Travelling from Sacramento to San Diego: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the departure points for your flight from Sacramento to San Diego. Explore the options for setting off from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Stockton Airport (SCK), two of the city's main airports.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) are the major entry points to San Diego.
The average duration of a direct Sacramento to San Diego flight is 1 hour 35 minutes.
Sacramento and San Diego share the same timezone, UTC-7.
With 70 weekly flights between the two airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Sacramento to San Diego with Southwest Airlines at 05:55. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last flight from SMF to SAN is with Southwest Airlines at 21:05.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Sacramento to San Diego flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to San Diego
Rs11,761 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to San Diego. Return flights start from Rs23,278. These fares can change depending on availability and demand.
To secure cheap Sacramento to San Diego flights, book your trip two months before your departure date.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Sacramento to San Diego. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Sacramento to San Diego by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Sacramento to San Diego flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
You can get a direct flight from Sacramento to San Diego leaving from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Start your trip at SMF and land at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Lock in your Sacramento to San Diego plane tickets with Southwest Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from SMF.
Travelling from central Sacramento to SMF takes about 25 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booking a hotel room for the night can take the hassle out of arriving at the airport on time. If you need a place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to San Diego, consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas. It's an easy drive from Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport has a strong on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from SMF touch down on schedule 82.15% of the time.
SMF's address is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego takes about 10 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 5 kilometres away.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 20 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Sacramento to San Diego. Reserve one of these accommodation options near SAN instead:
Grab a San Diego International Airport rental car and explore San Diego and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from San Diego International Airport around two weeks before your departure date.
The address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is around 48 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. Once you've hopped off your flight from Sacramento to San Diego, it takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 2 hours 15 minutes or so.
Budget, Hertz and Avis make picking up a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Usually, the sooner you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Lock in your ride from CLD as soon as you know your dates.
Best time to go to San Diego
July is the most popular month for flights from Sacramento to San Diego. To escape the crowds, visit San Diego in May.
When booking your Sacramento to San Diego tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in San Diego, with temperatures ranging from 17ºC to 28ºC.
February sees average temperatures of between 7ºC and 23ºC. Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to San Diego around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about San Diego
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in San Diego right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Sacramento to San Diego:
San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are a couple of top attractions to add to your San Diego itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out SeaWorld San Diego.
Explore more of United States
You've done San Diego, now it's time to discover other corners of United States. Journey about 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to tick off its popular sights. From Griffith Observatory to The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another corner of United States, head for Phoenix, about 483 kilometres east of San Diego. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are among its highlights.