Flying from Vancouver to San Diego: what you need to know
Organising your flight from Vancouver to San Diego begins with finding the right airport to start your trip. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are the main terminals in Vancouver.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is where you'll be arriving in San Diego.
Book a direct Vancouver to San Diego flight and you'll be flying for an average of 3 hours.
San Diego's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as Vancouver.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 18 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Vancouver to San Diego is with Air Canada at 18:50. Choose the first YVR to SAN departure operated by Air Canada at 09:00 to make the most of your first day in San Diego.
To ensure you don't miss your Vancouver to San Diego flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to San Diego
To score cheap Vancouver to San Diego flights, book your journey two months ahead of your departure date.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Vancouver to San Diego is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Vancouver to San Diego couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Vancouver to San Diego flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
You can get a direct flight from Vancouver to San Diego taking off from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Begin your trip at YVR and land at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Be on the lookout for promotions with Air Canada. This carrier offers direct Vancouver to San Diego plane tickets from YVR.
Located around 11 kilometres from central Vancouver, YVR can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Vancouver to San Diego? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Vancouver International Airport:
Of the departures from Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% land on schedule at their destination.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
The trip to YXX from central Vancouver is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you about 1 hour to cover the 64 kilometres or so.
Make taking an early Vancouver to San Diego flight the easiest part of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels near Abbotsford Airport and get to your departure gate with time to spare:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights touch down when they should. At YXX, that rate is 67.97%.
Arriving in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego takes around 10 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 3 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 20 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to San Diego, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near SAN:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a San Diego International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond San Diego's usual tourist stops.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from San Diego International Airport around two weeks ahead of your Vancouver to San Diego flight.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Central San Diego is about 48 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Once your flight from Vancouver to San Diego has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 2 hours 15 minutes or so.
Budget, Hertz and Avis make collecting a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Save time at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from CLD in advance so you can simply grab the keys and be on your way.
Best time to go to San Diego
July is the busiest month for flights from Vancouver to San Diego. To steer clear of the crowds, visit San Diego in May.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 17ºC (63ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Lock in your Vancouver to San Diego ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap flights from Vancouver to San Diego in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 7ºC (45ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF) on average.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Vancouver to San Diego, explore our selection of hotels including:
San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your San Diego travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to SeaWorld San Diego.
Explore more of United States
You've done San Diego, now it's time to discover other corners of United States. Travel about 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to tick off its leading attractions. From Griffith Observatory to The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another favourite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park.