$495 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)
TAP PortugalTAP Portugal
JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways
LufthansaLufthansa
Swiss International Air LinesSwiss International Air Lines
Air CanadaAir Canada
Be in the knowGet alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
Book smarterSave up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
Cheap Flights from San Diego to São Miguel Island (SAN-PDL)
Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to São Miguel Island (PDL)
February is typically the cheapest month to flyFebruary is typically the cheapest month to fly
Book with confidence
San Diego (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) at a glance
Explore a range of airlines operating flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL) on this international long-haul journey. Compare choices from full-service carriers to pinpoint the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations as you discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Ponta Delgada. Find all the essential details for your trip from San Diego to this stunning destination in the Azores.
- Fastest flight duration: around 11 hours in-flight, plus roughly 3h 30m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 5,000 miles (8,050 km)
- Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $510–$1060, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Joao Paulo II Airport (PDL)
Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Ponta Delgada, primarily known for their one-stop options. Common layovers occur at Logan International Airport (BOS), with an average layover of about 3 hours and 30 minutes, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which typically has a 5-hour and 15-minute layover, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), offering a shorter layover of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. This allows travelers to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to select the best itinerary.
- SATA International-Azores Airlines S.A.: This full-service airline provides convenient one-stop flights, typically offering one-way fares between $510 and $1500. It operates around 94% of departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 11 hours and a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego to Ponta Delgada 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, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday provides both affordability and popularity among travel days.
- 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 Ponta Delgada 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 Joao Paulo II Airport from San Diego International Airport
Ponta Delgada welcomes travelers from San Diego with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Ponta Delgada efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Ponta Delgada, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Joao Paulo II Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Joao Paulo II 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 Joao Paulo II Airport, Ponta Delgada Seaport, a seaport, is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, making it easy for travelers to access maritime transportation.
San Diego to Ponta Delgada Flights
The cheapest times to fly from San Diego to Ponta Delgada
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 Ponta Delgada are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Diego to Ponta Delgada with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Ponta Delgada
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego to Ponta Delgada: 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 Ponta Delgada
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 Ponta Delgada in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $495 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 Ponta Delgada 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 Ponta Delgada 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $495 and cheap return flights $1,009 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $466 and $4764, and roundtrip flights usually range from $825 to $7338. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to PDL 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
Enter SAN to PDL 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
TAP Portugal is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL), with round-trip tickets starting from around $1,205. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II), 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The earliest flight from San Diego (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) usually departs at around 12:55 AM local time, operated by American Airlines and British Airways. This seasonal service is active in June, giving you a head start on your travels to the beautiful Azores. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) are in the late morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day in San Diego before heading off on your journey.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
Flights from SAN to PDL with one stop typically take around 12 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 4,955 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
You can fly business class between SAN and PDL. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- British Airways
- Air Canada
- Lufthansa
- United Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- American Airlines
How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada from San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
If you're planning to travel to Ponta Delgada from San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Joao Paulo II (PDL) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Philadelphia Intl. (PHL), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) before reaching Ponta Delgada. 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) flight and hotel package 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 Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Ponta Delgada (PDL-Joao Paulo II) 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 | Joao Paulo II Airport |
Distance | 4,954 miles away |
Airlines serving | TAP Portugal, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, Air Canada |
Popular airline | TAP Portugal |
Roundtrip price | $1,009 |