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Cheap flights from San Francisco to San Diego from $79

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 6/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SFO — SAN
8 Feb — 15 Feb1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags
Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from San Francisco to San Diego are usually found in February or March, booked 72 days in advance, depart on a Thursday or Tuesday and return on a Monday

Cheap flight deals from San Francisco to San Diego

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 9 January 2026.

Round-trip from

$167

One-way from

$79

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$204

Good round-trip deal

$166 or less
Alaska Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines
  • 28/1-1/2
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 23m total
  • San Francisco to San Diego
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Southwest
  • Southwest
  • 6/2
  • 1 total stop
  • 5h 00m total
  • San Francisco to San Diego
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 15% potential increase in price ($64 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($15 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for round-trip flights in January 2026
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from San Francisco to San Diego.
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Find flight deals from San Francisco to San Diego

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

Cheapest flights from San Francisco to San Diego
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San Francisco to San Diego. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 9 January 2026.

Wed 28/115:00SFO - SAN
1 stop4h 10mSouthwest
Thu 29/106:50SAN - SFO
1 stop5h 00mSouthwest
Deal found 7/1$167
Sat 31/109:16SFO - SAN
Nonstop1h 39mAlaska Airlines
Sun 1/219:31SAN - SFO
1 stop18h 03mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/1$169
Mon 16/321:32SFO - SAN
1 stop12h 19mAlaska Airlines
Fri 20/320:59SAN - SFO
Nonstop1h 53mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/1$170
Sun 1/219:55SFO - SAN
1 stop11h 22mAlaska Airlines
Wed 4/217:15SAN - SFO
1 stop4h 40mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/1$172
Sun 15/206:10SFO - SAN
Nonstop1h 30mSouthwest
Sun 15/208:45SAN - SFO
Nonstop1h 45mSouthwest
Deal found 8/1$173
Wed 11/209:16SFO - SAN
Nonstop1h 39mAlaska Airlines
Wed 18/218:42SAN - SFO
1 stop14h 04mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 7/1$175
Tue 27/110:30SFO - SAN
1 stop9h 03mAlaska Airlines
Thu 29/120:59SAN - SFO
Nonstop1h 48mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 7/1$176
Thu 5/306:00SFO - SAN
Nonstop1h 35mSouthwest
Tue 10/319:00SAN - SFO
1 stop5h 15mSouthwest
Deal found 8/1$178
Wed 28/108:24SFO - SAN
1 stop7h 45mAlaska Airlines
Wed 4/209:11SAN - SFO
Nonstop1h 50mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/1$179
Sat 21/305:30SFO - SAN
1 stop6h 20mSouthwest
Mon 23/320:55SAN - SFO
Nonstop1h 40mSouthwest
Deal found 7/1$181
Tue 3/206:05SFO - SAN
2 stops10h 40mSouthwest
Sat 14/217:45SAN - SFO
1 stop5h 30mSouthwest
Deal found 7/1$184

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from San Francisco to San Diego that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 9 January 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Francisco to San Diego that are best for you.

