Travelling from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Rio De Janeiro: what you need to know
The timezone in Rio De Janeiro is UTC-3. The city is four hours ahead of San Diego, where San Diego International Airport is located.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your SAN to Rio De Janeiro flight.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight ticket from SAN to Rio De Janeiro. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a detour (and maybe pocket some savings) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
SAN is around 3 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 20 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to SAN? If you're boarding an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
71.38% of flights leaving from San Diego International Airport reach their destination on time.
SAN's address is N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Rio De Janeiro
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro flight is Rs94,471. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs189,220. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from SAN to Rio De Janeiro. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from SAN to Rio De Janeiro by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Rio De Janeiro
Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG)
The distance from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG) to central Rio De Janeiro is roughly 18 kilometres. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 5 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near GIG if you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro. Settle into one of these options and make your arrival easier:
Travel at your own pace with a Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida and chase adventure across Rio De Janeiro and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, book your vehicle from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from SAN to Rio De Janeiro.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is about 2 kilometres from the centre of Rio De Janeiro. After your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro, it'll take you around 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 15 minutes or so.
There are some great places to call home for the night near SDU. Kick back and get cosy after your SAN to Rio De Janeiro flight at any of these well-located options:
Foco, Localiza and Movida make collecting a Santos Dumont Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from SDU three weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ)
Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ) is about 32 kilometres from the centre of Rio De Janeiro. It'll take you about 40 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or cab after your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey will take you about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Enjoy a more leisurely start to your break by choosing a hotel near RRJ after your SAN to Rio De Janeiro flight. Recover from your travel day or just take a moment to find your footing in a new city at:
No squeezing into small cabs, no balancing bags on public transport — with a Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport rental car, you're in the driver's seat (literally). Browse the range of cars available here at Localiza.
If you're looking for a specific make or model, booking early increases your chances of getting your first choice. Reserve your ride from RRJ at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro.
Best time to go to Rio De Janeiro
Visit Rio De Janeiro in high season if you prefer a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro during low season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
The warmest month in Rio De Janeiro is February, with temperatures ranging between 22ºC and 33ºC. Book your San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap tickets from SAN to Rio De Janeiro in July if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 17ºC and 27ºC on average.
More about Rio De Janeiro
Start your Rio De Janeiro trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio De Janeiro, browse our selection of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach are attractions you won't want to skip in Rio De Janeiro.
Explore more of Brazil
Sao Paulo is just one of the many places in Brazil waiting to be explored after you've seen Rio De Janeiro. Around 354 kilometres away to the west, check out popular attractions including Sao Paulo Museum of Art, Ibirapuera Park and Avenida Paulista.
Belo Horizonte is another standout destination in Brazil and is around 338 kilometres north of Rio De Janeiro. No trip is complete without seeing Abilio Barreto Historical Museum, Matiz Arte Objeto and Deck Vertedouro.