Southwest® flights to San Diego starting at $42

Flights to San Diego – San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Put away your sun lamp—we see a flight to San Diego in your future. Southwest offers convenient flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN) from airports across America, so you can fly on your schedule whether it’s a work trip or a beach getaway.

Getting from SAN to San Diego and Nearby Areas

SAN is just a few miles north of downtown San Diego, so you won’t have far to go once your flight touches down. Your transit options include:

• Rental car: If you're planning to explore coastal spots like La Jolla or the lively beach areas, grabbing a rental car is a smart move. The SAN Rental Car Center is accessible via a free shuttle.
• Rideshare & taxi: With the airport so close to the city center, taking a rideshare or taxi will get you downtown in no time.
• Public transit: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers a reliable public transit connection. You can take Route 992 to get from the airport to the city's trolley system.

How to Find Cheap Flights to San Diego

Flying on a budget? These tips can help you find cheap flights to San Diego:

• Stay flexible: If your travel plans allow it, check the Southwest Low Fare Calendar and pick the days with the best rates.
• Book early: Book sooner rather than later whenever you can, since airfare often increases in price as the date approaches and seats fill up.
• Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the sweet spots for finding lower fares.
• Set up alerts: Sign up for email alerts so you've always got the drop on our hottest flight deals.

What’s the Best Time to Visit San Diego?

Thanks to the city's famous year-round sunshine and mild temperatures, there's really no bad time to take a flight to San Diego. Summer, however, is the peak travel period, bringing bigger crowds and warmer waters perfect for hitting the beach.

If you prefer a quieter getaway with slightly cooler coastal breezes, spring and fall are excellent choices. Even winter is incredibly mild, making it the perfect escape if you're flying in from a chilly climate. That said, winter is Southern California's rainy season, so be prepared for potentially less consistent weather between November and March.