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 five hours ahead of San Diego, where San Diego International Airport is located.
Allow plenty of time to make your SAN to Rio de Janeiro flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak month like July? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper plane ticket from SAN to Rio de Janeiro. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Located around 3 kilometres from the centre of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Catching an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near SAN:
Of all flights departing from San Diego International Airport, 74% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Rio de Janeiro
Rs118,808 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro flight. A return ticket right now is Rs216,166. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To find cheap flights from SAN to Rio de Janeiro, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across every month when searching for a San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from SAN to Rio de Janeiro is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro.
Airports in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG)
The distance from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG) to central Rio de Janeiro is roughly 19 kilometres. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It takes around 1 hour to get there using public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro. Check in to one of these accommodation options near GIG instead:
For the lowest price, book your vehicle from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from SAN to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) is around 5 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 10 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 20 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SDU. Unwind and get cosy after your SAN to Rio de Janeiro flight at any of these well-located options:
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at SDU will save you money.
Jacarepagua - Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ)
Find your way to the city centre after your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro has touched down. Central Rio de Janeiro is about 27 kilometres from Jacarepagua - Roberto Marinho Airport (RRJ) and takes roughly 45 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport can get you there in around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Check in to a hotel near RRJ and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late SAN to Rio de Janeiro flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these stays are all about convenience:
If you're looking for a particular model or make, booking early increases your chances of getting what you want. Book your ride from RRJ a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro.
Best time to go to Rio de Janeiro
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro. January is the most popular month for a trip to Rio de Janeiro. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in December.
When booking your San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. February is the warmest month in Rio de Janeiro, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 36ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from SAN to Rio de Janeiro in July when temperatures average between 14ºC and 29ºC.
More about Rio de Janeiro
After booking your flight from San Diego International Airport to Rio de Janeiro, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Rio de Janeiro:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Christ the Redeemer, Track Corcovado, Christ Redeemer and Rio de Janeiro Carnival are top sights which should be on every Rio de Janeiro itinerary.
Explore more of Brazil
You've seen Rio de Janeiro, now it's time to discover more of Brazil. Travel about 354 kilometres west to Sao Paulo to check off its leading sights. From Ibirapuera Park to Avenida Paulista and Pinacoteca Do Estado De Sao Paulo, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're looking to explore another great destination in Brazil, consider Belo Horizonte, about 338 kilometres north of Rio de Janeiro. Conjunto Moderno da Pampulha, Casa do Baile and Igreja São Francisco de Assis are among the biggest draws.