Travelling from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego: what you need to know
Planning your holiday starts with working out where you'll fly out of in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego taking off from here.
Disembark at San Diego International Airport (SAN), the primary gateway of San Diego.
San Diego's timezone is UTC-8, which makes San Diego five hours behind Rio de Janeiro.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Rio de Janeiro to San Diego flight.
Flying during a peak time such as December? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Rio de Janeiro to San Diego flight. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when looking for your plane ticket from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego.
Save on your Rio de Janeiro to San Diego flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport (GIG)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and perhaps even explore another city. When searching for Rio de Janeiro to San Diego flights leaving from Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
Located around 13 kilometres from central Rio de Janeiro, GIG can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour.
Need a handy hotel close to Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
79% of flights that depart Rio de Janeiro Internacional Airport touch down at their destination on 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.
It usually takes 25 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near SAN:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a San Diego International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget to explore San Diego and beyond.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from San Diego International Airport about two weeks ahead of your departure.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Once your flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego has landed, you can reach the city centre in about 35 minutes by car. Central San Diego is approximately 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
Travelling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to lay your head close to CLD. Unwind after your Rio de Janeiro to San Diego flight at one of these well-located options:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Budget, Hertz or Avis and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid filling out forms at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Secure your ride from CLD in advance so you can simply get the keys and go.
Best time to go to San Diego
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego. August is the busiest month to visit San Diego. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in March.
Book a Rio de Janeiro to San Diego ticket departing in August if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in San Diego to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego in February when temperatures average between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF).
More about San Diego
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in San Diego right here. Check out these hotels once you've booked your flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum are major attractions which should be on any good San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen San Diego, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Travel around 177 kilometres northwest to Los Angeles to tick off its must-visit sights. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another favourite stop in the United States. Experience major highlights starting with Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.
