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Cheap Flights from San Diego to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Sort by: Cheapest
San Francisco
1h 30mNonstop
from $71per person
Las Vegas
1h 15mNonstop
from $83per person
Los Angeles
1h 01mNonstop
from $100per person
Sacramento
1h 40mNonstop
from $117per person
San Jose
1h 20mNonstop
from $117per person
Oakland
1h 30mNonstop
from $117per person
Fresno
1h 15mNonstop
from $117per person
Santa Rosa
1h 45mNonstop
from $117per person
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Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Diego to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Diego to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Diego to California?

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to California from San Diego usually cost between $209 and $407 in October.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $100 on Frontier (Oct 7-Oct 14).

What is the cheapest San Diego to California flight route?

The cheapest ticket to California from San Diego found in the last 5 days was to San Francisco, at $81 round-trip. The most popular route is from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $81.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $669 on average. Morning departures are around 9% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $966.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from San Diego to California?

No, with an average price for the route of $260, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to California?

The cheapest month for flights from San Diego to California is October, when tickets cost $166 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and February, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $272 and $265 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to California?

If you are looking for a flight deal from San Diego to California, look for departures on Thursdays and avoid leaving on a Monday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from California, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly and Monday is the most expensive.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$40
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 2% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 11% lower on average.
Flight from San Diego to Los Angeles

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Diego to California 
DavidFlew with United Airlines-Jun 2026
Arrive early. If you’re over 60 or disabled get LAXtransportation assistance. With assistance the trip between domestic and international is 20 minutes, without assistance or can be over 40 minutes. With a tight connection that can be an issue.
ClaudiaFlew with United Airlines-Jun 2026
Please be careful: 1,5 hrs for transfer in San Francisco might not be enough time in the future
LindseyFlew with SWISS-Dec 2025
Ready for weather delays of wind in SFO, which happens often. Keep that in consideration when planning an additional leg of a trip after it from SFO.
AmyFlew with Spirit Airlines-Dec 2024
Make sure you download your movies in advance and try not to bring more luggage than you need. And keep in mind that the gate at San Diego airport is terribly small.
VyomaFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jun 2024
Be sure to read the signs, i have heard it's confusing for connecting flights if you don't follow the directions.
BillFlew with Alaska Airlines-May 2024
Security at Sacramento can take longer than you think it might for a small airport.

FAQs - booking California flights

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

    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 San Diego to California.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from San Diego to 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 San Diego to California?

    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 from San Diego to California with an airline and back with another airline.

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

    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 from San Diego to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from San Diego to the following destinations at these prices or less: Las Vegas $122 one-way - $169 round-trip; Los Angeles $200 one-way - $386 round-trip; San Francisco $102 one-way - $166 round-trip

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

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from San Diego to California? 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
SouthwestOverall score based on 4194 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.6Crew
Airline reviews

Red eye from San Diego. Temperature of the cabin was way too warm and the air duct flowed very little air.

6.0 GoodGordon, Jul 2026
Read more Southwest reviews

Red eye from San Diego. Temperature of the cabin was way too warm and the air duct flowed very little air.

Great job Southwest! My family doesn't fly often but we felt safe the whole time.

Comfortable. Easy. No problems. Just wish they had gf options for snacks.

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

The seats are now more narrow. I paid for front row the seats in the front are even more narrow than before.

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.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

No trays in our seats, we sat in first row, purchased a business class fare. Had to hold our drinks and snack in our hands. No plugs for our cell phones. Had to pay for it a drink cocktail each. Seats so uncomfortable.

No problems with the flight, my issue is with the terminal at SAN airport. I’ve never seen a dirtier, worse equipped terminal. No power plugs worked, but you could of course buy a fuel rod battery from the kiosk (seemingly the only thing that worked).

Everything went well. We even landed earlier than scheduled. Thank you!

My first leg was canceled 3 hr before leaving. My return trip left late. I leave it to Alaska higher ups to figure out what can be improved. Just put yourself in the passengers position.

