Flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Vancouver: what you need to know
Around 3 hours is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver.
San Diego (the location of San Diego International Airport) and Vancouver follow the same timezone — UTC-7.
With 18 flights a week between the two airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the busiest route. Air Canada operates the earliest flight at 06:15. If you're eager to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from SAN to YVR is with Air Canada at 20:10.
Leave enough time to make your SAN to Vancouver flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Planning to travel during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Direct San Diego International Airport to Vancouver tickets are available for booking. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) will be your arrival point.
Keep your eyes peeled for offers from Air Canada. This carrier has direct flights from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper flight ticket from SAN to Vancouver. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Located around 3 kilometres from the centre of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport will take roughly 20 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near SAN. Whether you've booked an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
71.38% of flights leaving from San Diego International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Vancouver
The best price we've found for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Vancouver flight is $100. The cheapest price for a return flight is $270. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book one month before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from SAN to Vancouver.
May is the best month for nabbing an awesome deal on San Diego International Airport to Vancouver tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from SAN to Vancouver is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver.
Airports in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to central Vancouver takes about 25 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 14 kilometres away.
It typically takes 35 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near YVR:
Hit the road running by picking up a Vancouver International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty or Avis to explore Vancouver and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your ride from Vancouver International Airport around one week in advance of your flight from SAN to Vancouver.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
The centre of Vancouver is around 2 kilometres from Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). Once your flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 5 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 15 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near CXH. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your SAN to Vancouver flight:
Generally, the sooner you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Reserve your ride from CXH once you know your travel dates.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Hop off your flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver and head for your hotel or start exploring right away. The centre of Vancouver is around 64 kilometres from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and typically takes 1 hour to reach driving.
If you go by public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to travel into the centre, choose a hotel close to YXX. Make yourself comfy at one of these stays after your SAN to Vancouver flight:
Be in control of the next leg of your journey with an Abbotsford Airport rental car. Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise will get you on the road.
If you're searching for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from YXX about one week ahead of your flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver. This gives you a better chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better price.
Best time to go to Vancouver
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver. The city buzzes in high season, but hotel rates are often higher and attractions can be busy. Go to Vancouver in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Book a San Diego International Airport to Vancouver flight ticket with a departure in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).
December sees average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from SAN to Vancouver around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Vancouver
Start your Vancouver trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from San Diego International Airport to Vancouver, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Granville Island and Stanley Park are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Vancouver itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Science World.
Explore more of Canada
Vancouver will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Canada just waiting to be discovered. Around 274 kilometres east of Vancouver, a visit to Kelowna will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Kasugai Japanese Garden, Waterfront Park and Mary Ann Collinson Memorial Park.
Around 257 kilometres north-east of Vancouver, Kamloops is another essential stop in Canada. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Riverside Park, Kamloops Art Gallery and BIG Little Science Centre.