Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
In October, departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) run multiple times daily with higher frequencies during morning and late-afternoon windows. Expect roughly 10–25 nonstop departures per day depending on weekday demand and airline scheduling; peak days are usually Friday and Sunday due to weekend travelers. October is part of the fall shoulder season — you can often find lower fares than summer but better weather than winter. For seamless travel, choose midday flights to reduce fog-related hold times, sign up for fare alerts for cheap SFO to SAN flights in October, and use TSA PreCheck or clear lanes to speed security. Nearby top destinations accessible from these airports include San Jose, Oakland, Palo Alto and Sacramento when departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and La Jolla, Coronado, Carlsbad, Tijuana and Oceanside when heading into San Diego International Airport (SAN). Book SFO to SAN flights early for the best October availability.
The average gate-to-gate flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes in October. When you factor in boarding, taxi and potential morning marine-layer delays at SFO, plan for roughly 2 to 2.5 hours total travel time from gate to baggage claim. Book SFO to SAN flights now if you need specific times and real-time duration estimates.
Yes — there are many daily nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) throughout October. Major carriers that typically operate nonstop services on this route include Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, with multiple morning, midday and evening departures. Search direct SFO to SAN nonstop flights to compare schedules and fares for October.
For domestic travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in October, arrive 90 to 120 minutes before departure if you need to check bags or during peak hours; 60–90 minutes is often sufficient for carry-on-only travelers with TSA PreCheck. October can bring morning fog that slightly increases security and taxi times, so leaving extra time is smart. Check live airport advisories at flysfo.com and book early to secure preferred check-in windows.
Typical round-trip fares for San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in October range from about $70 to $220 depending on how far in advance you book and whether you fly basic economy or with a carry-on and checked bag. To find cheap SFO to SAN October flights, search flexible dates (mid-week usually cheaper), sign up for fare alerts on Google Flights or airline newsletters, and compare low-cost carriers such as Southwest and Alaska. Book now or set alerts to capture the best October deals.
October is typically drier and clearer than summer for the Bay Area, but morning marine layer (coastal fog) can still form and occasionally cause ground or departure delays at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Overall, October tends to have fewer weather-related cancellations than winter; still, give yourself a buffer and check the airport status on the morning of travel. Consider midday or evening flights for more reliable SFO departure times.
For departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), common ground-transportation options include BART (to/from Millbrae), shared shuttle services, taxis, app-based rideshares and rentable cars. If you plan to drive to SFO before your October flight to San Diego International Airport (SAN), allow extra time for Bay Area traffic around the Peninsula and Highway 101, especially during weekday commute hours. Reserve ride-shares or airport parking in advance to save time and reduce stress.
October brings comfortable weather to San Diego and a predictable arrival experience at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Travelers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will find frequent nonstop arrivals, streamlined domestic baggage procedures and reliable ground-transportation options. Expect slightly higher demand around Halloween weekend and for Padres playoff dates if the team is in contention — plan rideshares or rental cars in advance. Nearby major destinations commonly accessed after arrival include La Jolla, Coronado, Carlsbad, Oceanside and Tijuana for cross-border travelers. Use fare alerts to book cheap flights SFO to SAN in October and reserve shuttle or rental-car pickups ahead of busy event nights.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers multiple ground-transportation options including shared shuttle services, taxis, app-based ride-hailing, rental cars and public buses connecting to downtown San Diego. In October expect steady demand for rideshares during events like Halloween weekend in the Gaslamp Quarter; book rentals or request pickups in advance to avoid wait times. Consider using the airport's official ground-transport maps on san.org to plan connections to nearby destinations like La Jolla, Coronado and Carlsbad.
Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) are domestic, so you won't clear customs. Standard baggage claim and oversize-bag procedures apply; expect average wait times for luggage of 10–25 minutes depending on flight loads. If you have connecting international flights from SAN later in October, verify baggage recheck and customs procedures with your carrier prior to arrival.
October features recurring local events that may affect SFO–SAN travel. In San Diego, Halloween festivities in the Gaslamp Quarter draw party-goers and can increase ride-share demand and hotel rates on late-October weekends; Padres postseason games (if applicable) also drive demand. In the Bay Area, San Francisco often hosts Fleet Week and autumn cultural programming that can boost outbound travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). For October travel between SFO and SAN, check event dates early, book flights and ground transport in advance, and consider mid-week travel to avoid weekend event surges. Nearby destinations like La Jolla, Coronado and the Gaslamp Quarter are popular event magnets and often book up for weekend dates.
