San Diego (SAN) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) at a glance

Embark on a journey from San Diego (SAN) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG) with a selection of airlines offering international long-haul flights. Compare a range of options from full-service carriers to identify the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you plan to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Rio. Get all the essential information for flights departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

• Fastest flight duration: around 13h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 45m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 6,200 miles (9,980 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $345–$920, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from San Diego to Rio de Janeiro are favored for both one-stop and multi-stop flights. Common layover points include George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with a layover of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which has an estimated layover of 1 hour and 30 minutes. These options allow travelers to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides one-stop connections, with one-way ticket prices generally between $520 and $890. United represents about 52% of flights on this route, featuring an in-air time of 13 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel duration of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• American Airlines: Another full-service choice, American Airlines offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling within the range of $595 to $1145. This carrier accounts for around 16% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 13 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 16 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• Delta: Delta also operates as a full-service airline with one-stop service, pricing one-way tickets between $470 and $1085. It holds a similar 16% share of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 13 hours and 30 minutes and a complete travel time of approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Air Canada: As a full-service airline providing one-stop options, Air Canada offers one-way fares ranging from $405 to $680. This carrier makes up about 7% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 13 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of roughly 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Copa: Copa Airlines, a full-service carrier, offers one-stop services with one-way fares typically between $345 and $540. It accounts for around 6% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 13 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 16 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Rio de Janeiro are January, February, and October, when peak temperatures in Rio de Janeiro reach up to 80.2°F in February. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 75.2°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $471. Flight availability peaks in February, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $471, roughly 29% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Most flight options: February has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Rio de Janeiro, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	High	7	$623
February	80.2°F (26.8°C)	High	10	$700
March	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Average	8	$614
April	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Average	7	$675
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Average	7	$678
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Low	8	$787
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	Average	7	$702
August	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Average	7	$652
September	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Average	7	$471
October	74.3°F (23.5°C)	High	9	$660
November	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Low	7	$639
December	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Low	8	$869

*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 Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

• San Diego to Rio de Janeiro (SAN-SDU): Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is located approximately 9 miles from Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG).

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Rio de Janeiro 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 at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Fridays generally provides cheaper rates, although Wednesdays are the most favored travel days.
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 Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport from San Diego International Airport

Rio de Janeiro welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Rio de Janeiro efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Rio de Janeiro, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim 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 Galeão - Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, Olaria Station, a train station, is located about 4.7 miles from the airport by car, while Maria da Graca Station, a metro station, is around 7 miles away by car. For bus travelers, Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio, a bus station, is situated about 9 miles from the airport, all easily reachable by car or taxi.