We got in the plane late we still got to our destination on time. I wished Airlines would make people that put their luggage above were smaller maybe they would all fit and get them out easier customers like myself pay for her luggage in the back when your in a hurry to go to another destination it’s very frustrating for everyone to take their time to get their luggage down and wait because they don’t want to pay.

The flight was very late departing the gate, for unknown reasons.

delay was longer than the entire flight. I didn’t stop flying with delta for this.

There were 5 delays IN TOTAL there and back. And we got a $12 food voucher, RIDICULOUS. Will never fly Alaska again!

Flight delayed no communication. The gate was changed so many times.

The ticketing counter in SD was a mess. The lady handling the First-Class check-in seemed overwhelmed until a supervisor replaced her. It took almost 20 minutes to get once couple checked in, and then she started walking around the counters while 7 people just stood in line. Once her supervisor arrived, she announced she was going on break, never to engage with customers again.

Good as usual. Just wished my seat was assigned at online check in. Thanks anyways

I bought tickets MONTHS ago for a flight that left SAN at 14:30. That is what it says on our tickets. I was never notified of any time changes. During online check-in. I discovered the flight time had been changed to 15:45. This was unacceptable and had I been notified, I would have changed flights, or airlines. That departure time was unworkable with our plans. We called Alaska and asked for an explanation. They said flight time was changed 11/08/25. No proof of notification could be offered. We asked to be moved to an earlier flight. After much pleading, the rep said she would allow a “one time exception..” While I appreciate being moved, this was YOUR fault Alaska Airlines.

Again, very smooth and all of the Alaska folks were great. They continue to meet all my needs.

The back to back mechanical delays from Denver to San Diego and then on my return flight from Denver to Great Falls it added extra time both ways

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

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

Over 2.5 hour maintenance delay on first morning flight with no acknowledgement, compensation or even gesture of good will. Aircraft had overnighted at airport so issue should have been addressed prior to boarding. Over 3.5 hours before first slow and deliberate beverage service.

Complimentary light meal would be appreciated. But great flight crew service on all legs

I was in first class. The outlets at my seat did not work. The plane was shabby and run down. I had prepurchsed a day subscription for internet that was not redeemable. I had to repurchase the internet for my flight and then it didn’t work anyway. Quite disappointed in what was supposed to be the launch of a great vacation.

As usual, United scheduling is completely misleading. A 54-minute layover at O’Hare is too short to make a lot of connections, especially since the flight landed “on time” but had to wait on the taxiway 15 minutes for a gate to open up. Then it takes another 10 minutes to exit the plane before one can run to another concourse to catch a connecting flight.

Flight was ok. Unfortunately it was a Boeing 737, which is a cramped / tight airplane. I prefer the Airbus as they are a more comfortable flight experience.

We were traveling as a family of 5 and they refused to seat us together. There were entire rows open, and my 13 year old daughter had to sit alone. Ridiculous!

Do not like the feeling of being in the basic economy. Everyone should feel good no matter what.

More space for economy, and the bathroom size is only for people with size XS

Well, true to American Airlines, both of my flights were delayed. But it’s a good thing that American is so consistently incompetent because if the first flight was delayed in the second flight was on time then I might’ve had a problem..

Was not able to do a online check-in because the American Airlines system doesn't store our visa or other passport information, allowing us to have a trouble-free check-in. We were forced to have to check-in at the counter which Changes are upgrade status given that we were not able to check in much earlier.

The entertainment package was vast and the selections were very current. Keep updating it was great.

The seat was so hard my tailbone was aching The crew was kind of a b**** because I made a joke that I didn't care if they close the door I total c*** when she was trying to f****** act like she was mad at me because I said that The flight was bumpy. Sure you didnt have control over that.

Cramped seats. FAA should make airlines have more legroom, for even short people complain

The plane was late and then sat on the runway for almost 45 minutes before taking off.

