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$171 Cheap Flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN)

View $171 flight on Mon, Sep 28, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Albuquerque to San Diego (ABQ-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $171 for one-way flights and $298 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Wed, Jan 6 - Mon, Jan 11
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$298 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$298
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jan 6 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Mon, Jan 11, priced at $298 found 4 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Tue, Nov 10
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$341 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $341 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Tue, Nov 17 - Sat, Nov 21
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$343 Roundtrip, just found
$343
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Nov 17 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 21, priced at $343 just found
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 26 - Fri, Oct 30
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$347 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 26 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $347 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Tue, Nov 10
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$351 Roundtrip, just found
$351
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $351 just found
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Nov 23 - Tue, Nov 24
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$356 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$356
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 23 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Tue, Nov 24, priced at $356 found 6 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Nov 9 - Tue, Nov 10
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$361 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$361
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Nov 9 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Tue, Nov 10, priced at $361 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 24 - Tue, Dec 29
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$361 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$361
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 24 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Tue, Dec 29, priced at $361 found 2 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Sat, Oct 10
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$383 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$383
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $383 found 2 hours ago
United
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
ABQ
Albuquerque
SAN
San Diego
$385 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$385
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Albuquerque to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 24, priced at $385 found 6 hours ago

Alternative airports near San Diego

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl. TIJ. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $1,170
TIJ
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $1,170

What you need to know for your flight from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport to San Diego Intl.

Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN) with a selection of airlines on this short domestic route. Discover options for cheap flights from Albuquerque and compare the airfare from Albuquerque to San Diego, whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly carriers. With multiple weekly flights available, you can easily find an itinerary that aligns with your travel plans, allowing you to experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of San Diego.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$375, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Here are the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Albuquerque to San Diego, particularly for non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layovers include Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with about a 1-hour pause, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with approximately a 1h 15m stop, and Denver International Airport (DEN), also around 1h 15m. These options offer you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal travel itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly option, Southwest offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices generally between $110 and $390. This airline makes up about 59% of flights on this route, featuring a typical non-stop travel duration of around 2 hours.
  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $100 to $375. American Airlines represents approximately 30% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 4 hours, including layovers.
  • Delta: A comprehensive service provider, Delta also offers one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices typically between $100 and $385. Delta accounts for approximately 8% of departures along this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of around 4 hours, factoring in layovers.
  • United: Another full-service airline, United provides one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $110 to $375. It comprises about 3% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel time of approximately 4 hours, including layover periods.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Albuquerque to San Diego by upgrading their flight. Delta offers first class and premium economy options, while American Airlines also provides first class service for a more comfortable travel experience.

Best time to fly from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Albuquerque to San Diego are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 70.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 62.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $182). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. May has the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $182, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September, August, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $183 to $194.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Albuquerque to San Diego, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Average12$228
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average14$197
March58.1°F (14.5°C)High16$227
April60.6°F (15.9°C)High16$218
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Low11$240
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average15$229
July70.5°F (21.4°C)High16$238
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Average15$188
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Average15$183
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average15$194
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Low15$182
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Low17$224

*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 Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Santa Fe to San Diego (SAF-SAN): Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF) is located approximately 49 miles from Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $125 and $405, influenced by the time of year and how early you book. Passengers usually encounter one-stop flights, with common layover spots including Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines operating this route are American Airlines and United, with first-class service also available.
  • Albuquerque to Carlsbad (ABQ-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). The one-way economy fare for this route typically ranges from $100 to $385, varying based on the season and booking timing. This route is primarily served by one-stop flights, with most connections at Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the leading carrier on this route, and first-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Albuquerque 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the afternoon (12 PM-6 PM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides cheaper prices, while 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 Albuquerque International Sunport Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Albuquerque 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, Seaport, a seaport, is located just about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is approximately 2.3 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is situated around 3 miles away and is typically reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $171 and cheap return flights from $298 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $176 to $739, and return flights typically cost between $308 and $879. 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from ABQ to SAN is January when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter ABQ to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $401. 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) 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, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from ABQ 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
There are approximately 2 nonstop flights per day from Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) to San Diego, CA (SAN) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February, giving you an early start to enjoy the beautiful beaches of San Diego. 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Albuquerque (ABQ) to San Diego (SAN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to maximize your time in San Diego upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from ABQ to SAN typically takes around 2 hours, covering approximately 627 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours to your travel time. 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for ABQ to SAN flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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 Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ)?
From Albuquerque Intl. Sunport (ABQ), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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 Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport) 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.

Travel information

Origin airport
Albuquerque Intl. Sunport
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$298
Distance
627 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 7 mins

Book with confidence

Albuquerque to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to San Diego are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Albuquerque to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $171 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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.

 

Albuquerque to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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