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Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

View AU$236 flight on Wed, 14 Oct 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$474 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$474
Return
found 4 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$474 found 4 days ago
Delta
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$474 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$474
Return
found 4 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$474 found 4 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$488 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$488
Return
found 4 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$488 found 4 days ago
Delta
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$525 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$525
Return
found 4 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$525 found 4 days ago
Delta
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$532 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$532
Return
found 4 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$532 found 4 days ago
Delta
Thu, 31 Dec - Sun, 3 Jan
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$591 Return, found 5 days ago
AU$591
Return
found 5 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, 31 Dec from Washington to San Diego, returning Sun, 3 Jan, priced at AU$591 found 5 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$604 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$604
Return
found 4 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$604 found 4 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, 31 Dec - Sun, 3 Jan
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$687 Return, found 5 days ago
AU$687
Return
found 5 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, 31 Dec from Washington to San Diego, returning Sun, 3 Jan, priced at AU$687 found 5 days ago
United
Thu, 31 Dec - Sun, 3 Jan
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$701 Return, found 5 days ago
AU$701
Return
found 5 days ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, 31 Dec from Washington to San Diego, returning Sun, 3 Jan, priced at AU$701 found 5 days ago
Delta
Sat, 22 Aug - Wed, 26 Aug
DCA
Washington
SAN
San Diego
AU$715 Return, found 4 days ago
AU$715
Return
found 4 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, 22 Aug from Washington to San Diego, returning Wed, 26 Aug, priced at AU$715 found 4 days ago

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find one-way and return flights from DCA to SAN with Expedia. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see our cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when DCA to SAN ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from DCA to SAN are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter DCA to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Alaska Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Alaska Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
There are approximately 124 connecting flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.). Some common connection points include O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), and Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW).
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) typically departs around 5:00 AM local time. This flight is operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service, active in April. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) on a Friday, with around 86 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United. Flight schedules are quite consistent throughout the week, with Friday offering only slightly more options than other days.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these times as they allow for an early start to their journey, getting you to your destination with plenty of time left in the day.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
When flying from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), you have a few options. A non-stop flight typically takes around 5 hours 48 minutes. If you opt for a flight with one stop, your travel time will be longer, usually around 7 hours 48 minutes. For flights with two or more stops, expect the journey to take about 11 hours 18 minutes. The distance covered on this route is approximately 3,655 kilometres. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
You can fly business class or first class between DCA and SAN. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Delta
First class cabins are available on Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, and American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Diego, CA (SAN) from Washington, DC (DCA)?
If you're planning to travel to San Diego from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly directly into San Diego Intl. (SAN). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Love Field (DAL), Midway Intl. (MDW), or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL) before reaching San Diego. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA) to San Diego, CA (SAN) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Return price
AU$473
Distance
3633 km
Average flight time
3 hours 26 mins

Book with confidence

Your quick guide to flights from Washington to San Diego

Pick up great flights from Washington to San Diego

With Expedia, you have your pick of flights a day with 20 airlines covering flights from Washington to San Diego. Whether you’re on a business trip, a family holiday or a luxury break, just enter your travel dates, hit search then check out your choice of flights. Select from return, one way or multi-city flights, and use the advance search tool if you want a direct or refundable flight. You can narrow your search to show you just your preferred cabin class and airline, too. It’s all easy. You can book direct flights from Washington to San Diego that take around hours.

Find cheap flights from Washington to San Diego

From the great flight deals with prices currently ranging from AU$474 to AU$715, you can choose to see the cheapest flights first. Generally, you can book the cheapest flights from Washington to San Diego around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid weekends and peak seasons – when you are more likely to grab the lowest prices. Even last minute, there are some impressive deals. The cheapest time to fly to San Diego is normally in August.

Reasons to book your flight from Washington to San Diego with Expedia

Expedia makes it easy to find, book, and travel, with everything you need all in one place. When you enter your travel details, find fantastic deals just for you on flight tickets from Washington to San Diego across all the main airline carriers, so you can save time, dollars, and hassle finding the perfect flight. If you think your plans could change, choose refundable flights so any changes won’t cost you more. Book your flight to San Diego right now and, if you join Expedia Rewards, you earn points this time and every time you travel with Expedia.

Your quick guide to flights from Washington to San Diego

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