$61 Cheap Flights to San Mateo, FL

Flights to San Mateo at a glance

Traveling to San Mateo is easy—choose between full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and select the option that best fits your budget and schedule as you plan to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near San Mateo: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
• Closest (typical) airport to San Mateo: Gainesville Regional Airport, GNV (around 42 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,700+ flights arriving across San Mateo airports
• Number of airlines that fly to San Mateo: around 5+ carriers

Popular airports near San Mateo

San Mateo is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking scenic getaways. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful beaches and adventurous activities. The area is conveniently accessible via two major airports, making travel to San Mateo easy and efficient.

• Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): Situated in Volusia County, Florida, approximately 43 miles from San Mateo, this airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, linking travelers to over 110 domestic locations and 3 international spots. Passengers can opt for enhanced comfort with first class and premium economy seating, depending on their chosen routes and airlines. Major carriers at this airport include Delta, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways.
• Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV): Found in Alachua County, Florida, about 42 miles from San Mateo, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, connecting to roughly 95 domestic cities and 4 international destinations. Travelers can select first class or premium economy seating for extra comfort based on their flight and airline preferences. Notable airlines operating here include American Airlines and Delta.

Top routes to San Mateo

• New York (JFK/LGA) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with one-way flights starting at around $70
• Boston (BOS) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with one-way flight options from around $80
• Hartford (BDL) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with one-way flights starting at around $45
• Newark (EWR) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Washington (IAD/DCA) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with one-way flights starting at around $90

Cheapest routes to San Mateo

• Raleigh (RDU) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with affordable one-way prices from around $40
• Hartford (BDL) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with affordable one-way prices from around $45
• New Haven (HVN) to San Mateo (DAB), with affordable one-way prices from around $45
• Providence (PVD) to San Mateo (GNV/DAB), with affordable one-way prices from around $50
• Akron (CAK) to San Mateo (DAB), with affordable one-way prices from around $50

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

Top airlines with flights to San Mateo

• Delta: Operating flights to Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Delta captures roughly 50% of arrivals into San Mateo. The average one-way ticket costs around $270, with premium service options like premium economy and first class available based on the route.
• American Airlines: With routes to Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), American Airlines accounts for about 46% of arrivals in San Mateo. One-way fares are approximately $270, featuring first class as a premium cabin option depending on the specific route.
• Breeze: This airline operates to Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), representing approximately 2% of arrivals to San Mateo. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of about $90.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue serves Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), contributing around 1% of arrivals to San Mateo. The average cost for a one-way fare is about $200.
• WestJet: Providing services to Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), WestJet's average one-way fare is approximately $240.

Best time to fly to San Mateo

The most popular months for travelers to fly to San Mateo are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Mateo can reach up to 70.3°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 78.8°F. For better deals, July and September usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $235, roughly 6% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? August and May offer average one-way fares of around $244, 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 Mateo

Getting some of the best deals on flights to San Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo

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

• Public transportation: From Daytona Beach International Airport, several transport options are just a short drive away. Daytona Beach Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 3.2 miles from the airport, while Daytona Beach Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 3.6 miles away by car. For train travel, Daytona Beach Station, a train station, sits about 5.1 miles from the airport.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Mateo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in San Mateo is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in San Mateo 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 San Mateo

• Palatka: Palatka is located 4 miles away from San Mateo and offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and scenic views. This charming city is perfect for families seeking adventure and relaxation. Explore the beautiful Ravine Gardens State Park, where you can immerse yourself in nature, or enjoy recreational activities at local golf courses. With its proximity to stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, Palatka is an ideal destination for those looking to connect with the great outdoors.
• Seville: Seville is located 21 miles away from San Mateo and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. This city boasts access to remarkable landmarks like the Ocala National Forest, where you can hike and explore diverse ecosystems. Lakes and parks in the area provide perfect spots for picnics and relaxation. Whether you're interested in motor racing at local venues or enjoying the serene beauty of Lake George, Seville is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking scenic adventures.
• Florahome: Florahome is located 25 miles drive away from San Mateo and is known for its romantic and scenic atmosphere. This quaint city offers a variety of recreational activities, including underwater sports and exploration of natural parks. Visit Flamingo Lake for a serene beach experience or venture into Gold Head Branch State Park for outdoor adventures. With its charming local culture and picturesque landscapes, Florahome is a delightful escape for couples and nature lovers alike.

Tips for short-haul flights to San Mateo

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

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on often proves to be more economical. Maximize your packing efficiency by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and carefully planning your outfits. This approach also allows you to bypass the hassle of waiting at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book as well. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking traffic and security lines into account.
• 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 Mateo

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

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing the right seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to reach 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 explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to rest 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 Mateo

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to San Mateo 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo

The lowest price for round-trip flights to San Mateo in 2026 starts from $127, while one-way tickets start from from $61. 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo

Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to San Mateo. 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 Mateo and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

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

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 Mateo.

Stopover savings

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