Travelling from Seattle to San Diego: what you need to know
Get your trip started at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport in Seattle. Search for flights from Seattle to San Diego that depart from this base.
The major gateways to San Diego are San Diego International Airport (SAN) and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
The average time for a direct Seattle to San Diego flight is 2 hours 50 minutes.
Seattle and San Diego follow the same timezone, UTC-7.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 91 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Seattle to San Diego is with Alaska Airlines at 21:15. Opt for the first SEA to SAN departure operated by Alaska Airlines at 06:00 to maximise your time in San Diego.
To ensure you board your Seattle to San Diego flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for longer queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to San Diego
Lock in cheap Seattle to San Diego flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Seattle to San Diego is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Finding a cheap flight from Seattle to San Diego is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Seattle to San Diego flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Set off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on a nonstop flight from Seattle to San Diego. From SEA, you can land directly at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Reserve your Seattle to San Diego plane tickets with Alaska Airlines. This airline is a popular option for direct flights from SEA.
The journey from central Seattle to SEA takes around 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Seattle to San Diego or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
81.27% of flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport touch down at their destination according to schedule. Given its strong on-time stats, you're unlikely to experience delays when jetting out of SEA.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The distance from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego is approximately 5 kilometres. It'll take you about 10 minutes to reach the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 20 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to SAN if you're coming in on a late flight from Seattle to San Diego. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a San Diego International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and experience the lesser-explored corners of San Diego and beyond.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from San Diego International Airport around two weeks in advance of your Seattle to San Diego flight.
The address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is roughly 48 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. After your flight from Seattle to San Diego, it takes approximately 40 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 2 hours 15 minutes or so.
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Budget, Hertz and Avis.
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from CLD ahead of time. You can also avoid paying more than you have to, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to San Diego
July is the busiest month for flights from Seattle to San Diego. To steer clear of the crowds, head to San Diego in May.
Before locking in your Seattle to San Diego tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in San Diego, with temperatures ranging from 17ºC to 28ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Seattle to San Diego in February if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about San Diego
After booking your flight from Seattle to San Diego, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring San Diego:
San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are just the start of the major attractions to put on your San Diego to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at SeaWorld San Diego.
Explore more of United States
Los Angeles is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen San Diego. Around 177 kilometres to the north-west, its top attractions include Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Phoenix is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 483 kilometres east of San Diego. No trip is complete without visiting Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park.
