Flying from San Diego to Phoenix: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from San Diego to Phoenix. Explore the options for leaving from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), two of the city's main airports.
The major entry paths to Phoenix are Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
Around 1 hour 25 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct San Diego to Phoenix flight.
San Diego and Phoenix share the same timezone, UTC-7.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 75 departures a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from San Diego to Phoenix is with Southwest Airlines at 22:00. Choose the first SAN to PHX departure with American Airlines at 06:15 to make the most of your first day in Phoenix.
Allow plenty of time to get on your San Diego to Phoenix flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Phoenix
RM85 is the best price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Phoenix. A return flight starts at RM181. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
To snag cheap San Diego to Phoenix flights, reserve your journey two months ahead of your departure.
May is the best month for nabbing an amazing deal on a plane ticket from San Diego to Phoenix. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from San Diego to Phoenix by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Find a cheap San Diego to Phoenix flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're after a direct flight from San Diego to Phoenix, you can leave from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) without any stops.
Leading carriers that offer direct San Diego to Phoenix plane tickets departing from SAN include:
SAN is about 3 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 20 minutes.
After a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from San Diego to Phoenix or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of all flights leaving San Diego International Airport, 71.38% touch down on time at their destination.
The address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) to central Phoenix takes around 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 24 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 55 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to SCF if you have a late flight from San Diego to Phoenix. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
The centre of Phoenix is located around 6 kilometres from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX). After your flight from San Diego to Phoenix has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 10 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 35 minutes.
Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty make collecting a Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Get exactly what you want. Securing your ride from PHX one week in advance often means better prices and a bigger choice of vehicles.
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport is located at 3400 Sky Harbour Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from San Diego to Phoenix has touched down. Central Phoenix is about 40 kilometres from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and takes roughly 40 minutes to get there in a car.
Whether you'd like a zippy mini for a solo trip or a roomy SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the ideal Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car for you. Explore the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Alamo and Budget.
If you're after a specific type of vehicle, book your ride from AZA around two weeks ahead of your flight from San Diego to Phoenix. This gives you a better shot at getting the car you prefer, on top of a better deal.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport can be found at 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
Visit San Diego during high season if you want a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book your flights from San Diego to San Diego in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a San Diego to Phoenix ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Phoenix to range from 26ºC (79ºF) to 44ºC (111ºF).
Search for cheap flights from San Diego to Phoenix in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF) on average.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Phoenix right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from San Diego to Phoenix:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Phoenix itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've done Phoenix, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey around 483 kilometres west to San Diego to check off its must-visit sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 418 kilometres north-west of Phoenix, Las Vegas is another favourite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience.