SAN - DEN

$91 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to Denver - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$109
Typical prices: $118-$271
Frontier
Sat 10/6Wed 10/10
SAN - DEN • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$91
Typical prices: $88-$201
Frontier
Sun 10/14
SAN - DEN • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Southwest, United Airlines and others. Average duration is 2h 28m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 90% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 54% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 33% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $162 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 49m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Denver!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Denver (SAN-DEN)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Diego to Denver

Sat, Nov 14 - Wed, Nov 18
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 9:59 amSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 34mnonstop
Frontier Logo
2:28 pm - 3:58 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 30mnonstop
$110Frontier
Wed, Oct 21 - Sat, Oct 24
Frontier Logo
4:53 pm - 8:24 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 31mnonstop
Frontier Logo
10:29 pm - 11:56 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 27mnonstop
$110Frontier
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 9:59 amSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 34mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:59 pm - 8:34 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 35mnonstop
$157Multiple Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:54 pm - 8:22 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 28mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:31 pm - 2:01 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 30mnonstop
$167Multiple Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
United Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 10:19 amSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 34mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
11:25 am - 12:56 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 31mnonstop
$201United Airlines
Wed, Dec 30 - Wed, Dec 30
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 12:15 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 30mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:01 pm - 10:32 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 31mnonstop
$201United Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Sat, Oct 31
Southwest Logo
8:20 am - 11:35 amSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 15mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:00 am - 2:05 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
7h 05m1 stop San Jose
$211Southwest
Wed, Oct 21 - Mon, Oct 26
Southwest Logo
11:50 am - 3:15 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 25mnonstop
Southwest Logo
7:35 am - 9:05 amDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 30mnonstop
$216Southwest
Tue, Oct 6 - Wed, Oct 7
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:33 pm - 10:12 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 39mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:59 pm - 8:34 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 35mnonstop
$220Alaska Airlines
Tue, Mar 2 - Thu, Mar 4
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:29 pm - 11:51 pmSAN  San Diego-DEN Denver Intl
2h 22mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:49 pm - 2:15 pmDEN  Denver Intl-SAN San Diego
2h 26mnonstop
$227Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Diego to Denver flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from San Diego to Denver with more confidence.

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

Round-trip flights from San Diego to Denver start at $109. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $118 to $271. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $109 on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Denver?

Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Denver, it is 12% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 21% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

•February is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Denver at $125 round-trip.
•July ($269) and June ($265) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 115% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Diego to Denver the cheapest?

Flights from San Diego to Denver are cheapest 4 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 54% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Diego to Denver

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Frontier and United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on DEN

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Key details for San Diego to Denver flights

Low season

July

Cheapest flight

$91
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 44% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 2% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Denver

When to book flights from San Diego to Denver

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Diego to Denver based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Diego to Denver flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What are the transportation options from DEN?

    The SkyRide bus and A Line rail system offer affordable transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver and nearby towns. Uber is also available from the airport and shuttle service operates within the Denver metro area. If travelers are being picked up by friends or family, drivers need to find a parking spot because curbside parking is prohibited.

  • Which nearby cities can I get to from Denver Airport?

    Nearby cities accessible from DEN include Boulder, Aurora and Fort Collins. Boulder is about 45 minutes away by rideshare and Bustang bus service is available to Fort Collins. Other regional destinations include the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs and Aspen. These can be reached by shuttle, car service or public transportation.

  • What are the options for traveling to SAN?

    The easiest way to travel to SAN varies depending on the traveler's location and preferences. For those in the San Diego area, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, taking a taxi or driving a personal car may be the most convenient option.

  • Can I rent a car at Denver Airport?

    Yes. Arriving travelers can rent vehicles from more than 10 major rental-car companies located on Denver International Airport (DEN) property. Courtesy shuttles run to and from Jeppesen Terminal.

  • Are there nursing stations at SAN?

    Yes, San Diego Airport (SAN) has nursing rooms post-security in Terminals 1 and 2. They include a hand washing area and electrical ports for nursing mothers.

  • Does San Diego International Airport offer services for guests with mobility impairments?

    Yes, San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers accessibility services throughout the airport for travelers with mobility impairments. These include visual paging messages displayed on EVIDS monitors and a courtesy cart operated by Volunteer Airport Ambassadors in Terminal 2.

  • What guest amenities does Denver International Airport offer?

