Flights to San Diego

You’ll arrive in just over 11 hours. British Airways operates direct flights to San Diego from London Heathrow (LHR) to San Diego International (SAN).

British Airways operates direct flights to San Diego from London Heathrow Airport.

While June through to August is the most popular period to visit, trips outside of these months offer the best chance to find deals on flights. January and February are excellent times to seek out cheaper flights and the period from late September to early November offers budget-friendly travel with ideal autumn weather for sightseeing, minus the peak-season crowds. To find our cheapest flights to San Diego, try our lowest fare finder tool and grab yourself the best deal.

San Diego’s sunny climate makes it a great year-round destination.

San Diego is a city that caters to all budgets. While offering luxury accommodation, five-star eating and drinking options and high-end entertainment, it’s also easy to cut the cost of your visit. Rady Shell doubles as a public park when events aren’t on, making it the ideal spot for a wallet-friendly picnic. South Bay’s drive-in cinema is a perfect activity for those on a budget, or swap four wheels for two and explore the miles of cycle paths that circle the city’s bays, state parks and surrounding area for free.

San Diego Airport is only 6km northwest of the city centre, with the journey taking around 20 minutes in a taxi. Taxi stands are also located outside many hotels, attractions and shopping centers for a quick and easy way to get around. 

Buses offer an economical way to explore the city and the wider county. 

The Trolley tram service operates across the city, while COASTER trains offer access to many of San Diego’s beach towns, with photo-ready coastal views. The Pacific Surfliner train travels along the San Diego coastline to destinations such as Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Whether you're chasing adventure or simply soaking up the coastal vibes, San Diego delivers the quintessential California experience. As you might expect, its beautiful beaches make this destination a haven for surfing and you’ll find kayakers and paddle boarders out in the water every day of the year.

Take a road trip along the famous Route 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, which winds its way through beach towns including Del Mar, Leucadia and Encinitas. Or embark on a desert adventure along County Route S2. For a true taste of Americana, head to South Bay for a night at the movies in a classic 1950s-style drive-in theatre.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit the USA. However, you will need an ESTA, which permits travel to the US for 90 days or less. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of the listed areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags in the cabin free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.