Fly from

San Francisco

Fly to

San Diego

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Wed 8/4

14:50-21:30

1 stop6h 40m

San Diego

Sun 12/4

07:00-08:35

Nonstop1h 35m

$178

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Wed 18/2

09:50-16:45

1 stop6h 55m

San Diego

Thu 19/2

08:45-10:30

Nonstop1h 45m

$184

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Thu 12/2

05:00-12:30

1 stop7h 30m

San Diego

Tue 17/2

11:25-13:10

Nonstop1h 45m

$190

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Sun 29/3

05:25-12:25

1 stop7h 00m

San Diego

Wed 1/4

16:55-18:35

Nonstop1h 40m

$190

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Fri 27/2

09:05-10:40

Nonstop1h 35m

San Diego

Mon 2/3

13:00-20:15

2 stops7h 15m

$194

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Fri 30/1

12:30-19:40

1 stop7h 10m

San Diego

Sat 31/1

09:25-13:50

1 stop4h 25m

$197

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Wed 8/4

05:55-12:40

2 stops6h 45m

San Diego

Mon 13/4

15:45-21:10

1 stop5h 25m

$210

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Mon 16/2

06:40-08:18

Nonstop1h 38m

San Diego

Fri 20/2

22:09-23:59

Nonstop1h 50m

$212

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Wed 15/4

10:05-11:40

Nonstop1h 35m

San Diego

Sat 18/4

08:35-17:25

2 stops8h 50m

$212

San FranciscoSan Diego

SFO - SAN

SFOSAN

San Francisco

Sun 1/2

19:55-07:17

1 stop11h 22m

San Diego

Mon 9/2

21:59-08:47

1 stop10h 48m

$213

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 6/1

Showing 1-10 of 23 results
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Best time to book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to San Diego from San Francisco with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from San Francisco to San Diego

How far ahead should I book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from San Francisco to San Diego. Price data was last updated on 2 January 2026.

Booking 72 days in advance of your planned departure date is, on average, the best time to get cheap flights from San Francisco to San Diego. The general trend is that the closer you book to the departure date, the more expensive your flight will be.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego?

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego (average of $31). Flying from San Francisco to San Diego in September is currently the most expensive (average of $96). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from SFO to SAN?

Find hourly flight availability from San Francisco to San Diego. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 9 January 2026.

It’s optimal to fly from San Francisco to San Diego in the morning. By choosing this option you can save up to 69% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

Reviews of airlines servicing San Diego

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to San Diego. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to San Diego. Reviews last updated 9 January 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Alaska Airlines from San Francisco to San Diego. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very Good
11,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very Good
11,672 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very Good
11,672 reviews
Check prices

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from San Francisco to San Diego. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airports do I use to fly from San Francisco to San Diego?

    To fly from San Francisco to San Diego, you need to book a flight from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN). Nonstop flights to San Diego from San Francisco take 1h 43m on average. When it comes time to book airfare, you have a few options: there are 53 outbound flights from San Francisco to San Diego offered by 1 airline.

  • How popular is this San Francisco to San Diego flight route?

    The San Francisco to San Diego flight path was viewed by 6 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season.

  • How long is the flight from San Francisco to San Diego?

    Airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest fly from San Francisco to San Diego in about 1h 39m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 5h 01m. The distance between San Francisco and San Diego is about 718 km. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What is the cheapest airline to fly from San Francisco to San Diego round-trip?

    Flying on Alaska Airlines is currently your cheapest option to San Diego, with prices starting at $118. Users have found that Alaska Airlines is 50% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from San Francisco to San Diego?

    Before booking your flight to San Diego from San Francisco, have a look at the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: Japan Airlines (74%), Virgin Australia (70%), Frontier( 70%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from San Francisco to San Diego?

    On average you can expect to pay $166 for a flight from San Francisco to San Diego. The cheapest flight overall is $160 while the most popular route, (San Francisco - San Diego) is currently priced at $325.

  • Can I find deals for flights from San Francisco to San Diego that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on San Francisco to San Diego flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from San Francisco to San Diego?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from San Francisco to San Diego.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from San Francisco to San Diego?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from San Francisco to San Diego by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego?

    Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Francisco to San Diego (average of $31). Flying from San Francisco to San Diego in September is currently the most expensive (average of $96). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near San Diego?

Book flights to San Diego if you plan to visit one of these locations
San Ysidro

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Top airline flying from San Francisco to San Diego

Discover the top airline that operate flights from San Francisco to San Diego. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 9 January 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$118Average$320FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
Search Alaska Airlines flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from San Francisco to San Diego?

Deals for San Francisco to San Diego flights are sourced from 900+ travel sites when you use Cheapflights. When all flight results come back, Cheapflights lets you sort and filter flights using different criteria to choose better, like price, airport, cabin class, and plenty of other options.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from San Francisco to San Diego?

Cheapflights simply makes it quick and affordable to book flights from San Francisco to San Diego by bringing together all flight options from hundreds of airlines and agencies online — and put it in one place for you to choose from. Plus, Cheapflights is 100% free to use for all.

Can Cheapflights find flights from San Francisco to San Diego with no change fees?

Users can book flights with no change fees policies with our dedicated filters. Book flights from San Francisco to San Diego flexibly with Cheapflights today.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from San Francisco to San Diego become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on San Francisco to San Diego flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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