Traveling from San Diego to Phoenix: what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Explore the options for booking a flight from San Diego to Phoenix jetting off from either of these.
The primary hubs where you can touch down in Phoenix are Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 25 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from San Diego to Phoenix. These two cities are in the same timezone — UTC-7.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 107 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from San Diego to Phoenix is with Frontier Airlines at 22:15. Choose the first SAN to PHX departure with American Airlines at 06:15 if you're more of an early bird.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably board your flight from San Diego to Phoenix.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
For a flight within United States, you don't need a visa or passport. However, you'll have to present some form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card. Once you've booked cheap flights from San Diego to Phoenix, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Set off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) on a nonstop flight from San Diego to Phoenix. From SAN, you can land directly at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
You'll find a direct flight from San Diego to Phoenix with American Airlines. This popular airline offers services from SAN.
We make it a breeze to book a flight from San Diego to Phoenix that includes a stopover. To see all your options departing from San Diego International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Located around 5 kilometers from the center of San Diego, SAN can be reached in approximately 9 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey on public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
Have an early flight from San Diego to Phoenix? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these stays near San Diego International Airport:
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) to central Phoenix is approximately 32 kilometers. It'll take you around 33 minutes to reach the center driving.
When traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near SCF if you're taking a late flight from San Diego to Phoenix. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 8 kilometers from the center of Phoenix. Following your flight from San Diego to Phoenix, expect a drive time of approximately 11 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take around 34 minutes.
After your flight from San Diego to Phoenix, rest your head at a hotel near PHX. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Phoenix
Right now, $24 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Phoenix. The cheapest price for a return flight is $38. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap tickets from San Diego to Phoenix by booking 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from San Diego to Phoenix. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you from searching for cheap tickets from San Diego to Phoenix every day.
Play around with filters to find your ideal trip. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Diego to Phoenix, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Phoenix
Carefully consider your trip dates before securing your flight from San Diego to Phoenix. The city is vibrant during high season, but hotel rates are usually higher and major attractions can be busy. Plan your trip to Phoenix in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Schedule your flight from San Diego to Phoenix for July if you'd like to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Phoenix to range from 26ºC to 44ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from San Diego to Phoenix in January when temperatures average between 4ºC and 20ºC.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Phoenix right here. Check out these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from San Diego to Phoenix:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Phoenix itinerary.
Complete your Phoenix trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from San Diego to Phoenix to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Phoenix, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.