The 7 Most Budget-Friendly Airports to Fly into in California

California flight prices nearly gave me a heart attack last summer until I figured out which airports actually offer decent deals. After spending countless hours searching flights (and probably drinking too much coffee), I discovered that flying into Oakland or Burbank can save you hundreds compared to LAX or SFO. Plus, you’ll dodge those notorious LA traffic headaches.

Let me tell you about the best places in California to land without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re heading to the sun-soaked beaches of Venice Beach or planning to explore the redwood forests up north, choosing the right airport makes a massive difference. I’ve tried them all and learned some expensive lessons, so you don’t have to. Ready to save some serious cash on your next California trip?

#1 tip for finding the cheapest airports to fly into California

How can you find affordable airfare anywhere in the world? As a serial traveler, that’s something I get asked a lot. So, before I break down my list of 7 cities with the cheapest airports to fly into California, first I’d like to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve been using Going to score cheap plane tickets to California, and it’s saved me a bundle. It’s so easy to use, anyone can do it. Simply type in the name of your departure airport, then choose your destination, and voila! They’ll send mistake fares and other extra cheap flight deals directly to your inbox for FREE!

In 2024, Going’s email alerts helped me save thousands of dollars on airfare– including most recently, a $96 roundtrip flight from Boston to Los Angeles. With Going, I generally save around $300-500 roundtrip on selected flight routes. I saved even more when I became a premium member, an upgrade that costs just $49 a year.

Want to save money on airfare? Use my discount code Jon20 to save 20%!

Most Affordable Airports to Fly Into in California

Looking for affordable airports to fly into in California? Arrive at Los Angeles for budget-friendly flights and access to iconic attractions, land in San Francisco for stunning bay views and a vibrant city experience, choose San Diego for beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, or fly into Sacramento for a more affordable gateway to Northern California. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these airports offer great options for cost-conscious travelers.

1. Los Angeles (LAX) – Los Angeles International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: Delta, American, United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines (and dozens more)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌷, September to November 🍂 for fewer crowds and lower fares
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Largest airport on the West Coast 🏙️, tons of airline competition 🛫, and high flight volume 📊
• 🏆 Perfect For: Budget travelers 💵, international connections 🌎, and weekend city breaks 🏖️

LAX is the beating heart of SoCal’s travel scene and your ticket to endless West Coast adventures. This insanely busy airport is where budget dreams come true, connecting you to practically anywhere without destroying your bank account.

Just a quick Uber ride from the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica and the ultra-cool vibes of Venice, LAX drops you right into the California experience you’ve been scrolling through on Instagram. This location gets you within striking distance of Hollywood’s star-studded landmarks, downtown LA’s killer arts district, or the epic theme parks of Orange County all without blowing your travel budget on getting around.

Score the most insane deals by hitting up LA in spring when the weather is perfect but the summer tourists haven’t invaded yet, or snag flights for fall when you can still rock beach days without the peak-season prices. 

2. San Francisco (SFO) – San Francisco International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: United, Alaska, Delta, American, Southwest, and numerous international carriers
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂, March to May 🌸 for ideal weather and lower fares
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Major United Airlines hub 🏢, strong international competition 🌎, and frequent sales to fill flights ✨
• 🏆 Perfect For: Tech travelers 💻, foodie adventures 🍜, and gateway to wine country 🍷

SFO is basically your affordable ticket to all things Bay Area awesome. This surprisingly chill airport won’t drain your bank account like you’d expect for a city where rent costs more than your entire vacation budget.

The best part? The moment you land, you’re just a quick BART ride from those Instagram-worthy cable cars climbing up ridiculous hills and that iconic orange Golden Gate Bridge peeking through the fog. SFO’s strategic location also puts you within easy reach of stunning hikes in Marin County, the tech wonderland of Silicon Valley, and the world-class wineries of Napa and Sonoma.

The airport’s budget-friendly secret lies in the intense competition on popular routes, especially from other major cities. Plan your visit during the magical fall months when the city sheds its famous fog and hotel prices drop dramatically.

