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Popular airlines from Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Richmond to San Diego (RIC-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $199 for one-way flights and $331 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

All deals

One way

Roundtrip

Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$331

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$341

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$351

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Tue, Oct 6 - Sat, Oct 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$362

Roundtrip

found 2 days ago

Tue, Dec 29 - Wed, Jan 6

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$376

Roundtrip

found 1 day ago

Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$382

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Thu, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 10

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$386

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Wed, Dec 2 - Mon, Dec 7

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$386

Roundtrip

found 22 hours ago

Wed, Oct 14 - Sat, Oct 17

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$411

Roundtrip

found 2 hours ago

Wed, Nov 11 - Thu, Nov 12

RIC

Richmond

SAN

San Diego

$633

Roundtrip

found 13 hours ago

Alternative airports near San Diego

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

CLD

McClellan-Palomar

Cheapest

38 min

Flights from $619

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

Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel comfortably on a range of airlines offering routes from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on this domestic long-haul journey. Explore various options from both full-service and budget airlines to discover the itinerary that best matches your budget, schedule, and travel preferences. As you prepare to visit San Diego's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, find all the essential details for your flights from Richmond to San Diego.

Fastest flight duration: around 6h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$480, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines selected for flights from Richmond to San Diego, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layovers include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a layover of about 1 hour, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to balance cost, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal itinerary.

American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $155 and $475. It represents around 40% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 8 hours, including layover.
Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop service with one-way fares that typically range from $155 to $550. It constitutes roughly 25% of the departures for this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of about 8 hours, including layover.
United: As a full-service carrier, United provides one-stop services with one-way ticket prices usually between $165 and $650. It accounts for approximately 16% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of roughly 8 hours, including any layovers.
Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers both one-stop and multiple-stop services, with one-way fares ranging from $140 to $500. It represents about 11% of departures for this route, with a typical journey that includes 6 hours and 45 minutes of flight time, totaling around 8 hours overall.
JetBlue Airways: A low-cost carrier providing one-stop service, JetBlue's one-way fares generally range from $140 to $345. This airline accounts for roughly 5% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 8 hours, factoring in layover.

Travelers flying from Richmond to San Diego have the option to upgrade their flights. Delta offers both first-class and premium economy service; American Airlines provides first-class service, while United also features first-class seating on their flights.

Best time to fly from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Richmond 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 August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 72.3°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $243). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 22 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 16 flights per week.

Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $243, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
Another budget-friendly time to fly: October typically offers an average one-way fare of around $267.
Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Richmond to San Diego, with approximately 22 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)	Moderately High	16	$294
February	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Average	16	$298
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Moderately High	18	$292
April	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Moderately High	19	$291
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Moderately Low	20	$279
June	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Average	21	$271
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Average	19	$275
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Moderately Low	17	$243
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Moderately Low	18	$283
October	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Average	21	$267
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Average	20	$283
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Average	22	$344

*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 route from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

Richmond to Carlsbad (RIC-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) lies approximately 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

How to find the best prices for flights from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

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

Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found by booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Evening flights (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically provides cheaper rates, while Thursday remains the most traveled day.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
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.
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.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
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 Richmond International Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Richmond with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Richmond International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 9 miles) from central Richmond. 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, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is approximately 2.3 miles from the airport by car. For those heading to the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, this cruise terminal is situated about 3 miles away, also accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $199 and cheap return flights from $331 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $142 and $900, and roundtrip flights usually range from $398 to $2178. 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The cheapest month to fly from RIC to SAN is November 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

Enter RIC to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.

How do I find cheap flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

To find a cheap flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 time to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) 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.

What is the earliest flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The earliest flight from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service is seasonal and active in December. An early flight can help you make the most of your day in 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

The most popular departure times for flights from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and maximize your time in San Diego.

How long does it take to fly from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

Flying from RIC to SAN with a connection usually takes about 8 hours, traveling roughly 2,260 miles. 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

You can fly first class between RIC and SAN. First class cabins are available on:

United Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond Intl. (RIC)?

From Richmond Intl. (RIC), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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 Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?

If you booked your Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond 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.

Travel information

Origin airport	Richmond Intl.
Destination airport	San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving	Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price	$330
Distance	2259 mi

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Richmond to San Diego Flights

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

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond to San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $199 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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.

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

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Flights

$199 Cheap Flights from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

Popular airlines from Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

Be in the know

Book smarter

Earn twice

Cheap Flights from Richmond to San Diego (RIC-SAN)

Alternative airports near San Diego

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

Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Best time to fly from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

Alternative route from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

How to find the best prices for flights from Richmond (RIC) to San Diego (SAN)

Arriving at San Diego International Airport from Richmond International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Travel information

Book with confidence

Richmond to San Diego Flights

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