13 CHEAP Places to Fly from San Diego This Year

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Okay, I know we’re spoiled with perfect weather in San Diego, but sometimes you just need to get out and explore. After obsessively tracking flights from SAN (while crushing fish tacos at Blue Water, obviously), I’ve found some crazy good deals that’ll make you want to book right now. And trust me, I’ve found the best places in San Diego to score cheap flights without dealing with the LA airport madness.

Want to trade your morning surf for a weekend in Cabo’s Medano Beach? Or maybe swap your California burritos for some authentic street tacos in Mexico City’s Roma district? I just spotted round-trip flights under $200 to both. No joke. Ready to see exactly where you can fly without emptying your bank account?

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from San Diego

Looking for cheap places to fly from San Diego? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. SAN) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $225 roundtrip fare from Miami to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Top Cheap Flight Destinations from San Diego

Looking for cheap flight destinations from San Diego? Visit Tijuana for vibrant nightlife and delicious street food, Albuquerque for historic Old Town and scenic hot air balloon rides, San Francisco for iconic landmarks and waterfront views, and Denver for outdoor adventures and craft breweries. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly getaways from San Diego.

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1. San Diego to Tijuana ($29–$85 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Volaris, CBX Cross Border Xpress (10+ daily crossings)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October 🌞 for mild weather and fewer rainy days
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🌮, budget travelers 💰, day-trippers 🛍️

Tijuana is basically San Diego’s cooler, cheaper, and more adventurous neighbor. This border city packs incredible street food, vibrant arts, and nightlife into a package that’s so close you can literally walk there, making it the ultimate international day trip that won’t destroy your bank account.

Avenida Revolución has shed its wild party reputation and transformed into a hip strip with craft breweries, boutique hotels, and the Pasaje Rodríguez arts alley filled with local galleries and coffee shops. The Cultural Center (CECUT) with its iconic spherical IMAX theater hosts art exhibitions, performances, and film screenings worth checking out.

For the cheapest flights, Volaris offers insanely low fares starting from $29 one-way if you book during their frequent flash sales and travel with just a personal item. These budget flights operate from Tijuana Airport (TIJ), which you can easily access via the Cross Border Xpress bridge from San Diego for an additional $16 crossing fee each way. While flying this short distance might seem silly, these rock-bottom fares combined with CBX access can sometimes be cheaper than parking at San Diego airport for a weekend trip elsewhere.

2. San Diego to Albuquerque ($35–$100 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Allegiant, Frontier (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🎈 and April to May 🌵 for ideal temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Desert explorers 🏜️, Breaking Bad fans 🧪, chile lovers 🌶️

Albuquerque is way more than just that place from Breaking Bad. This high-desert city gives you a perfect mix of Southwestern culture, outdoor adventures, and incredible food, all wrapped up in a package that’s surprisingly affordable and way less crowded than Santa Fe or Phoenix.

The annual Balloon Fiesta in October is absolutely mind-blowing, with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons filling the dawn sky, but the city has plenty to offer year-round. Old Town packs 300+ years of history into walkable adobe streets with great shopping and that perfect Instagram backdrop. For the best views, take the Sandia Peak Tramway up 10,000+ feet for epic sunset vistas over the city and surrounding desert. 

Allegiant offers twice-weekly direct service with rock-bottom $35 one-way fares if you travel with just a personal item and book during their Tuesday sales. Frontier competes with similar prices but flies more frequently. Southwest typically costs a bit more but includes two free checked bags, making it potentially cheaper overall if you’re packing heavy. 

3. San Diego to San Francisco ($49–$110 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, United, Alaska, Spirit (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 and March to May 🌷 for fewer tourists and clearer skies
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🍽️, urban explorers 🌉, tech enthusiasts 💻

San Francisco is basically a postcard come to life with ridiculous views around every corner. This compact city packs iconic landmarks, world-class restaurants, and distinct neighborhoods into just 49 square miles, making it one of the most walkable and photogenic cities anywhere.

The Golden Gate Bridge is obviously a must-see, but skip the tourist crowds at the visitor center and instead hike to Battery Spencer in the Marin Headlands for the most epic views and photos. Mission District offers the best food scene with amazing tacos at La Taqueria and the original Tartine Bakery with pastries worth the line. For a unique experience, catch a ferry to Alcatraz (book tickets weeks ahead!) or explore Golden Gate Park which is actually bigger than Central Park and includes Japanese gardens, museums, and even bison.

