Travelling from San Diego to Orlando: what you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from San Diego to Orlando. Explore your options for setting off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), two of the city's main airports.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) are the primary entry points to Orlando.
Hop on a direct San Diego to Orlando flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours 5 minutes.
Orlando is three hours ahead of San Diego and follows the UTC-5 timezone.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 17 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from San Diego to Orlando is with Alaska Airlines at 22:14. Choose the first SAN to MCO departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 07:40 to maximise your time in Orlando.
For a stress-free start to your trip, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your San Diego to Orlando flight.
During popular months such as August, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Orlando
Booking ahead of time is often the key to securing a cheap San Diego to Orlando flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from San Diego to Orlando.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from San Diego to Orlando.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your San Diego to Orlando flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Take off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) on a nonstop flight from San Diego to Orlando. From SAN, you can fly straight to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Reserve your San Diego to Orlando plane tickets with Alaska Airlines. This airline is a top pick for direct flights from SAN.
The journey from central San Diego to SAN takes around 25 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a taxi, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a handy hotel near San Diego International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from San Diego to Orlando, these accommodation options will put you nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Diego International Airport, data shows 74% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to central Orlando takes around 25 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 14 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre on public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego to Orlando. Reserve one of these accommodation options near MCO instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Orlando International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Sonic, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Orlando's usual tourist stops.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Orlando International Airport around two weeks before your trip.
You'll find MCO at One Airport Boulevard.
Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB)
Central Orlando is approximately 31 kilometres from Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB). As soon as your flight from San Diego to Orlando has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 35 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour or so.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SFB. Kick back after your San Diego to Orlando flight at any of these well-located options:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Orlando Sanford Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from SFB one week in advance often means more savings and a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Orlando
March is the quietest month for flights from San Diego to Orlando, while April is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to go to Orlando based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Orlando is July, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC and 34ºC. Book your San Diego to Orlando ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from San Diego to Orlando in January when temperatures average between 7ºC and 23ºC.
More about Orlando
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Orlando right here. Check out these hotels once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Orlando:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Hogwarts Castle, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando Resort are major attractions which should feature on any good Orlando itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Orlando, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Travel about 193 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its popular sights. From St. John's Cathedral to MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Miami is another well-known destination in the United States and is around 322 kilometres south of Orlando. No journey is complete without seeing Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami.