$241 Cheap Flights to San Diego

Flights to San Diego at a glance

Traveling to San Diego is easy; you can select from full-service or budget airlines. Compare flight durations and choose the best option that aligns with your budget and schedule as you plan to discover the city's renowned attractions and charming neighborhoods.

• Major airport near San Diego: Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
• Flights per week: 850+ flights arriving at San Diego airport
• Number of airlines that fly to San Diego: around 10+ carriers

Popular airport near San Diego

San Diego is a charming destination renowned for its stunning beaches, picturesque scenery, and outdoor activities. Visitors flock here for family vacations, romantic getaways, and adventures in nature. The area is conveniently accessible via a major airport, providing easy travel options for those eager to explore.

• Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA): Situated in the Managua Department, approximately 34 miles from San Diego, this airport facilitates international travel with connections to over 105 destinations globally. Passengers have the option to upgrade to business class or premium economy for enhanced comfort, depending on the selected airlines and routes. Notable carriers operating from this airport include Avianca, American Airlines, and United.

Top routes to San Diego

• Miami (MIA) to San Diego (MGA), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (MGA), with one-way fares starting at around $170
• San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (MGA), with one-way flight options from around $200
• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Diego (MGA), with one-way fares starting at around $130
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to San Diego (MGA), with one-way airfare from around $160

Cheapest routes to San Diego

• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to San Diego (MGA), with budget one-way fares from around $75
• Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (MGA), with affordable one-way prices from around $90
• San Jose (SJO) to San Diego (MGA), with cheap one-way fares from around $100
• Miami (MIA) to San Diego (MGA), with budget one-way fares from around $120
• Newark (EWR) to San Diego (MGA), with cheap one-way fares from around $120

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

Top airlines with flights to San Diego

• American Airlines: Providing service to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), American Airlines holds approximately 31% of the market share for arrivals in San Diego. One-way fares typically hover around $320, with the potential for business class service on select routes.
• United: Another major airline serving Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), United captures about 29% of arrivals to San Diego. The average fare for a one-way ticket is roughly $320, and business class may be offered depending on the specific route.
• Avianca: Operating flights to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), Avianca accounts for around 26% of arrivals in San Diego. Passengers can expect average one-way fares of about $350, with premium cabin options potentially including business class on certain routes.
• Copa: Serving Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), Copa Airlines represents roughly 12% of arrivals to San Diego. The average fare for a one-way flight is around $360, with business class available on select routes as a premium cabin option.
• Air Europa: Offering flights to Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA), Air Europa makes up about 1% of arrivals in San Diego. Travelers should anticipate an average one-way fare of approximately $770 for this airline.

Best time to fly to San Diego

The most popular months for travelers to fly to San Diego are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego can reach up to 84.7°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 83.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $261), roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August, September, and June offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $263 to $275, 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 San Diego

Getting some of the best deals on flights to San Diego 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.*
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 San Diego flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in San Diego

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

• Public transportation: From Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Uca Bus Stop, a bus station, is located about 8 miles away by car, while Managua Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 8.2 miles from the airport, both easily accessible by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in San Diego is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in San Diego 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 in and around San Diego

• San Rafael del Sur: Located 12 miles drive away from San Diego, San Rafael del Sur is a charming city perfect for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Montelimar Beach, ideal for a relaxing getaway, or explore the adventure-filled Masaya Volcano National Park. The area also boasts a shopping mall center and golf facilities for those looking to unwind. Don't miss the historic San Rafael Church, a cultural landmark that adds depth to your visit.
• Villa El Carmen: San Diego is situated in Villa El Carmen, a vibrant city where romance meets coastal beauty. With attractions like Quisala Beach, couples can enjoy sun-soaked days by the shore. The El Transito Art Center offers a glimpse into local creativity, making it a great spot for culture lovers. Additionally, the shopping mall center and golf options provide leisurely activities for all. Enjoy the unique blend of beach and urban charm in this delightful destination.
• El Transito: El Transito is located 12 miles away from San Diego and offers a quaint village atmosphere for visitors. Beachgoers can relax at Quisala Beach, while those seeking culture can explore the El Transito Art Center. For families, Parque Central de Nagarote presents a lovely urban park perfect for outdoor fun. This picturesque area is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy stunning scenery and peaceful surroundings.

Tips for short-haul flights to San Diego

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, traveling with just a carry-on is often more affordable. Maximize space by opting for mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This approach also helps you avoid the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand and bring along a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for 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 San Diego

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

• Select your seat in advance—for long-haul flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow seat selection for free once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is usually free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to San Diego

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to San Diego 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

January is the cheapest month to fly to San Diego. 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego

The lowest price for round-trip flights to San Diego in 2026 starts from $499, while one-way tickets start from from $241. 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 San Diego. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to San Diego

American Airlines, United, Avianca, Copa, Aeromexico are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to San Diego. 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 San Diego and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego 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 San Diego

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 San Diego.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to San Diego are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to San Diego. 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 San Diego 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 San Diego. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate San Diego 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 San Diego. 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.