Flying from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport (SAN): What you need to know
San Diego is five hours behind Rio de Janeiro. San Diego International Airport is located in San Diego, which operates on the UTC-8 timezone.
To ensure you catch your flight from Rio de Janeiro to SAN, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like January, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
Airports in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even explore a different city. When searching for cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to SAN leaving from Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport (GIG), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to find all potential stops. Here's where you could connect through:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
The journey from central Rio de Janeiro to GIG takes about 1 hour by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport? Avoid the mad dash to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by picking one of these stays close to Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport:
80% of flights leaving Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule. Given its impressive on-time stats, disruptions are unlikely when flying out of GIG.
Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
SDU is about 5 kilometres from central Rio de Janeiro. It'll take 10 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 20 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Rio de Janeiro to SAN flight? Check in to a hotel near Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport before your adventure officially begins. These stays have your key waiting:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 79%.
About San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near SAN instead:
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport flight.
The street address for SAN is N Harbour Dr.
Getting from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to central San Diego
Central San Diego is around 5 kilometres from San Diego International Airport and takes about 15 minutes to reach by car. Explore your options for getting into the city, whether that's with a taxi, car hire or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport is R 6,431. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 8,818. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Rio de Janeiro to SAN if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
Affordable Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport tickets are easier to find when you have flexibility in your schedule. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across the month and then choose the cheapest day.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal on plane tickets from Rio de Janeiro to SAN.
Find the best deal on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport with the help of the filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
December is the quietest month for flights from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport (SAN), while July is the most popular. Find the best time to visit San Diego based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Lock in your Rio de Janeiro to SAN plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Look for cheap tickets from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport in February if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF).
More about San Diego
Once you've booked your flight from Rio de Janeiro to San Diego International Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring San Diego:
There are so many things to do and see in this city, it can be tricky to work out where to begin. San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned San Diego itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done San Diego, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Travel around 177 kilometres northwest to Los Angeles to tick off its leading attractions. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Long Beach is another well-known destination in the United States and is around 145 kilometres northwest of San Diego. No trip is complete without a visit to The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and Long Beach Lighthouse.