$19 Cheap Flights to National City, CA

Flights to National City at a glance

Traveling to National City is easy; simply choose between full-service and budget airlines. Compare travel times and select the best option that fits your budget and schedule while planning to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Look for cheap flights to National City for great deals!

• Major airport near National City: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• Flights per week: 5,250+ flights arriving at National City airport
• Number of airlines that fly to National City: around 50+ carriers

Popular airport near National City

National City is a vibrant destination ideal for family getaways, outdoor adventures, and urban exploration. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and business opportunities. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, the city is well-served by a major airport, complete with various pickup zones for travelers.

• San Diego International Airport (SAN): Situated in San Diego County, California, approximately 7 miles from National City, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to over 265 domestic locations and around 145 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to first class, premium economy, or business class seating, depending on their chosen airlines and routes. Major airlines operating from this airport include Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines.

Top routes to National City

• San Francisco (SFO) to National City (SAN), with one-way tickets available from around $30
• Seattle (SEA) to National City (SAN), with one-way fares starting at around $60
• New York (JFK/LGA) to National City (SAN), with one-way tickets available from around $100
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to National City (SAN), with one-way flight options from around $70
• Las Vegas (LAS) to National City (SAN), with one-way airfare from around $35

Cheapest routes to National City

• San Francisco (SFO) to National City (SAN), with cheap one-way fares from around $30
• Phoenix (PHX) to National City (SAN), with budget one-way fares from around $30
• Las Vegas (LAS) to National City (SAN), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $35
• Denver (DEN) to National City (SAN), with low one-way fares from around $40
• Oakland (OAK) to National City (SAN), with budget one-way fares from around $40

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to National City

• Southwest Airlines: Operating flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN), Southwest Airlines represents nearly 21% of arrivals in National City. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $230.
• American Airlines: Servicing San Diego International Airport (SAN), American Airlines also contributes approximately 21% of arrivals to National City. The average one-way fare stands at around $360, with options for business and first-class service available depending on the route.
• United: With flights arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN), United accounts for roughly 17% of arrivals in National City. The average one-way fare is about $340, and travelers may find premium economy, business, and first-class service options based on the route.
• Alaska Airlines: Flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN), Alaska Airlines makes up approximately 15% of arrivals to National City. The average fare for a one-way ticket is around $270, featuring business and first-class service options depending on the route.
• Delta: Operating flights to San Diego International Airport (SAN), Delta accounts for nearly 15% of arrivals in National City. The average one-way fare is approximately $320, with premium economy and first-class service available based on the route.

Best time to fly to National City

The most popular months for travelers to fly to National City are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in National City can reach up to 61.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.2°F. For better deals, September and October usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $199, roughly 7% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May and August offer average one-way fares of around $203, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to National City

Getting some of the best deals on flights to National City is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our National City hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your National City flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in National City

National City welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach National City efficiently:

• Public transportation: From San Diego International Airport, the Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot. Meanwhile, Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles from the airport and typically reached by car, while the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, also accessible by car, is situated approximately 3 miles away.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in National City, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in National City is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in National City on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around National City

• San Diego: Located 4 miles drive away from National City, San Diego offers an idyllic blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches and scenic parks, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure alike. Highlights include the San Diego Convention Center, ideal for business travelers, and the vibrant Mission Bay and Mission Beach, perfect for those looking to soak up the sun or engage in water sports. With its diverse shopping options and attractions, San Diego is a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
• Chula Vista: Chula Vista is located 3 miles drive away from National City and is an excellent destination for families seeking entertainment and outdoor fun. The city features a variety of shopping centers and a popular water park, making it a lively spot for all ages. Key attractions include the beautiful San Diego Bay, ideal for scenic strolls and water activities, and Chula Vista Bayside Park, a great urban park for family outings. With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to attractions, Chula Vista is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.
• Coronado: Coronado is located 6 miles drive away from National City and is renowned for its stunning beaches and charming atmosphere. This picturesque island community invites travelers to enjoy the beautiful Coronado Beach, perfect for sunbathing and beach games. Visitors can also explore local shops and historic sites, or visit the San Diego Convention Center for events. With a range of outdoor and family-friendly experiences, Coronado is a delightful destination for those looking to unwind and explore the coastal beauty of Southern California.

Tips for short-haul flights to National City

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Optimize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating outfits. This also helps you bypass the wait at baggage claim when you arrive.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself occupied. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for even short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to National City

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow seat selection for free once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to be at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and readily available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to National City

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to National City on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to National City. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to National City. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to National City, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to National City

The lowest price for round-trip flights to National City in 2026 starts from $38, while one-way tickets start from from $19. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to National City. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to National City

Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to National City. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to National City and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for National City, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to National City. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your National City plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to National City

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to National City.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to National City are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to National City. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to National City for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to National City. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate National City flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to National City. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.