October is often one of the best months to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN): you’ll avoid summer crowds and usually get pleasant weather in San Diego. For the best prices and fewer delays, target mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and midday time slots; early-morning flights can be affected by Bay Area marine fog, while Friday evenings see higher fares and fuller flights. If you're traveling for an October event (e.g., Halloween weekend in the Gaslamp Quarter or potential Padres games), book flights and hotels earlier to guarantee availability. CTA: compare mid-week SFO to SAN October fares now and set alerts for price drops.
For the short domestic hop from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), direct nonstop flights are typically faster, more convenient and frequently cost-competitive in October. Nonstops usually take about 1 hour 20 minutes gate-to-gate; connecting itineraries add at least 1.5–3+ hours depending on the connection airport and can introduce additional delay risk. Exceptions occur when nonstop flights are sold out or significantly more expensive — in those cases a well-timed connection might save money. For most travelers, especially those on short trips in October, book nonstop SFO to SAN flights for simplicity and speed.
Major carriers on the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) route in October typically include Southwest, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Southwest often offers multiple daily nonstop flights and competitive fares with two free checked bags, making it a strong value for families and travelers with luggage. Alaska Airlines is known for reliable service, complimentary snacks on many flights and strong loyalty benefits on West Coast routes. United offers frequent schedules and connections for travelers originating elsewhere in its network; basic-economy fares may be cheapest but have stricter change and bag rules. When comparing October options, weigh price against baggage allowances, change flexibility and preferred departure times. CTA: compare flight times and baggage policies for SFO to SAN October flights before you book.
Packing and timing are especially important for October travel between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Layered clothing works best: San Francisco mornings can be cool and foggy while San Diego afternoons remain mild to warm. Reserve midday flights to avoid early-morning fog delays at SFO and busy evening traffic at SAN. Use TSA PreCheck, Clear, or arrive 90–120 minutes early for checked luggage. For event travel (Halloween or possible Padres playoff dates), book accommodations and ground-transport pickups early and consider refundable fares if your plans depend on event schedules. CTA: prepare now — search and book SFO to SAN October flights, and confirm luggage allowances to avoid last-minute fees.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes gate-to-gate in October. Daily departures commonly range from 10 to 25 nonstops depending on weekday demand and airline rotations, with peaks in the early morning (6:00–9:30) and late afternoon (15:00–19:00). Both airports operate in Pacific Time, so there is no time-zone change to consider. For the most reliable travel experience in October, choose midday flights to avoid early-morning fog delays at SFO and evening ground-traffic congestion at SAN. CTA: check live schedules and book SFO to SAN flights now to lock preferred times.
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in October, use flexible-date searches (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often lowest), set multiple fare alerts, and compare both legacy and low-cost carriers. Typical October one-way sale fares can range from $35–$120 depending on how far ahead you book and luggage needs. Use Southwest and Alaska for competitive pricing and free checked-bag policies that can deliver better overall value, and consider basic-economy fares on legacy carriers if you travel light. Always clear bag rules and change fees before you purchase, and book early for weekends and holiday-adjacent dates. Call to action: sign up for fare alerts and search SFO to SAN October deals across multiple OTAs and airline sites.
Starting from $49
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Starting from $66
Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your october trip.
Planning a trip from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN) in october? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
October is a moderate-traffic month at San Diego International Airport (SAN) with elevated demand for holiday weekends, Halloween events in the Gaslamp Quarter and occasional Padres playoff games. While overall crowds are lower than summer, plan ahead for higher ride-share and taxi demand during weekends and event nights. Book ground transport and local hotels early to lock in the best rates for October travel to SAN.
After arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in October, popular nearby destinations include Coronado Island for beaches and the Hotel del Coronado, La Jolla for seaside cliffs and kayaking, Carlsbad for coastal villages and flower fields, and downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife and Halloween events. October typically offers mild daytime temperatures and fewer summer crowds, making it a great time to explore beaches and outdoor attractions. Book tours or activities early for weekend dates to get the best availability.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) provides a selection of dining, shopping and lounge options across its terminals year-round, and October does not typically bring schedule changes to these services. Many airlines offer club lounges and there are a few pay-per-use lounges for travelers seeking quieter spaces. Check san.org for current hours and any event-related changes — arriving a bit earlier lets you use lounges or grab last-minute supplies before heading into San Diego.