Spirit’s Tuesday deals that regularly drop below $98 roundtrip if you can travel with just a personal item. Southwest runs flash sales about once a month with roundtrip fares around $118 that include two free checked bags, making them actually cheaper than Spirit if you’re bringing luggage. 

4. San Diego to Denver ($68–$135 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Frontier, Southwest, United (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for mild weather and fewer tourists
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, craft beer lovers 🍺, urban explorers 🏙️

Denver is where mountain vibes meet city life. This high-altitude playground sits exactly one mile above sea level with the Rocky Mountains as its epic backdrop, creating a perfect mix of outdoor adventures and urban cool that works for literally any type of traveler.

Downtown Denver centers around the pedestrian-friendly 16th Street Mall and the revitalized LoDo (Lower Downtown) district packed with brewpubs, restaurants, and rooftop bars. For the best views, drive up to Red Rocks Park where the natural amphitheater hosts concerts in a setting so beautiful it looks fake in photos. 

For flights, grab Frontier’s Tuesday flash sales that drop to $68 roundtrip if you pack ultra-light. Southwest regularly runs $118 roundtrip sales that include two free checked bags. The best time to visit is during April-May and September-October when demand drops but weather is still perfect for exploring.

• Read Next: Awesome Cheap Flights from Denver

5. San Diego to Dallas ($81–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, American, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for milder temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Sports fans 🏈, food enthusiasts 🍖, shopping lovers 🛍️

Dallas is way more than just cowboys and oil money. This massive Texas metropolis serves up a perfect mix of Southern charm and big-city energy, with world-class museums, incredible food, and some of the most passionate sports fans you’ll ever meet.

Klyde Warren Park is a 5-acre urban green space built over a freeway where food trucks, free activities, and concerts bring locals together year-round. Art lovers should hit the free Dallas Museum of Art and nearby Nasher Sculpture Center, while history buffs can explore the fascinating Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. 

For the cheapest flights, book Spirit’s Tuesday/Wednesday deals at $81 roundtrip if you pack super light. American often matches these fares from their DFW hub with better flight times. Meanwhile, Southwest flies to convenient Love Field with slightly higher fares but includes two free checked bags. October and February offer the best deals when tourism dips but weather remains pleasant.

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Dallas

6. San Diego to Seattle ($77–$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Alaska, Delta, Spirit, Southwest (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September ☀️ and May to early June 🌷 for drier weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Coffee enthusiasts ☕, outdoor adventurers 🏔️, seafood lovers 🦀

Seattle is the perfect mix of urban cool and natural beauty. This Pacific Northwest hub delivers incredible mountain views, world-class coffee, and enough food markets, museums, and parks to keep you busy for days, all set against a backdrop of water and evergreen forests that makes even rainy days look good.

Pike Place Market is famous for flying fish and the original Starbucks, but locals know to skip the lines and head to the lower levels for hidden gems like Piroshky Piroshky bakery and the creepy-cool Gum Wall. The iconic Space Needle offers killer views, though budget travelers can get equally amazing vistas for free from Kerry Park. For a uniquely Seattle experience, hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island for under $10 and enjoy skyline views from the water while exploring a charming small town with local wineries and art galleries.

Spirit regularly drops fares to $77 roundtrip for Tuesday/Wednesday travel if you pack ultra-light. Alaska Airlines dominates this route and frequently runs sales around $99 roundtrip that include a carry-on. Southwest offers slightly higher fares but includes two free checked bags. The best flight deals appear in October through February when the city is rainier, but prices can drop 40% compared to summer peak season.

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Seattle

7. San Diego to Salt Lake City ($65–$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August ☀️ and December to March ❄️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Ski enthusiasts 🎿, outdoor adventurers 🥾, national park explorers 🏔️

Salt Lake City offers San Diego travelers a total landscape change with mountain ranges surrounding an urban center that delivers surprising food scenes and outdoor adventures in every season. The city sits in this perfect spot with access to some of the best skiing and hiking in the country.

Park City and other nearby ski resorts offer world-class powder in winter just 30-45 minutes from downtown, while summer brings endless hiking and mountain biking trails in the Wasatch Mountains. The downtown area is super walkable with Temple Square showing off the city’s Mormon heritage, and the growing Granary District featuring breweries and food halls in renovated industrial spaces. For incredible day trips, five national parks including Arches and Zion are within a few hours’ drive.

For San Diego travelers, Delta dominates with their SLC hub, though budget carriers like Frontier frequently drop fares below $70 one-way if you pack light. Winter is perfect for ski trips with powdery snow that makes California mountains seem sad by comparison, while summer offers warm days with low humidity and cool evenings perfect for outdoor dining. 

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Salt Lake City

8. San Diego to Portland ($85–$145 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Alaska, Southwest, Spirit, Delta (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September ☀️ for dry, sunny days and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, craft beer lovers 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🌲

Portland gives San Diego travelers totally different vibes with its green scenery, hipster culture, and killer food scene that’s way more impressive than you’d expect. The city has this cool weird energy plus amazing nature that’s super close by.

Powell’s City of Books is literally a full city block of books and a Portland must-see, while downtown is packed with awesome food cart pods where you can sample global cuisine for cheap. The Japanese Garden and Rose Test Garden are both really pretty and peaceful with mountain views on clear days, and neighborhoods like Alberta and Hawthorne are where you’ll find the cool vintage shops, breweries, and local restaurants that give Portland its character. When you need a nature fix, the Columbia River Gorge has some sick waterfall hikes just 30 minutes away.

For San Diego travelers, Alaska Airlines and Southwest usually have the best prices, sometimes dropping below $100 roundtrip during sales. Summer is when Portland really shines with perfect weather after their rainy season ends, though September is actually better with fewer tourists around. 

9. San Diego to Kansas City ($91–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Delta, United, Frontier (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for ideal temps
• 🏆 Perfect for: BBQ fanatics 🍖, sports fans ⚾, jazz enthusiasts 🎷

Kansas City is this surprisingly cool Midwest city that most San Diegans totally sleep on. The place has a legit food scene, great sports culture, and way more character than you’d expect from somewhere in the middle of the country.

The Plaza shopping district looks like someone dropped Spain into Missouri with its cool architecture and fountains, while the Crossroads Arts District is packed with galleries, breweries, and restaurants in converted warehouses. Obviously you can’t miss the BBQ scene – spots like Joe’s Kansas City (in an actual gas station) and Q39 serve up brisket and burnt ends that will make you question why you ever thought California BBQ was acceptable. For sports, Arrowhead Stadium gets insanely loud for Chiefs games, and the revamped downtown area around the T-Mobile Center has cool bars and restaurants.

Southwest typically offers the most flight options, with deals occasionally dropping below $100 roundtrip during slower seasons. May and late September bring perfect temps without the humid summer heat or freezing winter chills. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Flights from Kansas City

10. San Diego to Houston ($95–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, United, Spirit, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to April 🌸 and October to November 🍂 for less humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Space geeks 🚀, food enthusiasts 🌮, museum lovers 🖼️

Houston is this massive sprawling city that’s way more diverse and interesting than most people realize. The place has amazing food from practically every culture on earth, world-class museums, and a super chill vibe despite being the fourth largest city in the country.

Space Center Houston is an absolute must for NASA nerds where you can see actual spacecraft and mission control, while the Museum District packs 19 different museums into a walkable area with many offering free admission on certain days. For green space in this concrete jungle, Buffalo Bayou Park offers cool skyline views and bat watching at sunset from the Waugh Drive Bridge.

Southwest and United (from their Houston hub) offer the most flight options, with deals sometimes hitting below $100 roundtrip during sales. Spring and fall are perfect with warm weather but without the brutal summer humidity that will have you sweating through your clothes instantly. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Houston

11. San Diego to Chicago ($110–$175 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Spirit, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts 🏙️, foodies 🌭, culture seekers 🎭

Chicago is seriously underrated and actually affordable. This city gives you big-city vibes with Midwestern friendliness, epic skyline views, and food so good you’ll think about it months later.

The famous Bean in Millennium Park is obviously Instagram gold, but the real move is hitting the John Hancock Center’s Signature Lounge where you can get the same crazy views as the observation deck tourists for just the price of a drink. Navy Pier can be touristy, but the Centennial Wheel offers killer lake views that are worth it.

