Flying from Tijuana Airport (TIJ) to San Diego: what you need to know
Tijuana (the location of Tijuana Airport) and San Diego share the same timezone — UTC-7.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your TIJ to San Diego flight.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
TIJ is about 6 kilometres from central Tijuana. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 3 hours 40 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Tijuana Airport to San Diego? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to TIJ:
Of all flights departing from Tijuana Airport, 63.47% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tijuana Airport (TIJ) to San Diego
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Tijuana Airport to San Diego flight is $354. The cheapest price for a return flight is $750. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Booking in advance is often the key to finding a cheap flight from TIJ to San Diego. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
Scoring cheap tickets from Tijuana Airport to San Diego is easier if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to access the best prices throughout the month and score a fantastic deal.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from TIJ to San Diego by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Tijuana 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 takes about 10 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 20 minutes.
Book a hotel near SAN if you have a late flight from Tijuana Airport to San Diego. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Grab a San Diego International Airport rental car and explore San Diego and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are top outlets you can book with here.
Booking your ride from San Diego International Airport about two weeks before your flight from TIJ to San Diego can help you secure the lowest rate.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
After your flight from Tijuana Airport to San Diego has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 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 about 2 hours 15 minutes.
There are some great places to park your luggage (and yourself) near CLD. Kick back and get cosy after your TIJ to San Diego flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab lines. Grab a McClellan-Palomar Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Budget, Hertz and Avis.
In general, the earlier you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Secure your ride from CLD as soon as you know your dates.
Best time to go to San Diego
Travel to San Diego in high season if you like a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from Tijuana Airport to San Diego during low season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a Tijuana Airport to San Diego flight ticket with a departure in August to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 17ºC (63ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from TIJ to San Diego in February when temperatures average between 7ºC (45ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
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. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Tijuana Airport to San Diego:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. USS Midway Museum, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego are attractions you won't want to skip in San Diego.
Explore more of United States
Los Angeles is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of San Diego. Around 177 kilometres away to the north-west, check out popular attractions including Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another essential stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park.
