Travelling from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
Begin planning your trip by checking out the best place to catch your flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Explore your options for taking off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), the city's main airports.
Around 1 hour 5 minutes is the usual time it takes for a direct San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. The city's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. There are 49 direct departures a week to pick from. If you prefer to head out later, 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 get a move on.
To ensure you get on your flight from San Diego to LAX, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Taking off during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Go straight to your destination from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Nonstop flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) operate from here.
Book your direct flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport with Delta Air Lines. This top airline offers services from SAN.
The most frequently booked airline between SAN and LAX is Delta Air Lines.
With a dependable 83.85% of services arriving as scheduled, Delta Air Lines is the leading carrier for punctuality on this route.
Travelling from central San Diego to SAN takes about 20 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some bonus sleep) by choosing one of these stays near San Diego International Airport:
Of all flights leaving San Diego International Airport, 71.38% touch down on time at their destination.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
CLD is around 56 kilometres from central San Diego. It'll take you 40 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your San Diego to LAX flight, unwind in one of these hotels close to McClellan-Palomar Airport:
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Have a late flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport? Don't let your travel day stretch into tomorrow. Stay at one of these hotels near LAX and fast-forward to bedtime:
Grab a Los Angeles International Airport rental car and discover Los Angeles and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are leading providers you can book with here.
Booking your ride around one week ahead of your San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
The centre of Los Angeles is around 19 kilometres from Los Angeles International Airport. Journey times by cab or car hire will vary based on time of day and traffic conditions, so do some research before you go.
Travelling on public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport is Rs12,789. For a return flight on this route, the best price is Rs26,087. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from San Diego to LAX. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Cheap San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport tickets are easier to find if your travel dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares throughout the month and then choose the cheapest day.
Never miss a deal on flight tickets from San Diego to LAX by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Filters make it easier to find a bargain for your flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport. Pick the airlines, flight times and stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Think about the kind of holiday you want when planning your trip dates. May 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're after more action.
Book a San Diego to LAX flight ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport in February when temperatures are between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Los Angeles International Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
There are so many things to explore in this city, it can be difficult to know where to start. Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Bowl are top sights which should feature on every Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be explored once you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres away to the south-east, its best attractions include San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Bakersfield is another essential stop in the United States and is around 161 kilometres north of Los Angeles. No trip is complete without visiting Kern County Museum, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