For the cheapest flights, Spirit regularly drops fares to $110 roundtrip if you can pack super light in just a personal item. Their Tuesday/Wednesday flights are typically $30-40 cheaper than weekend options. Southwest costs more upfront but includes two free checked bags. October and April hit the sweet spot with decent weather but way lower prices than summer when everyone floods the city for beaches and festivals. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Chicago

12. San Diego to Oakland ($76–$125 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, Alaska (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🍂 and March to May 🌷 for mild temperatures and fewer tourists
• 🏆 Perfect for: Bay Area explorers 🌁, foodies 🍜, budget travelers 💰

Oakland is San Francisco’s cooler, more authentic neighbor. This vibrant city across the bay offers amazing food, a killer arts scene, and perfect access to everything Bay Area without the insane prices and tourist crowds you’ll find across the water.

Jack London Square along the waterfront packs great restaurants and weekend markets into a walkable district, while Lake Merritt gives you a peaceful urban oasis where locals jog, picnic, and paddleboat in the heart of the city. The monthly First Friday art walk transforms downtown into a massive street festival with galleries, food trucks, and live music that shows off Oakland’s creative energy.

For the cheapest flights, Spirit consistently offers rock-bottom $76 roundtrip fares if you pack just a personal item and book during their Tuesday sales. Southwest dominates this route with the most daily flights around $99 roundtrip that include two free checked bags. Visit in spring or early fall for sunny skies, thinner crowds, and peak street festival energy.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Airports in California

13. San Diego to Guadalajara ($81–$145 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Volaris, Alaska, Frontier (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to December 🍂 and February to April 🌷 for pleasant temperatures and cultural events
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture lovers 🎭, tequila enthusiasts 🥃, budget travelers 💰

Guadalajara is basically Mexico without the tourist traps. This vibrant metropolis delivers authentic Mexican culture, incredible food, and colonial architecture without the resort markups or spring break crowds you’d find in Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Historic Centro packs stunning colonial buildings around the massive twin-spired Cathedral, while the trendy Chapultepec neighborhood buzzes with hip bars, restaurants, and a killer weekend street market. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Hospicio Cabañas with mind-blowing ceiling murals by Orozco, and tequila fans can take day trips to nearby Tequila Town where Mexico’s iconic spirit is made (yes, you can sample directly from distilleries). 

For the cheapest flights, Volaris regularly drops fares to $81 roundtrip if you travel Tuesday/Wednesday with just a personal item. Their frequent “peso sales” can cut prices even lower if you’re flexible with dates. Meanwhile, Frontier occasionally matches these rates but flies less frequently. October to December and February to April offer the best combo of perfect weather and lower tourist numbers. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from San Diego

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from San Diego? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from San Diego to anywhere.

What are some of the cheapest destinations to fly to from San Diego?

Tijuana, Albuquerque, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Portland, Kansas City, Houston, Chicago, Oakland, and Albuquerque are some of the top cheap places to fly from San Diego.

Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from San Diego?

Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines often have competitive rates for various destinations. Always cross-check prices before booking.

Which San Diego airports should I consider when looking for the best deals?

San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Gillespie Field (SEE) are your primary gateways. Both offer a variety of cheap flights from San Diego, so it’s good to compare prices from each.

When’s the best time to book cheap flights from San Diego?

Typically, booking a few months in advance can get you the best rates. However, for some destinations, last-minute deals might also be available.

How can I find cheap flights from SEE or SAN?

Use flight comparison websites and sign up for airline newsletters. Don’t forget to set up fare alerts for desired destinations to get notified about deals.

Do flight prices from San Diego vary significantly throughout the year?

Yes, prices can vary based on seasons, demand, and airline promotions. For instance, flights to cold destinations might be cheaper in the winter, while tropical spots might offer deals in the off-season.

Are there nearby destinations excluded from the “cheapest places” list?

Yes, the list focuses on significant discounts and overall low fares, so some nearby cities or those within driving distance might be excluded even if they offer affordable rates.

Can I get direct flights for these cheap destinations from San Diego?

Most of these destinations have direct flight options. However, always check flight details since non-stop flights can sometimes be more expensive than those with layovers.

Why should I consider these destinations for my travels?

Beyond being economical, each of these destinations offers unique experiences, whether it’s culture, scenery, or activities. Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of the adventure!

How often do these “cheapest places” lists get updated?

While the core destinations might remain constant, flight prices and deals can change. It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for updated lists or trends each year.