Travelling from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN): What you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN) taking off from either of these.
5 hours 30 minutes is the average duration of a direct Washington DC to San Diego International Airport flight.
San Diego is three hours behind Washington DC. San Diego International Airport is located in San Diego, which operates on the UTC-7 timezone.
The busiest route is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). There are 7 direct services every week. Alaska Airlines operates a 8:30am departure between DCA and SAN.
To ensure you get on your flight from Washington DC to SAN, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at security and check-in are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. The recommendation for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Get to your destination in one go from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Nonstop flights from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN) operate from here.
Book your direct flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport with Alaska Airlines. This leading airline operates departures from DCA.
Alaska Airlines ranks first in bookings for flights from DCA to SAN.
DCA is around 8 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just what you're after:
Of the flights that depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport, 76.44% land on time at their destination.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Thinking of flying out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? Direct Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN) flight tickets are available from this popular hub.
From IAD, direct flights from Washington DC to SAN are available with United Airlines.
On the IAD to SAN route, United Airlines is the go-to airline for most travellers.
Flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and San Diego International Airport are more likely to be on time with United Airlines compared to other carriers.
You can get to IAD from central Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to cover the 56 kilometres or so.
Flying out early in the morning? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your Washington DC to SAN flight:
74.39% of all departures from Washington Dulles International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Start your trip at Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and head straight to your destination without layovers. You can book direct flights from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport from here.
Get ready to jet away with Southwest Airlines. It offers direct Washington DC to SAN flight tickets from BWI.
Southwest Airlines is the airline with the highest number of bookings for flights from BWI to SAN.
The most reliable carrier for punctuality on this route is Southwest Airlines. Its services arrive as planned 72.41% of the time.
BWI is roughly 48 kilometres from central Washington DC. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 50 minutes. If you're thinking about taking public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Make catching an early Washington DC to San Diego International Airport flight the easiest part of your trip. Book a room at one of these hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and get to your gate feeling relaxed and unhurried:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights get to their destinations without delays. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Reserve a hotel near SAN if you're catching a late flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport. Check in to one of these options and end the night sooner:
Travel at your own speed with a San Diego International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and venture far and wide through San Diego and beyond.
Booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your Washington DC to San Diego International Airport flight can help you lock in a great deal.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Getting from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego
San Diego International Airport is about 3 kilometres from central San Diego. How long it takes to get there in a cab or car hire will depend on the time of day. Do some research before your trip.
Travelling on public transport takes around 20 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Currently, Rs21,734 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs45,081. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before your departure date. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from Washington DC to SAN.
The best month for scoring cheap Washington DC to San Diego International Airport tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Save time looking for cheap flight tickets from Washington DC to SAN by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Uncover a great deal on a flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
It's time to decide when to book your flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport (SAN). July is when most people visit San Diego. If you like your getaways a little more chill, head there in May.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 17ºC and 28ºC. Book your Washington DC to SAN flight ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Look for cheap tickets from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport in February if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Washington DC to San Diego International Airport, check out our range of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in San Diego.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited San Diego, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Travel around 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to check off its top sights. From Hollywood Sign to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Bowl, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're ready to explore another corner of the United States, head for Long Beach, about 145 kilometres north-west of San Diego. SkyThrills! - Fly a Real Fighter Aircraft & Become A Fighter Pilot For A Day! Long Beach, CA, Queen Mary and The Queen Mary are among its highlights.
