Travelling from San Diego to London: what you need to know
San Diego's main base, San Diego International Airport (SAN), is where countless incredible trips begin. Explore your departure options from here for your flight from San Diego to London.
You can arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or London Stansted Airport (STN). You can also hop off the plane at London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY) in London.
The average duration of a direct San Diego to London flight is 10 hours 40 minutes.
London is eight hours ahead of San Diego and observes the UTC+0 timezone.
With ten weekly flights between the two airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from San Diego to London with British Airways at 16:40. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from SAN to LHR is with British Airways at 19:50.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your San Diego to London flight.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to London
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap San Diego to London flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
If you're willing to be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from San Diego to London.
You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal on cheap flights from San Diego to London.
Find an affordable San Diego to London flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
If you're looking for a direct flight from San Diego to London, you can leave from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in one continuous trip.
Look out for promotions with British Airways. This airline offers direct San Diego to London plane tickets from SAN.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for San Diego to London flights departing from San Diego International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
Located around 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 25 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel near San Diego International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from San Diego to London, these stays will have you moments from check-in:
74% of flights that leave from San Diego International Airport reach their destination on time.
The address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London is roughly 26 kilometres. It'll take you around 45 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 25 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from San Diego to London. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LHR instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and explore beyond London's usual tourist stops.
Booking your vehicle from London Heathrow Airport around one week ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is around 40 kilometres from central London. Once you've disembarked your flight from San Diego to London, it takes approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near LGW. Unwind after your San Diego to London flight at any of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a London Gatwick Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Green Motion, U-Save or Drivalia and be off and running.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from LGW three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
Step off your flight from San Diego to London and head straight for your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central London is around 48 kilometres from London Stansted Airport (STN) and usually takes 1 hour 5 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will take you there in around 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near STN and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late San Diego to London flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays will have you settling in quickly:
Be in the driver's seat of the next chapter of your journey by picking up a London Stansted Airport rental car. Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar make getting on the road smooth sailing.
About four weeks before your flight from San Diego to London is a good time to book your ride from STN. You're likely to find a better rate or score some early bird savings.
Best time to go to London
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from San Diego to London. July is the busiest month to visit London. If you like a more low-key vibe, go in March.
Before locking in your San Diego to London tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC (52ºF) to 26ºC (79ºF).
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from San Diego to London in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF).
More about London
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in London right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from San Diego to London:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. The British Museum, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are leading attractions which should feature on any well-planned London itinerary.
Explore more of the United Kingdom
You've done London, now it's time to explore more of the United Kingdom. Journey about 257 kilometres northwest to Manchester to tick off its leading attractions. From Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour to The Homes of Football and Science and Industry Museum, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you want to check out another side of the United Kingdom, consider Birmingham, roughly 161 kilometres northwest of London. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Hippodrome and Bournville Experience are key reasons to visit.





