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$466 Cheap Flights from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN)

Popular airlines from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from London to San Diego (LHR-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $466 for one-way flights and $791 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Lufthansa
Lufthansa
Lufthansa
British Airways
Iberia
United
Virgin Atlantic
Delta
Air Canada
Brussels Airlines

Alternative airports near San Diego

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN)

January is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $613 - $983 per traveler.

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

London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN) on this international long-haul route. You can compare choices between full-service and budget airlines to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations while you take in the iconic sights and neighborhoods of San Diego. Here are the essential details for flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 11h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 5,500 miles (8,850 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $315–$1620, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from London to San Diego, often preferred for both non-stop and one-stop flights. Popular layover options include Logan International Airport (BOS) with a layover of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) with a 4-hour and 45-minute layover. This variety allows you to balance price, travel time, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary for your needs.

  • British Airways: This prominent full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way prices generally falling between $315 and $4075. It represents about 35% of flights on this route, with an average non-stop travel duration of 11 hours and 15 minutes.
  • JetBlue Airways: As a budget-friendly carrier, JetBlue offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $565 to $3135. This airline makes up roughly 18% of departures, featuring a flight time of 13 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of around 17 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fare estimates between $320 and $2815. It accounts for about 17% of departures on this route, with the usual non-stop flight taking 11 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Virgin Atlantic: This full-service airline offers one-stop routes with one-way fares typically between $400 and $1255. It has a share of about 5% of departures, featuring an in-flight duration of 13 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 17 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: United Airlines is a full-service carrier that provides one-stop services, with one-way fares ranging from $380 to $1185. It comprises roughly 5% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 13 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 17 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers can enhance their journey from London to San Diego by upgrading their flight. Leading airlines like British Airways and American Airlines provide both business class and premium economy options, while JetBlue Airways offers a business class experience to elevate your travel.

Best time to fly from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from London 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 February, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 56.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $641). Flight availability peaks in October and November, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $641, roughly 43% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $709.
  • Most flight options: October and November have the highest number of flights from London to San Diego, with approximately 13 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)High11$947
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Low7$641
March58.1°F (14.5°C)High9$1014
April60.6°F (15.9°C)High9$757
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Average8$709
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average10$856
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average12$2938
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Low9$1592
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Low10$1728
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average13$723
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Average13$873
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Average8$761

*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 London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN)

  • London to San Diego (LHR-SEE): Gillespie Field Airport (SEE) lies approximately 14 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN).
  • London to San Diego (LGW-SAN): Gatwick Airport (LGW) is located about 25 miles from Heathrow Airport (LHR).
  • London to Carlsbad (LHR-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is roughly 28 miles away from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

How to find the best prices for flights from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from London 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) often provide lower prices and are popular among travelers, while flying on Wednesday generally yields cheaper rates, even though Monday remains the most popular 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 Heathrow Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from London with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Heathrow Airport is roughly a 35-minute drive (covering about 19 miles) from central London. 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 conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles away by car. For those planning to embark on a cruise, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal is situated approximately 3 miles from the airport, easily accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $466 and cheap return flights from $791 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $531 and $4767, and return flights often range between $717 and $5200. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from LHR 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
British Airways offers around 11 weekly direct flights from LHR to SAN.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
KLM is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN), with round-trip tickets starting from around $907 with a layover. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from London (LHR) to San Diego, CA (SAN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, British Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, British Airways typically offers the lowest fares. British Airways also offers the most daily flights from LHR 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
There are approximately 2 nonstop flights per day from Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) usually leaves at around 6:00 AM, operated by Swiss International Air Lines and United. This is a seasonal service active in June, giving you a great opportunity to maximize 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) are from noon to 3pm. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including British Airways and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your time in London before your flight.
How long does it take to fly from London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Direct flights from LHR to SAN usually take about 11 hours 20 minutes, traveling roughly 5,473 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours 40 minutes to your journey. 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly business class between LHR and SAN. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • United Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • British Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • American Airlines
  • Icelandair
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Air France
  • Virgin Atlantic

First class is available with British Airways and American Airlines.
How much is a business class flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from London (LHR) to San Diego, CA (SAN) typically costs between $23,074 - $29,891. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $2,271 - $2,600 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 Heathrow (LHR)?
From Heathrow (LHR), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Schiphol (AMS), Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a London (LHR-Heathrow) 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 London (LHR-Heathrow) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your London (LHR-Heathrow) 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
Heathrow
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, United, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet
Roundtrip price
$791
Distance
5472 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 20 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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