Travelling from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) to San Diego: what you need to know
San Diego's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as Phoenix (the location of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport).
Leave enough time to get on your AZA to San Diego flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
To reach AZA from central Phoenix, it'll take around 40 minutes if you're planning to drive. It's roughly 40 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Want an easy start to your travels? Stay near AZA. Whether you're taking an early flight from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego or don't want departure day to feel hectic, these hotels are worth a look:
When it comes to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport's on-time performance, data shows 78.65% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find AZA at 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
How to find the cheapest flights from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) to San Diego
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego flight is $183. The cheapest price for a return flight is $599. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from AZA to San Diego. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
Scoring cheap tickets from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to access the lowest prices throughout the month and score an incredible deal.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from AZA to San Diego by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is around 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 10 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 20 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego. Stay at one of these accommodation options near SAN instead:
Pick up a San Diego International Airport rental car and discover San Diego and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are leading providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from San Diego International Airport about two weeks before your flight from AZA to San Diego.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Once your flight from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central San Diego is roughly 56 kilometres from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 2 hours 15 minutes.
After stepping off your AZA to San Diego flight, unwind at a hotel near CLD. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Budget, Hertz or Avis and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid filling out paperwork at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Secure your ride from CLD ahead of time so you can just collect the keys and drive away.
Best time to go to San Diego
Before you book your flights from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in San Diego offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the off-season means you'll get better hotel deals and smaller crowds.
Book a Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego flight ticket with a departure in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 17ºC (63ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
February sees average temperatures of between 7ºC (45ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from AZA to San Diego around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about San Diego
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in San Diego right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to San Diego:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are top attractions which should be on every San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen San Diego, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Travel around 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to tick off its popular sights. From Griffith Observatory to The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Phoenix is another standout destination in United States and is around 483 kilometres east of San Diego. No trip is complete without dropping by Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park.