Traveling from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): What you need to know
Begin your travels at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Check out your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) taking off from either of these.
Around 1 hour 25 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport flight.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located in Phoenix. The city's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the most popular route. There are 75 direct weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, take the last flight with Southwest Airlines at 10pm. Choose the first SAN to PHX departure operated by American Airlines at 6:15am if you want to get going earlier.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your flight from San Diego to PHX.
In peak travel periods, allow for longer queues and get there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international trips.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
You can take a direct flight from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) out of San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Popular airlines that operate direct flights from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport departing SAN include:
The airline most travelers choose when flying between SAN and PHX is Southwest Airlines.
American Airlines is the most punctual carrier on this route.
SAN is about 5 kilometers from central San Diego. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 20 minutes.
Have an early flight from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some bonus sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to San Diego International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Diego International Airport, data shows 71.38% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
SAN is located at N Harbor Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Think about setting out from McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). You can book a direct San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) plane ticket from this popular hub.
American Airlines offers direct flights from San Diego to PHX departing from CLD. Book your favorite window (or aisle) seat and arrive at your destination in a single journey.
American Airlines is the most popular choice for passengers flying from CLD to PHX.
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.
Flying out early in the morning? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near McClellan-Palomar Airport the day before your San Diego to PHX flight:
About Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Consider booking a hotel near PHX if you're catching a late flight from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Settle into one of these accommodation options and say goodnight sooner:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Europcar, Dollar or Thrifty and explore beyond Phoenix's main sights.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle around one week in advance of your San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport flight.
PHX is located at 3400 Sky Harbor Boulevard.
Getting from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to central Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the center of Phoenix is roughly 6 kilometers. If you're renting a car or taking a cab, do some research to make your trip as easy as possible. Journey times vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
It typically takes 35 minutes if you're traveling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
$23 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Return flights start from $46. These prices can change depending on demand and availability.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from San Diego to PHX. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Cheap San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport tickets are easier to find when your dates are flexible. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across each month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from San Diego to PHX by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The best time to fly from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
July is the most popular month for flights from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Visit Phoenix in May for a more laid-back experience.
Lock in a San Diego to PHX plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Phoenix to range from 26ºC (79ºF) to 44ºC (111ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in January if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Phoenix
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Phoenix:
Your Phoenix visit wouldn't be complete without a bit of sightseeing. Attractions that should be on your list include Camelback Mountain, Cholla Trailhead Camelback Mountain and Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room.
Explore more of the United States
Tucson is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Phoenix. Around 161 kilometers away to the south-east, popular attractions include Saguaro National Park East Unit, Airplane Boneyard and National Parks Conservation.
If there's time to check out another major destination in the United States, head for Yuma, about 257 kilometers west of Phoenix. Old Victorian Yuma, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and Downtown Yuma are highlights.