$69 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)

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Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel between Denver (DEN) and San Diego (SAN) with a selection of airlines on this popular domestic short-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best itinerary for your budget and schedule. As you plan your trip to enjoy San Diego's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, keep an eye out for price alerts on flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
• Flights per week: around 75+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $40–$270, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

According to recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines flying from Denver to San Diego typically feature both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Common layover locations include Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with an approximate 1 hour and 15 minute layover, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) at around 55 minutes, and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with a 1 hour and 45 minute layover. These options allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $65 and $360. United represents about 36% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $55 to $380. The airline accounts for roughly 32% of departures on this route, featuring a standard non-stop travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost option, Frontier provides non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling between $40 and $195. This airline covers about 21% of departures on this route, and the average non-stop journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Alaska Airlines: This full-service carrier offers non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $50 to $245. Alaska Airlines makes up around 10% of departures on this route, with a usual non-stop flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Delta: A full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $100 and $375. Delta accounts for about 1% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Denver to San Diego can opt for an upgrade. United Airlines provides first class, while Alaska Airlines features both first class and business class options for added comfort.

Best time to fly from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Denver to San Diego are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 60.6°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 72°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $119. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 94 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 57 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $119, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: October, November, and April typically offer average one-way fares of around $125.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Denver to San Diego, with approximately 94 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative routes from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)

• Colorado Springs to San Diego (COS-SAN): Colorado Springs Airport (COS) lies approximately 73 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $95 and $355, influenced by the season and booking timing. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and non-stop flights, with common layover points at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Leading airlines for this route include Southwest Airlines (a low-cost option) and United, with first-class service also available.
• Denver to Carlsbad (DEN-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Economy fares on this journey usually range from $100 to $310, affected by the season and how early you make your reservation. This route features both one-stop and direct flight options, predominantly connecting through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Major carriers on this route are American Airlines and United, along with first-class service offered as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM tend to offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally yields cheaper rates, although Friday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at San Diego International Airport from Denver International Airport

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

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

Denver to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Denver to San Diego

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Denver to San Diego are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Denver to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Denver to San Diego

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Denver to San Diego: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Denver to San Diego

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Denver to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $69 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Denver to San Diego flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Denver to San Diego airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $69 and cheap return flights $108 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $98 and $874, and roundtrip flights usually range from $175 to $1158. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.

*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

January is the cheapest month to fly from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN), with average round-trip fares around $202. This fare is about 19% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to drop after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from DEN to SAN include February and September.

*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Which airlines fly direct from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

There are 3 airlines offering direct flights from DEN to SAN:

• United operates around 43 direct flights from DEN to SAN every week
• Frontier Airlines operates around 15 direct flights from DEN to SAN every week
• Hawaiian Airlines operates around 20 direct flights from DEN to SAN every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $329. This flight includes a layover, providing you with a budget-friendly option. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I find cheap flights from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.

What is the best airline to fly with from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The best airline to fly with from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from DEN to SAN, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

What is the best time to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The best time to fly from Denver to San Diego is typically in January or February, with average return flight prices around $202. These months are ideal because they fall after the holiday rush, leading to lower fares and a more relaxed travel experience.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How many flights per day from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

You can find approximately 15 nonstop flights per day from Denver Intl. (DEN) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

What is the earliest flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN) typically departs at around 12:15 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in November, allowing you to arrive in San Diego early and enjoy a full day at the beach. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it lets you maximize your time in San Diego upon arrival.

How long does it take to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

Flying nonstop from DEN to SAN takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 852 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours 20 minutes longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.

Can you fly business or first class from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

First class is available on flights from DEN to SAN. First class cabins are available on:

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines

How much is a business class flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

A direct, return business class ticket from Denver, CO (DEN) to San Diego, CA (SAN) typically costs between $996 - $2,031. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $409 - $662. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

What airports do you fly into for San Diego from Denver Intl. (DEN)?

From Denver Intl. (DEN), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Salt Lake City Intl. (SLC), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching San Diego. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.

Is it cheaper to book a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.

Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

If you booked your Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.