Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel to San Diego (SAN) from Monterey (MRY) with a selection of airlines offering convenient routes on this short domestic journey. Evaluate your options among various full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel needs as you prepare to explore San Diego's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you can find essential details for flights from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) to San Diego International Airport (SAN).

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
• Flights per week: around 14 flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $60–$300, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest travel bookings, here are the top airlines favored by travelers flying from Monterey to San Diego, often selected for non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes), San Francisco International Airport (SFO, about 1 hour 15 minutes), and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, around 45 minutes). These choices allow you to mix and match fares, total travel times, and cabin classes to create the ideal itinerary.

• Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides direct flights, with one-way ticket prices usually falling between $60 and $295. It represents around 76% of the departures on this route, and the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• United: Offering one-stop services, United Airlines is a full-service carrier with one-way fares generally ranging from $80 to $360. It accounts for roughly 11% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of about 4 hours, including layover.
• American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares typically between $80 and $400. This airline makes up around 9% of departures on this route, boasting a typical non-stop flight time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Hawaiian Airlines: This full-service airline offers non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $60 to $535. It constitutes about 4% of the departures on this route, and the total flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Monterey to San Diego with upgraded flight options. Alaska Airlines provides both first class and business class, while American Airlines features first class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Monterey 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 October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 68.2°F. For better deals, January and May usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $150. Flight availability peaks in September, October, and November, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: January and May usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $150, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: March and April typically offer average one-way fares of around $154.
• Most flight options: September, October, and November have the highest number of flights from Monterey to San Diego, with approximately 15 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Average	12	$150
February	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Moderately High	13	$168
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Moderately High	13	$152
April	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Moderately High	13	$157
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Average	14	$150
June	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Average	14	$166
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Average	13	$170
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Average	14	$172
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Moderately Low	15	$181
October	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Moderately Low	15	$179
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Moderately Low	15	$200
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Average	12	$212

*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 Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN)

• Marina to San Diego (OAR-SAN): Located approximately 8 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), Marina Municipal Airport (OAR) offers convenient access to the region.
• Salinas to San Diego (SNS-SAN): Salinas Municipal Airport (SNS) lies about 14 miles from Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), providing a nearby travel option.
• Monterey to Carlsbad (MRY-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is roughly 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), making it a viable choice for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Monterey 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 coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 AM and 12 PM tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides 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 Monterey Peninsula Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Monterey 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 about 0.1 miles away on foot, making it easily accessible. Meanwhile, Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles away by car, and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is approximately 3 miles from the airport, also reached by car.