Affordable DTW to SAN Flights: Your Gateway to Sun-Drenched San Diego
Cheapest flight found
$160
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: DTW → SAN
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$160
Highest Fare
$314
Median Fare
$220
Price Spread
$154
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $160)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $314)
Biggest price drop caught: $75 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Detroit to San Diego range from $160 to $314, a $154 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $75 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Detroit (DTW)
To
San Diego (SAN)
Airport Information
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serves as a primary international gateway and a major hub for Delta Air Lines, known for its efficiency and modern amenities. The airport features two main terminals: the sleek McNamara Terminal, which boasts an indoor tram and a stunning LED light tunnel, and the Evans Terminal, which hosts various domestic and international carriers. Travelers can enjoy a wide range of Michigan-centric dining options and high-end retail shops while waiting for their departure to the West Coast.
San Diego (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is uniquely situated just minutes away from the downtown core, offering one of the most scenic and urban landing approaches in the United States. As a single-runway airport, it is remarkably efficient, housing two main terminals that provide easy access to ground transportation, including the free San Diego Flyer shuttle to the Old Town transit center. Its proximity to the harbor means you can transition from the baggage claim to a waterfront dinner in less than fifteen minutes after leaving the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Detroit to San Diego?
A direct flight from Detroit to San Diego typically takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes, covering a distance of roughly 1,950 miles.
Which airlines offer nonstop flights on this route?
Delta Air Lines frequently operates direct nonstop flights between DTW and SAN, while other major carriers like Southwest, United, and American offer convenient one-stop connections.
What is the time difference between Detroit and San Diego?
San Diego is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is three hours behind Detroit's Eastern Time Zone throughout the year.
Is there public transportation available at SAN?
Yes, the airport offers the free 'San Diego Flyer' electric shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center, where travelers can catch the Trolley, Coaster, or city buses.
How early should I arrive at DTW for my flight?
It is generally recommended to arrive at Detroit Metro Airport at least two hours before your domestic flight to San Diego to account for security screening and terminal navigation.
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