Travelling from San Diego to Mexico City: what you need to know
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is San Diego's main airport. Explore your options for reserving a flight from San Diego to Mexico City departing from here.
When working out where to land in Mexico City, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) are the major entry points.
Mexico City is one hour ahead of San Diego and is in the UTC-6 timezone.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your San Diego to Mexico City flight. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying over a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Mexico City
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap San Diego to Mexico City flights if you book early. Airlines often have some excellent early bird discounts.
Getting cheap plane tickets from San Diego to Mexico City is more likely if you can be flexible with your dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices throughout the month and pick up a great deal.
You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you as soon as a better deal comes up on cheap flights from San Diego to Mexico City.
Lock in a cheap San Diego to Mexico City flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing San Diego to Mexico City flights departing from San Diego International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
SAN is around 3 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 20 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from San Diego to Mexico City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the departures from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% arrive on time at their destination.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City takes around 25 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 6 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego to Mexico City. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MEX instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from INFINITY RENT, MEX or America and find adventure across Mexico City and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Benito Juarez International Airport about four weeks in advance of your San Diego to Mexico City flight.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU) is about 32 kilometres from the centre of Mexico City. Following your flight from San Diego to Mexico City, it takes approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 45 minutes or so.
You'll find a few comfortable accommodation options within an easy drive of NLU. Ease into relaxation mode at Holiday Inn & Suites Mexico Felipe Angeles Airport after your San Diego to Mexico City flight.
Europcar, MEX and Keddy By Europcar make picking up a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at NLU will save you money.
Best time to go to Mexico City
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from San Diego to Mexico City. July is the most popular month for a trip to Mexico City. If you like a more low-key vibe, go in April.
Lock in a San Diego to Mexico City ticket departing in April if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Mexico City to range from 10ºC (50ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
January has average temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Search for cheap flights from San Diego to Mexico City around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Mexico City
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Mexico City right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from San Diego to Mexico City:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Zocalo, Chapultepec Park and National Museum of Anthropology are essential stops on your Mexico City itinerary.
Explore more of Mexico
You've seen Mexico City, now it's time to discover more of Mexico. Journey about 21 kilometres north-east to Ecatepec de Morelos to check off its top sights. From Grupo Scout 360 Aztlan to mirador del Valle Park and Kinder casanueva, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Guadalajara is another standout destination in Mexico and is around 467 kilometres west of Mexico City. No journey is complete without visiting Guadalajara Cathedral, Teatro Degollado and Portales Tlaquepaque Park.