Flying from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
Your trip gets off the ground at San Diego's main airport, San Diego International Airport (SAN). Check out the options for booking a flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) leaving from this terminal.
Expect to be travelling for 1 hour 5 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
Los Angeles (where Los Angeles International Airport is located) and San Diego share the UTC-8 timezone. You'll have no time difference to factor in for your trip.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. There are 48 direct flights a week to pick from. If you have plans before you fly, take the last flight with United Airlines at 8:50pm. Choose the first SAN to LAX departure operated by Delta Air Lines at 6:15am if you'd rather not wait around.
To ensure you catch your flight from San Diego to LAX, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Hopping on a plane during a peak time like July? High seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break) can add another hour at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a convenient option for travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can be booked from this terminal.
Delta Air Lines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport leaving from SAN.
Most passengers prefer to fly with Delta from SAN to LAX.
United tops the rankings as the most punctual carrier on this route, with 84.0% of services landing on schedule.
Located around 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 25 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels are the ideal choice:
Of all flights departing from San Diego International Airport, 74% touch down on time at their destination.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
The distance from San Diego's city centre to CLD is about 48 kilometres. Take into account the available transport options and possible delays when working out the quickest route to the airport.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before your San Diego to LAX flight, stay in one of these hotels close to McClellan-Palomar Airport:
The majority of flights that leave McClellan-Palomar Airport make it to their destination right on cue. It boasts an on-time performance rate of 88%.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Booking your vehicle around one week ahead of your San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
From Los Angeles International Airport, central Los Angeles is around 29 kilometres away. It takes about 35 minutes to get to the city centre by car.
Travelling by public transport will take you roughly 1 hour.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Currently, $67 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is $153. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from San Diego to LAX if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across the month when searching for your San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport ticket.
Stay on top of deals for plane tickets from San Diego to LAX by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when prices go down.
Save money on your flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport by using the search filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Think about the kind of experience you want when planning your trip dates. December is the quietest month to go to Los Angeles. July is when most people book flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which may be perfect if you enjoy travelling when it's busier.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your San Diego to LAX plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport in February when temperatures are between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport, find a hotel that puts you in a great location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
You'll find loads of things to do in Los Angeles when you're ready to get out and sightsee. Start exploring at Hollywood Sign followed by Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl.
Explore more of the United States
Los Angeles will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be discovered. Around 177 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles, a visit to San Diego will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Bakersfield is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 161 kilometres north of Los Angeles. No journey is complete without experiencing Kern County Museum, Rabobank Arena, Theatre & Convention Centre and Bakersfield Museum of Art.