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$59 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Oakland (SAN-OAK)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $59 for one-way flights and $117 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Delta

Alternative airports near Oakland

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $97 - $127 per traveler.

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

San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK) at a glance

Travel from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK) with a range of airlines on this convenient domestic route. Explore options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while you prepare to experience Oakland's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Check out essential information for flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Oakland International Airport (OAK), including flight times and the next available flights.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $45–$335, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Based on recent travel trends, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Oakland, particularly for non-stop and one-stop journeys. Common layover points include Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with an approximate 40-minute pause, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with about a one-hour stop, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), also around one hour. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you secure the best itinerary for your trip.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares usually falling between $45 and $335. It is responsible for roughly 98% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: As a full-service airline, Alaska Airlines offers non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally ranging from $50 to $250. It represents about 1% of departures for this route, featuring a total travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Delta: This full-service carrier provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically between $80 and $290. Delta accounts for around 1% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and an overall journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Oakland can opt for an upgrade, as Alaska Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Oakland are April, September, and October, when peak temperatures in Oakland reach up to 64.6°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 57.9°F. For better deals, September and October usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $124. Flight availability peaks in September and October, with approximately 39 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 21 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September and October usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $124, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $131.
  • Most flight options: September and October have the highest number of flights from San Diego to Oakland, with approximately 39 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January51.3°F (10.7°C)Low21$182
February51.8°F (11.0°C)Low23$179
March53.1°F (11.7°C)Average23$213
April55.4°F (13.0°C)High29$162
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Low29$136
June61.9°F (16.6°C)Average30$150
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Average35$129
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Average38$133
September64.6°F (18.1°C)High39$124
October62.1°F (16.7°C)High39$124
November55.8°F (13.2°C)Average36$165
December51.1°F (10.6°C)Average33$166

*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 Oakland (OAK)

  • San Diego to San Francisco (SAN-SFO): San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located approximately 12 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK). The cost of one-way economy tickets for this route generally falls between $30 and $260, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose between non-stop and one-stop flights. Leading airlines operating on this route include United and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, there are options for both business and first-class service available.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Oakland 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, although most travelers tend to book 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday generally results in cheaper fares, though Friday remains 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.*
  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 Oakland International Airport from San Diego International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Oakland, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Oakland International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Oakland 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 Oakland International Airport, Oakland International Airport Station (a metro station) is just a short 0.1-mile walk away, while Coliseum Station (a train station) is about 3.3 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Watertown Seaport (a seaport) is located approximately 6.4 miles away, also accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $59 and cheap return flights from $117 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $123 and $1274, and return flights often range between $221 and $4140. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to OAK 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
Enter SAN to OAK 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Oakland Intl. (OAK), with round-trip tickets starting from around $49. You can find connecting flights with a layover in Las Vegas (LAS) starting from around $80. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Oakland, CA (OAK) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Spirit Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from SAN to OAK, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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.
How many flights per day from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
On average, there are around 8 nonstop flights per day from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Oakland Intl. (OAK). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Oakland International Airport (OAK) typically departs at around 6:15 AM, operated by Alaska Airlines. This is a seasonal service, allowing you to start your day early and maximize your time in Oakland. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Oakland Intl. (OAK) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and maximize your time in Oakland.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
Direct flights from SAN to OAK usually take about 1 hour 50 minutes, traveling roughly 445 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours to your journey. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SAN to OAK route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Oakland Intl. (OAK) to reach Oakland. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Oakland. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Oakland Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Roundtrip price
$111
Distance
445 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 30 mins

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