$112 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG)

San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG) at a glance

Travel from San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG) with a range of airlines offering various options for this domestic short-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while you enjoy Cincinnati's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Find essential information on flights departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) as you plan your journey.

• Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
• Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines flying from San Diego to Cincinnati, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW, approximately 1h 15m layover), O'Hare International Airport (ORD, around 1h 15m layover), and Denver International Airport (DEN, about 1h 30m layover). These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the best travel itinerary for your needs.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $140 and $520. It makes up about 34% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of around 6 hours and 45 minutes, including a layover.
• Delta: Known for its comprehensive service, Delta offers one-stop connections with one-way fares typically ranging from $140 to $510. It represents roughly 24% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, including the layover.
• Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly carrier, Frontier provides one-stop services with one-way prices usually between $100 and $250. It accounts for around 15% of route departures, featuring a flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of about 6 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
• United: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically from $160 to $520. United covers about 14% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey duration of roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, taking into account the layover.
• Breeze: Breeze is a low-cost airline providing non-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $100 and $250. It accounts for about 4% of departures on this route, featuring a total travel time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a quick option for travelers.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from San Diego to Cincinnati by upgrading their flight. Leading airlines include Delta, which provides first-class and premium economy seating, along with American Airlines and United, both offering first-class service.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Cincinnati are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Cincinnati reach up to 75.9°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 74.7°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in September and December, with approximately 25 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $208, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $215 to $226.
• Most flight options: September and December have the highest number of flights from San Diego to Cincinnati, with approximately 25 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 San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG)

• Carlsbad to Cincinnati (CLD-CVG): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is located approximately 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy tickets for this journey generally fall between $150 and $465, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Typically, this route is offered as a one-stop flight, often connecting through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The leading airline for this route is American Airlines, and first-class service is also an option.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Cincinnati (CVG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Cincinnati 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. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often provide lower prices, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday tends to offer both better prices and increased popularity among travelers.
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.*
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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport from San Diego International Airport

Cincinnati welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Cincinnati city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Cincinnati efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Cincinnati, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky 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 Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Anderson Ferry Terminal, a ferry terminal, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport and is best reached by car.

San Diego to Cincinnati Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Cincinnati

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 San Diego to Cincinnati are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to Cincinnati with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego to Cincinnati: 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 San Diego to Cincinnati

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 San Diego to Cincinnati in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $112 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 San Diego to Cincinnati 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 San Diego to Cincinnati 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.