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$159 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

View $159 flight on Sat, Oct 3, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to San Diego (DCA-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $159 for one-way flights and $278 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Wed, Oct 14
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$278 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$278
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $278 found 18 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Wed, Oct 14
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$302 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$302
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $302 found 18 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$318 Roundtrip, just found
$318
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 5 from Washington to San Diego, returning Mon, Nov 9, priced at $318 just found
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$323 Roundtrip, just found
$323
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $323 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Wed, Oct 14
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$326 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $326 found 18 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$328 Roundtrip, just found
$328
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $328 just found
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Tue, Oct 20
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$328 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$328
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 6 from Washington to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $328 found 4 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$337 Roundtrip, just found
$337
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $337 just found
United
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Oct 31
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$337 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Washington to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $337 found 4 hours ago
Delta
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
$338 Roundtrip, just found
$338
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $338 just found

Alternative airports near San Diego

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

Select flight to McClellan-Palomar CLD. Average driving time to city center is 38 minutes. Flights from $571
CLD
McClellan-Palomar
Average driving time to city center38 min
Flights from $571

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $236 - $308 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to San Diego Intl.

Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel on a variety of airlines offering routes from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN) for this domestic long-haul journey. Compare options for San Diego flights, whether you prefer full-service airlines or low-cost carriers, to discover the lowest fares from Washington that align with your budget and schedule. As you prepare to explore San Diego's iconic attractions and neighborhoods, check the key details for your next flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
  • Flights per week: around 25+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to San Diego, offering both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover cities include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 2-hour stop, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) also featuring a 1 hour and 15-minute layover. These choices allow you to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class to discover your ideal travel itinerary.

  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way tickets generally priced between $120 and $545. It accounts for about 20% of the departures on this route, offering a total travel duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known as a budget-friendly option, Southwest offers both non-stop and one-stop services. One-way fares typically fall between $95 and $430, representing around 20% of the departures. Expect an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey of roughly 8 hours.
  • American Airlines: A prominent full-service airline, American Airlines provides one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $125 to $435. It makes up about 19% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel time of approximately 8 hours, including layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline offers one-stop options, with one-way fares typically between $95 and $245. Frontier constitutes around 18% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey length of about 8 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta provides one-stop services with one-way fares ranging from $135 to $480. It accounts for roughly 12% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of about 8 hours, factoring in layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Washington to San Diego with upgraded flight selections. Top airlines include Alaska Airlines, offering first class and business class; United, featuring first class; and Delta, providing both first class and premium economy class.

Best time to fly from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to San Diego are January, 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, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $212. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 39 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 18 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $212, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: January, August, and February typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $217 to $230.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Washington to San Diego, with approximately 39 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)Moderately High28$217
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average18$230
March58.1°F (14.5°C)Moderately High27$267
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Moderately High31$250
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Average32$212
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average34$243
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average29$239
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Average29$219
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderately Low24$231
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Moderately Low26$250
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Moderately Low28$240
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Average39$244

*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 Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Washington to Carlsbad (DCA-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located approximately 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $125 and $445, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers typically have access to one-stop options, with the majority of connections via Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for this route.
  • Washington to San Diego (IAD-SAN): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Economy fares on this route typically range from $120 to $435, varying by season and booking timing. Both non-stop and one-stop flights are available for travelers. United and Alaska Airlines are the leading carriers for this route, and options for business and first class service can also be found.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often have lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically yields cheaper rates, although Wednesday remains the most favored 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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 away by car. Additionally, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is situated around 3 miles away by car from the airport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $159 and cheap return flights from $278 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $160 and $813, and roundtrip flights usually range from $314 to $1199. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from DCA to SAN is October 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly direct from DCA to SAN on Hawaiian Airlines, with around 7 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Alaska Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Diego Intl. (SAN), starting from around $188 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Alaska Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Alaska Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington, DC to San Diego, 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Diego International (SAN) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service runs in April, May, and June, allowing you to make the most of your time in sunny 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
For flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego (SAN-San Diego Intl.), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well for travelers looking to maximize their time in San Diego.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from DCA to SAN typically takes around 6 hours, covering approximately 2,271 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 2 hours 20 minutes 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DCA and SAN. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
If you're planning to travel to San Diego from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Love Field (DAL), Midway Intl. (MDW), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$278
Distance
2271 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 39 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to San Diego Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $159 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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