3. San Diego (SAN) – San Diego International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, JetBlue
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌺, September to November 🍂 for perfect weather and cheaper rates
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Heavy Southwest presence 🛫, competition with nearby airports 🏙️, and year-round tourism demand 🏄‍♂️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Beach lovers 🏖️, cross-border explorers 🇲🇽, and craft beer enthusiasts 🍺

SAN is the golden gateway to California’s most perfectly chill paradise, combining competitive fares with unbeatable convenience. This compact airport delivers massive value thanks to its prime location and impressive airline competition.

The moment you step outside, you’re basically already at the beach. Just a 10-minute drive puts you in the middle of Little Italy’s amazing food scene or along the gorgeous Embarcadero waterfront where you can watch massive naval ships cruise by. Another 15 minutes and you’re feeling the sand between your toes at Coronado Beach with its iconic red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado providing the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos.

The budget magic happens courtesy of Southwest Airlines’ dominant presence, creating a continuous price war that benefits travelers year-round. Visit around spring or fall for the perfect combo of sunshine, smaller crowds, and lower prices. 

Even if your California dreams include theme parks up in Anaheim or beach hopping along the coast, starting in San Diego often saves you enough on flights to justify the scenic drive north. 

4. Sacramento (SMF) – Sacramento International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: Southwest, United, American, Delta, Alaska, Frontier
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸, September to October 🍁 for pleasant temperatures and lower fares
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Low operating costs 🏢, competitive alternatives 🚗, and strategic location ⚡
• 🏆 Perfect For: State capital visitors 🏛️, Napa Valley day-trippers 🍇, and outdoor adventure seekers 🏞️

SMF is Northern California’s best-kept budget secret, offering savvy travelers significantly cheaper options than the pricier Bay Area airports. This ultra-accessible airport combines the perfect blend of convenience, affordability, and strategic location without the overwhelming crowds.

Touch down and you’re just minutes from exploring California’s historic capital city with its impressive State Capitol building, charming Old Sacramento Waterfront, and thriving farm-to-fork food scene. SMF also puts you within striking distance of epic hiking in Auburn State Recreation Area, white water rafting on the American River, vineyards of Napa Valley, and mountain biking trails that locals guard like secret treasure. 

The airport’s modern terminals and efficient layout mean less stress and more time enjoying your Northern California adventure without breaking the bank on your flight.

• Read Next: Reasons to Visit Sacramento

5. San José (SJC) – San José Mineta International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, Delta, United, American, JetBlue
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌤️, September to November 🍂 for ideal weather and tech conference deals
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Tech company volume discounts 💻, fierce competition with SFO 🏙️, and airline expansion efforts 📈
• 🏆 Perfect For: Silicon Valley explorers 📱, Bay Area budget travelers 💰, and Santa Cruz day-trippers 🏄‍♀️

SJC is basically the insider’s hack to access the Bay Area without the chaos and cost of flying into SFO. This sleek, modern airport serves as the perfect entry point for budget travelers looking to explore Silicon Valley and beyond while keeping their wallets happy.

Land at SJC and you’re smack in the heart of the tech universe, with giants like Apple, Google, and Meta headquarters just minutes away. The airport’s prime location also puts you closer to many Bay Area attractions like the beaches and legendary boardwalk of Santa Cruz, the weirdly fascinating Winchester Mystery House, and the underrated San Pedro Square Market food hall.

What gives SJC its budget superpower is the constant stream of business travelers creating fierce competition among airlines for key routes. This corporate demand means more flights and better deals for leisure travelers who can be flexible with their timing

6. Fresno (FAT) – Fresno Yosemite International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: United, American, Delta, Alaska, Frontier, Allegiant
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌼, September to October 🍂 for perfect national park weather and lower fares
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Limited competition 🏙️, lower operating costs 💸, and seasonal tourism patterns 🏞️
• 🏆 Perfect For: Yosemite explorers 🏔️, budget park hoppers 🌲, and Central Valley visitors 🍑

FAT (yes, that’s actually the airport code) is your affordable backdoor to some of California’s most epic national parks and your secret weapon for beating the crowds to Yosemite.

This convenient airport sits right in the middle of California’s farm country but puts you just a 90-minute drive to the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park without the Bay Area traffic or crazy prices. You can stand under El Capitan and still have enough cash left for decent lodging instead of eating ramen in your tent because you blew your budget just getting there.

The real win of flying into Fresno is how it sets you up for an epic national park tour. Beyond Yosemite, you’re just an hour from the giant sequoias at Kings Canyon National Park and the stunning mountains of Sequoia National Park. That’s three major national parks from one cheap flight, without changing hotels or spending your whole trip in the car.

