Cheap Flights from Santa Monica (SMO) to San Diego (SEE)

Popular airlines from Santa Monica, CA (SMO-Santa Monica Municipal) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)

Flights from Santa Monica (SMO) to San Diego (SEE)
Origin airport
Santa Monica Municipal
Destination airport
Gillespie Field
Distance
118 mi

Santa Monica to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Santa Monica to San Diego

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Santa Monica to San Diego

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

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 Santa Monica to San Diego in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Santa Monica to San Diego 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 Santa Monica to San Diego 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 Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) cost?
Lock in a cheap one-way flight or cheap return flight from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) with Expedia. Enter your travel dates and sort by "Price (lowest to highest)" to find our cheapest flight offers on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)?
is the least expensive month to fly from SMO to SEE. Traveling outside of peak seasons is often the key to finding a great deal.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)?
Use the filter tool on Expedia to compare airlines and find the cheapest carrier that'll take you from SMO to SEE. Then, sort your results by "Price (lowest to highest)" to snap up a great deal.
How many flights per day from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)?
Direct flights from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) aren't available daily, so you'll need to take a flight with a layover. Explore your options with Expedia's filter tool. Enter your dates and select either "1 Stop" or "2+ Stops."
What day of the week has the most flights from SMO to SEE?
Friday is usually the busiest day for flights, while Tuesday tends to be the quietest.* Remember that flight schedules can change depending on a number of factors, including the time of year and airline.*Busiest/quietest day to travel is based on Expedia flight demand through January to December 2024.
What is the best time to fly from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)?
To reach San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) without delays, pick a flight that leaves Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) before 3 PM. The chance of cancellations is 22% higher, on average, for departures after this time.**Most reliable time of the day and month to travel recommendation is based on January through August 2024 flight status data sourced from OAG's global flight data platform.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) last-minute?
Last-minute fares from SMO to SEE are generally more expensive. To secure the cheapest rates, start searching for flights well in advance. That being said, if you're flexible with your travel dates, it's possible to find a cheap fare right before your journey.
Is it cheaper to book a SMO to SEE flight and hotel package?
Compared with arranging flights and hotels separately, booking a SMO to SEE flight and hotel package with Expedia could result in significant savings. What's more, having everything in one place takes the hassle out of travel planning. Just secure your flights and choose from our extensive range of stays, then customize your trip with extras like tours, activities and car rentals.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) to San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field)?
If you booked your SMO to SEE flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to cancel or modify it without fees. Depending on the airline and the ticket type you purchased, 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 want more information.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to One Key members.