Traveling from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN): What you need to know
Begin planning your trip by looking up where you'll catch your flight from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN). Explore your options for setting off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), two of the city's main airports.
Take a direct San Diego to Denver International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 2 hours 25 minutes.
Denver International Airport is located in Denver. The city runs on the UTC-6 timezone and is one hour ahead of San Diego.
The most popular route is from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Denver International Airport (DEN), with 78 direct weekly services. If you're not one for hanging around, the earliest flight from SAN to DEN is the 6:20am Southwest Airlines option. If a later flight fits your day better, the last departure is at 9:40pm with Southwest Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to get on your flight from San Diego to DEN. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
With more people on the move during high season, it's a good idea to be at your terminal even earlier. Two hours for domestic flights and up to four for international trips will allow for extra wait times.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) will have you traveling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN) take off from this terminal.
You'll have your choice of airlines operating direct flights from San Diego to Denver International Airport departing from SAN. Get on board with any of these:
United Airlines ranks first in bookings for flights from SAN to DEN.
Among carriers operating on this route, United Airlines has the highest rate of on-time arrivals.
Located around 5 kilometers from the center of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
Have an early flight from San Diego to Denver International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels near San Diego International Airport:
Of all flights leaving San Diego International Airport, 71.38% touch down on time at their destination.
The address for SAN is N Harbor Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
CLD is about 56 kilometers from central San Diego. It'll take you 40 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city center. Public transport takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
Kick off your vacation early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your San Diego to DEN flight, stay in one of these hotels close to McClellan-Palomar Airport:
About Denver International Airport (DEN)
Once your flight from San Diego to Denver International Airport has landed, kick back at a nearby hotel. Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport is a comfy option that's an easy drive from DEN.
Pick up a Denver International Airport rental car and explore Denver and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride around one week ahead of your San Diego to Denver International Airport flight.
The street address for DEN is 8500 Pena Boulevard.
Getting from Denver International Airport (DEN) to central Denver
Denver International Airport to central Denver is roughly 31 kilometers. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, plan ahead to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times vary based on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Traveling by public transport typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Denver International Airport is $36. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $60. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares could change.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from San Diego to DEN. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest San Diego to Denver International Airport tickets across the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from San Diego to DEN is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as prices go down.
Chase down a great fare on a flight from San Diego to Denver International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN)
April is the quietest month for flights from San Diego to Denver International Airport (DEN), while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Denver based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your San Diego to DEN plane ticket, consider the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Denver, with temperatures ranging from 14ºC (57ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to Denver International Airport in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -9ºC (16ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Denver
Start your Denver trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from San Diego to Denver International Airport, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Denver Art Museum and Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Denver itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Ballpark.
Explore more of the United States
Denver has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of the United States just waiting to be discovered. About 113 kilometers south of Denver, a trip to Colorado Springs will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Region Attractions and Red Rock Canyon.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in the United States, head for Pueblo, about 177 kilometers south of Denver. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Rosemount Museum and Minnequa Lake Park are highlights.