liked the Starlink WiFi but didn't like how they said they were the only airline to offer a free meal and it turns out to be just a standalone sandwich and then charge for snacks to go with it. Rather have the free snacks like Southwest, but have the option to purchase a decent meal for a 5+ hour flight.

I like Hawaiian, it was great that they had good internet connection across the Pacific Ocean, thanks to Star Link satellites. The seating was comfortable, ( I was in economy ). Maybe I missed it, but I only got offered a beverage once. It was a nonstop flight KOA to SMF. I would take it again next time I go that way.

Previously flown Hawaiian Airlines on similar routes, I found Alaska Airlines to be noticeably more comfortable. The seats on Alaska Airlines provided better support and cushioning, which made a significant difference on the long flight to the islands. When you’re spending 5-6 hours in the air, seat comfort really matters, and Alaska Airlines delivered where it counts. After comparing both carriers, I’ve decided to book with Alaska Airlines for all my future Hawaii trips. The superior seat comfort alone makes it worth choosing Alaska over Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and prioritizing comfort, I’d recommend giving Alaska Airlines a try. You won’t be disappointed. Highly recommended for Hawaii travel!

I received several emails about my 3:10 flight. When I showed up to the airport at 12:30 to check my bags I was told the flight was actually at 1 pm. They grudgingly rebooked me for a flight at 5:22 to Vegas to get a connecting to LAX. I did find the gate for my original 3:10 flight but they were booked. I proceeded to receive status updates and gate change information for the 3:10 flight, even though I was apparently never supposed to be on that flight

The crew was EXTREMELY helpful And sweet and the flight was smooth!

The Kayak confirmation number did not work for checking in the day before. I checked in at 8.30 using my ticket number. When I arrived at the airport, I was informed that the flight was overbooked, and since I had checked in late, I did not have a seat. The Next flight was not until ten PM. I called my wife, who had been taking care of our kids all weekend, and she was upset, calling me a liar and telling me to stay in SD. It turned my weekend getaway into a nightmare! I blame the Kayak website and will not book flights using your app in the future.

One hour waiting time after boarding, but arrived in time. I am satisfied

This was an overnight flight, and in the morning they did know coffee service. How you can throw passengers in a San Francisco airport at 5:40 a.m. in the morning and not giving them Coffee is a crime.

Our flight was delayed several Times due to mechanical issues. Although I understand this may happen at times, it was very inconvenient and we had to book a hotel for an overnight stay. We were traveling with my 3-yo grandson and waiting at the airport from noon until 6:30pm with no reassurance that our next rescheduled flight would depart, we had to decide what’s best for him. A day later, I found out that I may be able to demand compensation if my flight is delayed more than 4 hours. I will hav to read the fine print next time.

Service was professional and quick. Premium economy seat was comfortable given the class

Like: departed and arrived on time. Unlike: Food options for purchase allways bad, 1 of 2 of the crew members not very friendly at all. Seats and leg room aweful. At this point I am thinking on switching to AA.

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly at all times! They went above and beyond to get us into an earlier flight in San Diego to make our connection in SFO possible, because our original flight did actually not make it! I did so much appreciate the UA team and how they made this possible. We also didn’t have seats together on the long flight to Singapore, but they found us seats together last moment with no additional cost! Nobody sat next to us, so that we were able to sleep! Thanks to UA for improving their service and Underpricer for booking this trip! Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future

Packed flight, which makes it tough on crew and boarding staff (and the customers of course). But this was great boarding, clear instructions, etc. Traveling on the weekends are always fraught with danger as you have families and less frequent flyers thus more confusion. But this flight went as planned.

Destroyed my suitcase. Tired of talking about it. Cancelling my unite mileage plus account.

New plane was lovely. Crew customer service is always lax but expected. Kraft on time and arrived safely.

Seat pitch is horrible especially on the 15 hour flight. Gate crew at SFO was Outstanding. The flight crew was also great.

6 1/2 hours from Tampa to SFO on a Boeing 737. Cramped. No Service. No real food. One pass for coffee at the beginning and a second pass THREE hours later. And check-in in Tampa was nasty even by United standards. And I am at almost TWO million miles on United. It's a non-stop. But terrible service.

They didn’t offer a water, even after I asked

Remind customers of the need to have passport or new ID for boarding.

The flight never took off and we spent 7 hours at the airport

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

It was ok. It was expensive to check 2 bags ($75.00 per bag), and then it took a long time to wait for shuttle to take us from one terminal to the terminal where the plane was taking off at LAX. And all of this for a flight where we had to pay for any food or drink that was not water.

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

This airline sucks. They offer low rates then charge you for everything, the app does not work well, the seats are the most uncomfortable. Maintenance issues on the flight, and you still have to sit through their credit card commercials. People are nice enough but does not make up for overall poor experience.

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