SAN

$37 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 3/24. 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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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, Mar 19 - Wed, Mar 25
Frontier Logo
4:11 pm - 5:38 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 27mnonstop
Frontier Logo
2:08 pm - 3:37 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 29mnonstop
$65Frontier
Tue, Mar 24 - Wed, Mar 25
Frontier Logo
11:48 am - 1:13 pm
LAS
-
SAN
1h 25mnonstop
Frontier Logo
2:08 pm - 3:37 pm
SAN
-
LAS
1h 29mnonstop
$66Frontier
Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 14
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:35 am - 8:15 am
SFO
-
SAN
1h 40mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm
SAN
-
SFO
1h 50mnonstop
$117Alaska Airlines
Wed, Apr 15 - Sat, Apr 18
Southwest Logo
1:20 pm - 8:30 pm
SFO
-
SAN
7h 10m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
8:35 am - 5:25 pm
SAN
-
SFO
8h 50m
2 stops
$122Southwest
Sat, May 16 - Wed, May 20
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 pm - 8:23 pm
FAT
-
SAN
1h 23mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
10:04 pm - 11:30 pm
SAN
-
FAT
1h 26mnonstop
$127Alaska Airlines
Tue, Apr 7 - Tue, Apr 7
Southwest Logo
6:30 am - 7:45 am
FAT
-
SAN
1h 15mnonstop
Southwest Logo
4:05 pm - 10:35 pm
SAN
-
FAT
6h 30m
2 stops
$132Southwest
Sat, Apr 4 - Sun, Apr 5
United Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 8:12 pm
SMF
-
SAN
6h 17m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 10:33 am
SAN
-
SMF
4h 13m
1 stop
$142United Airlines
Sat, Apr 11 - Mon, Apr 13
United Airlines Logo
1:55 pm - 8:12 pm
SMF
-
SAN
6h 17m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 10:33 am
SAN
-
SMF
4h 13m
1 stop
$148United Airlines
Wed, Apr 15 - Sat, Apr 18
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:58 am
STS
-
SAN
1h 58mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
5:06 pm - 7:05 pm
SAN
-
STS
1h 59mnonstop
$177American Airlines
Wed, Apr 1 - Wed, Apr 8
American Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:58 am
STS
-
SAN
1h 58mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:14 pm - 11:13 pm
SAN
-
STS
1h 59mnonstop
$197American Airlines
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$37
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 2% lower on average.
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 
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.
8.0
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12001 reviews
7.8Comfort
7.0Entertainment
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.1Food
Airline reviews

The boarding process could be clearer, there's never a call for group f

8.0 ExcellentCarlos, Feb 2026
JFK - SAN
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

The boarding process could be clearer, there's never a call for group f

good, no complaints but nothing to rave about. It was fine

I love Alaska! We arrived on the later side without seat assignments only to find the had oversold the flight by 1. The attendants worked extra hard to find a way for our party of 7 to stay together and we made it on the flight! Loved the free WiFi also!

The he whole flight was very smooth on every aspects.

Flight cancelled and deplaned. Rescheduled 8 hours later at a different airport. Ended up at destination but late.

Due to plane delays on both legs of my flight home, I had to be rerouted from Santa Rosa to Las Vegas on Skywest and then to DCA on American. SkyWest airlines sat on runway in Las Vegas for 20 minutes waiting for gate to clear. My boarding pass for American that I was given by Alaska was incomplete and the Las Vegas airport lacked signage and departure boards. I barely made my flight bc it was so confusing. American Airlines has a much better wireless connection. I’ll never fly Alaska again. It clearly has problems.

We left about 30 minutes late due to ramp issues. It did not impact me, but I know others on the flight had very tight connections to Maui.

The crew was very friendly. Boarding was quick and efficient.

No WiFi. Terrible food. Very long walk to the gate and from the gate after landing. Gate changed without notice.

I enjoyed the Starlink access but didn't have much time to use it. It also kept dropping me so I gave up. The food was very good though when I asked for a different "dessert" they didn't have anything. Chocolate Brownie Cookies are not suitable for everyone...maybe children. The flight staff were amazing - at least in First Class! My first time ever! The trip from Boise to San Diego was FAR better than going to Boise.

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

Mediocre. Boarding is now unpleasant. The employees, once friendly and nice, are now regularly speaking sternly to passengers, badgering them to do things right so they can take off on time and gate check bags because they don't have enough overhead bin space. The pretzel snack was crushed flat and broken into even smaller pieces, which happens frequently lately. Drink service was suspended before they reached my row.

The charges were ridiculous for an hour flight and the turbulence was very scary.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The flight crew was extremely rude and especially not helpful when our flight was delayed.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

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

Flying with Hawaiian Airlines is a treat! They have the best crew, food and drinks! I’ve always enjoyed flying with Hawaiian Airlines and will continue to use them!

Amazing all female crew, including the pilot. Great flight attendants and smooth trip. Food was good. Boarding the plane from back to front would have made things significantly smoother. Took forever to wait for people to clear the alley. A little extra leg room would be nice also. Please thank your flight crew!

Flight delayed for more than 16 hrs and no effort was spent to provide an alternate

Overall we had a good experience during our flight from San Francisco to Houston.

it was a very short flight so my expectations were low.

Very disappointing given gate agent behavior. Filed a formal complaint with United.

Flight delayed. WiFi connectivity very poor if not existant. Last minute arrival forced me to run to catch my connection.

The power at the seat didn't work and the seat itself was difficult to adjust - this was a business class seat. Flight attendant gave me miles to compensate. The attendant was very professional and on top of his game the entire flight.

the whole trip was smooth, and as comfortable as flying is these days. flight crew was friendly and very courteous and helpful.

First class ticket gets you a choice of chips or nuts. . Just like economy Southwest. Also no screen in the seats. This is first class???!

Flight arrived 30 min early and bag was waiting at the baggage pickup. United Club HNL was one of the nicest in the system

Yet another flight in which beverage and snack service was skipped. Other that that, firmly mediocre. Landed early, to gate late due to congestion at the gates. Airline's fault or airports fault: unknown.

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.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

Decent clean onboard experience. Okay discount airline experience. Unfortunately, any customer service interactions are difficult and unhelpful. There is no service. Also, a premium seat only gets you premium boarding if you line up first. Once they start general boarding you must go to the back of the line. Not very premium

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