$159 Cheap Flights from Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN)

Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel from Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN) with a range of airlines offering flights on this domestic long-haul route. Discover options for cheap flights from Rochester as you compare both full-service and low-cost carriers, ensuring you find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Prepare to explore San Diego’s iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods with the essential details for flights from Greater Rochester International Airport to San Diego International Airport.

• 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 $125–$420, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Rochester to San Diego, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover locations include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with approximately a 1 hour and 30 minute layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) at about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) also around 1 hour and 30 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best travel experience.

• United: As a comprehensive airline, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $125 and $500. It represents around 31% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• American Airlines: This full-service airline offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $415. It accounts for about 27% of departures along this route, with a standard journey time of 6 hours and 45 minutes in the air and an overall travel duration of roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes.
• Delta: Delta is a full-service airline providing one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $150 and $475. It makes up approximately 22% of the departures on this route. Expect an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, along with a total journey time of around 8 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• Southwest Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares ranging from $125 to $480. It operates about 16% of flights on this route, with a typical journey time of 6 hours and 45 minutes in the air, and a total duration of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes.
• Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights with one-way fares generally from $185 to $435. Alaska Airlines holds a 2% share of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of about 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Rochester to San Diego can opt for an upgrade, with Delta offering first class and premium economy service, while United provides first class options.

Best time to fly from Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Rochester 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 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 $222. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 18 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $222, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: November, September, and January typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $225 to $238.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Rochester to San Diego, with approximately 18 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN)

• Buffalo to San Diego (BUF-SAN): Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is located approximately 56 miles from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally fall between $125 and $450, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover points being O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Rochester (ROC) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Rochester 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 pm-12 am) generally offer lower prices, although morning flights (5 am-12 pm) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday usually results in cheaper fares, while Wednesday is 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 Greater Rochester International Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Rochester 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, the Seaport is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles from the airport and can be reached by car. For those looking to embark on a cruise, the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal is situated approximately 3 miles away by car.

Rochester to San Diego Flights

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

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester 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.