Travelling from Dubai to San Diego: what you need to know
Dubai is home to a couple of airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Dubai to San Diego leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Hop off the plane at San Diego's chief entry point, San Diego International Airport (SAN).
The timezone in San Diego is UTC-8, which is 12 hours behind Dubai.
Allow plenty of time to make your Dubai to San Diego flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect bigger queues in popular months such as December. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to San Diego
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap Dubai to San Diego flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Dubai to San Diego.
Locking in a cheap flight from Dubai to San Diego is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Dubai to San Diego flights.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing Dubai to San Diego flights departing from Dubai Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
DXB is around 5 kilometres from central Dubai. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Dubai to San Diego? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Dubai Airport:
Of all flights leaving Dubai Airport, 71% touch down on time at their destination.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
On public transport, you can travel from central Dubai to DWC in around 1 hour 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 40 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Dubai to San Diego? Check in to a hotel near Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport before your break officially starts. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
64% of flights departing Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 25 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to San Diego, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near SAN:
Grab a San Diego International Airport rental car and discover San Diego and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are popular outlets you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from San Diego International Airport around two weeks in advance of your Dubai to San Diego flight.
The street address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Central San Diego is about 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). As soon as your flight from Dubai to San Diego has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 35 minutes.
The trip will take about 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to lay your head close to CLD. Tuck yourself in after your Dubai to San Diego flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Budget, Hertz and Avis make picking up a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Typically, the earlier you book, the more you save and the better your options. Lock in your ride from CLD as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Best time to go to San Diego
August is the busiest month for flights from Dubai to San Diego. To avoid the crowds, head to San Diego in March.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Book your Dubai to San Diego ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
February has average temperatures of between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF). Search for cheap flights from Dubai to San Diego around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to San Diego, explore our range of accommodation options including:
San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are a couple of big attractions to put on your San Diego must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to USS Midway Museum.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of the United States you should also see. About 177 kilometres northwest of San Diego, a visit to Los Angeles will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another favourite stop in the United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.