The best move is booking for late April or early October when the weather’s perfect but summer tourists are gone, often getting fares at half the peak season prices.

7. Palm Springs (PSP) – Palm Springs International Airport

• ✈️ Airlines: Alaska, American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Southwest (seasonal)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to December 🍂, February to April 🌵 for perfect desert weather and festival deals
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Seasonal tourism patterns 🏜️, airline competition for snowbirds ❄️, and festival traffic 🎡
• 🏆 Perfect For: Desert explorers 🌴, architecture fans 🏠, and music festival goers 🎵

PSP is the ultimate desert oasis for budget travelers looking to score luxury vibes without the luxury price tag.

This ultra-chill, open-air airport feels more like a resort than a transit hub, with mountain views and palm trees right on the tarmac. You’re literally minutes from downtown Palm Springs with its iconic mid-century modern architecture and pool culture. Want to channel your inner Frank Sinatra? The airport puts you right in the middle of that classic desert getaway scene without the LA traffic nightmare. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park, Coachella Valley, and countless golf courses that draw celebrities and snow birds alike.

PSP sees huge seasonal price swings that smart travelers can exploit. While winter snowbirds and spring festival crowds drive up prices, shoulder season brings serious deals. Book for October or November when temperatures are perfect and the winter crowd still hasn’t arrived yet.

• Read Next: Unique Bucket List Ideas

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the cheapest airports to fly into California

Before booking a cheap flight to California, it helps to do your research. Here are some common questions and answers regarding cheap airports in California:

When is the cheapest time to fly to California?

As I noted earlier in this blog, when you travel is just as important as where you travel. The peak tourist seasons for even the most inexpensive cities in California tend to be summer and winter. This means that the best time to fly to California if you want to save money is spring and fall.

Let’s get more specific. What month is the cheapest to fly to California? That depends on your destination. Typically, if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego, the cheapest time to go to California is in April. For many other airports in California, however, the cheapest month is March.

What are the cheapest airlines in California offering direct flights?

The following airlines currently offer direct flights to California:

• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines
• SkyWest Airlines
• United
• Alaska Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Delta
• LATAM Airlines
• WestJet
• Air New Zealand

Is it always cheaper to fly to California non-stop?

While taking a non-stop flight is often the fastest and most convenient option, it’s not always the cheapest way to get to California. If you’re more concerned with your budget than anything, there’s nothing wrong with taking a connecting flight.

That said, flights that require layovers are not automatically cheaper either. There is no hard and fast rule for picking one over the other. I recommend researching both whenever you start planning any trip. Then you can compare and contrast ticket prices, and find the one that best meets your needs of cost vs. convenience.

How far in advance should I book to get cheap airfare to California?

When planning any trip, whether it’s domestic or international, I recommend booking as far in advance as possible. While it’s true that last-minute cancellations can help you land incredible discounts, there’s no guarantee that will happen every time.

Usually, if you book in advance, you’re able to get a better price because you’re “beating the rush.” As the departure date gets closer, more and more people will try to book the same flight. This increases demand, thus raising the price.

Why you should fly to California in 2025

With its sunny climate, gorgeous scenery, and quirky attractions, California often feels more like another country than just another American state. For East Coasters used to cold temperatures and cramped urban cities, it’s a breath of fresh air. Even at their busiest, California’s cities seem less claustrophobic and a lot more colorful.

A big reason for that is because of how diverse California is. Thanks to its proximity both to Mexico and Asia, the population of California today is incredibly unique. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cheap cities to visit in California offer travelers a chance to explore a wide range of culinary, artistic, and historical legacies.

What’s more, California is a major center for both the entertainment and tech industries. This gives it a freshness and vitality that you won’t find anywhere else. No matter what you like to do for fun, there are attractions perfectly suited to your tastes. Music venues, fine dining restaurants, fashionable boutiques, amusement parks, historical sites: the list goes on and on.

I hope this blog about the cheapest airports to fly into California has inspired you. Get out there and give the Golden State a closer look. Traveling the world is a great privilege that we should all get to enjoy. Even if you’re on a budget, you can do it, too!

For more travel tips (and inspiration), follow my adventures on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint. Happy Travels! -Jon