$357 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH)
Cheap Flights from San Diego to Ithaca (SAN-ITH)
Book with confidence
San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH) at a glance
Explore a range of options for flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) on this domestic long-haul route. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly fares or full-service airlines, compare itineraries to find the best match for your travel needs. As you plan your trip to Ithaca, known for its stunning sights and vibrant neighborhoods, you can easily discover the perfect flights from San Diego to Ithaca that align with your schedule and budget.
- Fastest flight duration: around 6h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $180–$650, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH)
According to the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Ithaca, typically featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover airports include Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a layover of around 2 hours and 30 minutes. This allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.
- United: As a comprehensive carrier, United provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares typically falling between $180 and $685. This airline accounts for about 72% of departures on this route, featuring an average in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 7 hours and 45 minutes.
- Delta: Delta, another full-service airline, offers one-stop and multi-stop flights with one-way prices generally ranging from $185 to $480. This carrier represents roughly 28% of the departures on this route, with an average multi-stop flight time of 7 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of approximately 12 hours.
Alternative route from San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH)
- San Diego to Elmira (SAN-ELM): Elmira - Corning Regional Airport (ELM) is located approximately 32 miles from Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH). One-way economy fares for this journey usually fall between $185 and $535, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. This route is generally serviced by one-stop flights, with most connections occurring at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Delta is the most frequently chosen airline for this route.
How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Ithaca is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book their flights 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., not only offer lower prices but are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday provides both cheaper rates and is the busiest travel 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 Ithaca 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 Tompkins Regional Airport from San Diego International Airport
Ithaca welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ithaca efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ithaca, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Tompkins Regional Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Tompkins Regional 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 Tompkins Regional Airport, Ithaca Seaport, a seaport, is located about 6.9 miles away by car, while Ithaca Bus Station, a bus station, is slightly farther at 7.1 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.
San Diego to Ithaca Flights
The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Ithaca
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 Ithaca are during the month of March. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to Ithaca with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Ithaca
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego to Ithaca: 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 Ithaca
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 Ithaca in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $357 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $357 and cheap return flights $444 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $278 and $868, and return flights often range between $481 and $1702. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to ITH is March 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
Enter SAN to ITH and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH) with a layover in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), starting from around $308. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional), 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) typically departs at around 6:15 AM. This seasonal service operates in January, allowing you to start your day early and enjoy the beautiful scenery of upstate New York. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
When flying from San Diego (SAN) to Ithaca (ITH), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window captures about 33% of total traffic. Major carriers like United Airlines and Delta Airlines operate flights during this period. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows for a full day upon arrival in Ithaca.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
A flight from SAN to ITH with a layover takes around 7 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,305 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
First class seats are offered on the SAN to ITH route with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) 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 Ithaca from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
If you're planning to travel to Ithaca from San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Tompkins Regional (ITH) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN) before reaching Ithaca. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) Ithaca 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) 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 | San Diego Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ithaca, NY |
Distance | 2,305 miles away |
Airlines serving | Delta, United |
Popular airline | Delta |
Roundtrip price | $444 |