Knoxville (TYS) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Travel from Knoxville (TYS) to San Diego (SAN) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Explore options for cheap flights from TYS and compare both full-service and budget carriers to identify the itinerary that aligns with your travel needs and budget. As you prepare for your adventure, discover the highlights of San Diego’s iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods. Get the essential details for flights departing from McGhee Tyson Airport to San Diego International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 6 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
• Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Knoxville to San Diego, typically offering one-stop services. Common layovers include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with about a 1-hour layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with around a 1-hour layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier providing one-stop service, American Airlines typically offers one-way fares that range from $115 to $505. This airline represents around 46% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• Delta: This full-service airline features one-stop service options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $145 and $520. Delta accounts for roughly 26% of departures along this route, with a flight time of 6 hours and a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• United: Known for its full-service offerings, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $570. It makes up about 21% of departures on this route, with a flight lasting 6 hours and a total journey time close to 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
• Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $115 and $315. This carrier comprises about 5% of the departures on this route, featuring a 6-hour flight time and a total journey duration of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost airline, Southwest provides one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $140 to $295. It accounts for approximately 1% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers flying from Knoxville to San Diego have the option to upgrade their flight. Delta provides first class and premium economy cabins, while American Airlines and United both feature first class service.

Best time to fly from Knoxville (TYS) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Knoxville to San Diego are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 60.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 70.5°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $233). Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $233, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: February, May, and August typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $241 to $254.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Knoxville to San Diego, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Moderately High	12	$269
February	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Average	13	$241
March	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Moderately High	14	$303
April	60.6°F (15.9°C)	Moderately High	15	$255
May	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Average	17	$242
June	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Average	20	$313
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderately Low	16	$233
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	Moderately Low	16	$254
September	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Average	16	$263
October	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Average	18	$258
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Moderately Low	15	$255
December	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Average	18	$297

*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 Knoxville (TYS) to San Diego (SAN)

• Chattanooga to San Diego (CHA-SAN): Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is located approximately 86 miles from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). The cost of one-way economy tickets for this journey generally falls between $130 and $455, varying with the season and how early you book. Flights on this route usually involve one stop, with common layover spots including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major airlines operating this route are American Airlines and Delta. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Knoxville (TYS) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Knoxville to San Diego 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with the booking habits of most travelers. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often provide lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday offers both better prices and high demand.
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.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
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 San Diego International Airport from McGhee Tyson Airport

San Diego welcomes travelers from Knoxville with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, McGhee Tyson Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Knoxville. Here's how to reach San Diego efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego 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 San Diego International Airport, Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is approximately 2.3 miles from the airport by car. If you're looking to embark on a cruise, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is situated about 3 miles away by car.