    Denver International Airport (DEN) offers free Wi-Fi, religious facilities open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., pet relief areas near gates A, B and C and nursing rooms throughout the airport. There are four nursing rooms in A Gates, three in B Gates and C Gates and two in Jeppesen Terminal.

  • Are there pet amenities at DEN?

    Yes. Pet relief rooms are located airside near gates A, B and C, adjacent to U.S. mail drops. They have a canine theme and include hand soap, a wall-mounted sink, artificial grass flooring and a drainage system. A fenced-in outdoor pet relief area is also available at the Jeppesen Terminal, outside door 200.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Diego to Denver flights?

    Among airlines operating San Diego to Denver flights:

    • Frontier: offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from San Diego to Denver?

    4 airlines operate flights between San Diego and Denver. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Southwest
    • United Airlines
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Frontier

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Diego to Denver?

    Flights from San Diego to Denver usually depart from San Diego (SAN) and arrive at Denver Intl (DEN).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Diego to Denver flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Frontier: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Diego to Denver?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from San Diego to Denver:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Diego to Denver?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $162 round-trip via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS), compared to $187 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Diego to Denver?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from San Diego to Denver?

    The Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Southwest and Alaska Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A321neo variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Diego to Denver pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Diego to Denver most commonly connect through:

    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 47% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 37% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) - 16% of one-stop connections

    Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Diego to Denver?

    On the San Diego to Denver route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 27%. Saturday is the cheapest day at $165 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $226: a $61 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from San Diego to Denver?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the San Diego to Denver route, 16% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 24 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from San Diego to Denver spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Diego to Denver flights, with 48% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 35%, evening flights for 17%, and night flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Denver?

    Some of the most popular sights in Denver are Colorado Convention Center, Coors Field and Ball Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Denver on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Diego to Denver?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Diego to Denver:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:15 am and lands at 8:43 am
    • Latest: departs at 9:45 pm and lands at 12:13 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 28m.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Diego to Denver flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 53% above the route average of $186. Book 4 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Diego to Denver?

    A nonstop flight from San Diego to Denver takes 2h 28m, covering 852 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Diego to Denver?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How are flight prices from San Diego to Denver looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Diego to Denver are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $106, which is 25% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on San Diego to Denver flights?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while Frontier has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on San Diego to Denver flights are:

    • United Airlines: 90% on time
    • Frontier: 89% on time
    • Alaska Airlines: 86% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 84% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from San Diego to Denver?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Diego to Denver?

    Flying via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 49m, compared with 5h 26m via Salt Lake City (SLC) and 5h 29m via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS).

  • What is the time difference between San Diego and Denver?

    Denver is 1 hour ahead of San Diego (Mountain Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at Denver Intl Airport (DEN)?

    Denver Intl Airport (DEN) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $16 for economy cars. Top options include:
    • Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    • Ace
    • NU Car
    • Europcar
    • Hertz

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Diego to Denver flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Diego to Denver range from $118 to $271, with an average of $186 over the past 12 months. Anything below $118 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Diego to Denver flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on San Diego to Denver flights:

    • Alaska Airlines
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking San Diego to Denver flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Saturday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Saturday flights average $165 - about $61 less than Monday (27% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 4 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 54% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Diego to Denver trip for February. Fares historically average $125 round-trip in that month - typically $144 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 90% of United Airlines flights from San Diego to Denver arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 84%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 24 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $162 round-trip on this route - about $25 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Denver Intl Airport.
    - The Westin Denver International Airport
  • Arriving in Denver means using Denver International Airport (DEN). From there, you can reach downtown by train, car rental, Uber or shuttle service.
  • Arrive at San Diego Airport (SAN) at least 2 hours before your flight to Denver. That gives you time to check bags, go through security and get to your departure gate.
  • Ride your bike to San Diego International Airport and use the free bicycle lockers with a refundable deposit. If biking is not the plan, you can also take an Uber to the airport.
  • If you're driving to San Diego International Airport (SAN), use the parking areas close to Terminals 1 and 2. Frequent shuttle buses also serve both terminals.
  • Use the free Wi-Fi throughout the airport by turning on your wireless connection and joining "Den Airport Free Wi-Fi." No password is required.

Prefer to fly direct from San Diego to Denver?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Diego Airport to Denver Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Diego to Denver Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Denver Intl to San Diego

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Diego to Denver

Complete your trip to Denver with a hotel stay or car rental