Had to wait on pilot and crew to depart and had to wait to arrive at the gate because they only had 2 crews working. Delays, delays....Planes just keep getting smaller and tighter and they nickle and dime for everything. When will an airline actually wake up and make flying more enjoyable?

I paid for what I got which was cheap, I brought my own entertainment. I knew what to expect, so I could be prepared. If you’re flying economy, check in early like me. I have no problems with my flight, was on time, staff were friendly, and overall good experience.

Multiple maintenance delays and the missed and rebooked connection changed gates at least 6 times including one which had us walking 20 minutes to another terminal and then back again. Seated our family of three in different middle seats throughout the plane and then there was an empty seat next to me. Very long travel day which I would have never agreed to if I knew the itinerary would be changed at 5 am, 2 hours before takeoff.

We had an awful experience getting our bags checked in. Frontier’s check in on the app manipulated us into buying the business package because that was the only option available for a checked bag which included two checked bags per person which we did not need. Upon arriving to the airport, we stood in line for what seemed like forever at the baggage check in and there was no one available at the counter. We were first in line and we were afraid we were going to miss our flight due to the baggage attendant being late. After realizing there were a lot of other people waiting at the baggage check in and no one available. I reached out to Frontier and could not get any customer service so I had to call the airport to page the baggage attendant to send someone to the counter to check in our bags before we were able to go through security , I finally spoke to the attendant at the counter and explained to her that we had to pay for two checked bags person a total of six bags when we only had a total of three bags between three people she said to reach out to Frontier and they would issue a refund for the three bags that we paid for and did not need. I reached out to Frontier which I was not able to reach anybody by phone so I had to go through their automated chat feature, which sent me around in circles until I finally reached a representative to assist me. I explained to them what happened and they explained that they were not able to assist me. I continued to push the issue with them as this was very frustrating and they finally put in a customer service ticket where we were issued a flight credit and we were so disappointed because after this experience, we NEVER want to fly Frontier again, and we do not want a credit that we will not use. Frontier charged us almost $500 for us to check three bags which is absolutely absurd! The customer service agents were not able to offer anything else other than a flight credit and I do not feel like my frustrations were truly heard , we will never use Frontier Airlines again ! Truly Theft by Manipulation! They should be ashamed!

Every day about it was very different all the boarding pass where all wrong l miss flight no refund all crazy

The trip was good but the last minute changes I didn’t like because I had already talked to the attendee and they didn’t help me with my ticket I was having trouble checking in and when the time was up they help me but charge me for that and last minute luggage it was a small bag. After I was in the airplane I realized you were charging because the flight was almost empty and you have to get the money some how. Thanks for everything.

Our flight was delayed by four hours without notice, the app for getting my boarding pass is super confusing, and I wasn’t able to check a suitcase without paying for a higher cost package

First the gate was a total nightmare-no chairs anywhere! So over crowded and only one bathroom and nightmare of food service - took forever and NOT one place to sit. No inflight entertainment and had to pay 60.00 for a small carry on. I will never fly Frontier again!

I didn't like anything about the flight It was my first time and definitely my last time boarding a frontier flight. Their counter agents need training and they need to learn to communicate regularly and respectfully

Flight was 3 hours late leaving. Poor communication from the staff about delays. Impossible to get in touch with customer service (by design). And it actually didn't come out to be much cheaper than a non-budget airline! Not worth the headache, I'm never flying Frontier again

I did not enjoy the trip home on Frontier for several reasons: there is too much cost besides the flight, which was more than I would normally pay, then having to pay for luggage, and carry-on, seat (if you want to reserve when booking) then you must pay over $3 for a can of soda, and $4 for a snack. A cup of water is free.

Flight was delay 9hrs and nothing was provided at airport, had to go and get a room to sleep in, paid for Uber back and fort with no offers until we landed back home a 1hr later for a $75 voucher for a future flight.

Terrible. Seats are bad and the baggage policy is inconsistent

More options for your flight from San Diego to California

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