Cheap Flights from San Diego to Tampa

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Flight deals from San Diego to Tampa

Looking for a cheap last-minute deal or the best return flight from San Diego to Tampa? If you want to travel next month, return fares start from R 4,020. Find the lowest prices on one-way and return tickets right here.

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Tampa

We’re always keeping an eye on fares, so you can find the best one in seconds. It looks like San Diego to Tampa flights are currently cheapest in August.

Direct flights from San Diego to Tampa

San Diego to Tampa: Flight information

The things to know before you go.
Cheapest flight foundR 1,791
Cheapest month to flyAugust
Average flight time4 hrs, 40 mins
Most popular airlineAlaska Airlines
Average flights per week18

Finding cheap flights from San Diego to Tampa: Frequently asked questions

There are 5 airports in Tampa: Tampa Peter O'Knight, Tampa International, St. Pete–Clearwater International, Lakeland, and Sarasota.
The best price we found for a return flight from San Diego to Tampa is R 4,020. This is an estimate based on information collected from different airlines and travel providers over the last 4 days and is subject to change and availability.
4 hours and 40 minutes is the average flight time from San Diego to Tampa.
Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines fly direct from San Diego to Tampa.
As of July 2026, there are 18 flights per week flying from San Diego to Tampa.
The cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Tampa is usually August.
If you're flying from San Diego, the cheapest airport near Tampa is Tampa International – which is 8.1 km away from the centre of Tampa. We've found flights into this airport from R 4,020.
After crunching the numbers on our flight calendar, we found that it is currently cheapest to fly from San Diego to Tampa on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
Yes – the average flight time is 4 hours and 40 minutes.
We show every price from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents, comparing them all so you don’t have to. If you know you want to fly to Tampa but you’re not ready to book, set up a Price Alert. We’ll track prices for you, and let you know when they rise or fall.

We crunched all the numbers in our flight calendar and it looks like the cheapest time to book a flight to Tampa is around 40 days in advance, so don’t leave your flight to the last minute.

In July, the average temperature is usually around 28°C. August is typically the warmest month in Tampa, when it usually averages around 30°C. You can expect the least rain in November. The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging 11°C. The rainiest month is August.
The cheapest airline that flies to Tampa is Frontier Airlines. And the cheapest airline that flies to Tampa International Airport is Southwest Airlines.

Travelling from San Diego to Tampa: what you need to know

  • Set off on your next big adventure from one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Check out your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Tampa taking off from either of these bases.

  • The major entry paths to Tampa are Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE).

  • Jump on a direct San Diego to Tampa flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 50 minutes.

  • Tampa's timezone is UTC-5, making Tampa three hours ahead of San Diego.

  • With ten flights a week between the two airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from San Diego to Tampa with Alaska Airlines at 08:40. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last flight from SAN to TPA is with Alaska Airlines at 15:21.

  • Give yourself enough time to catch your San Diego to Tampa flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.

  • Travelling during a popular month such as August? Public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.

How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Tampa

  • The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Tampa is R 1,791. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 4,020. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares may change.

  • Get cheap San Diego to Tampa flights by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for bagging a bargain.

  • June is the best month for landing an incredible deal on a plane ticket from San Diego to Tampa. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.

  • Snapping up a cheap flight from San Diego to Tampa couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.

  • Save money on your San Diego to Tampa flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.

Flying from San Diego

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • If you're looking for a direct flight from San Diego to Tampa, you can depart from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Get from SAN to Tampa International Airport (TPA) in one seamless journey.

  • Reserve your San Diego to Tampa plane tickets with Alaska Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from SAN.

  • Located around 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.

  • Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from San Diego to Tampa or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:

  • Of the departures from San Diego International Airport, 74% touch down on time at their destination.

  • You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.

Arriving in Tampa

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

  • The distance from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to central Tampa is roughly 8 kilometres. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.

  • When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 35 minutes.

  • If you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego to Tampa, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near TPA:

  • Begin your adventure by picking up a Tampa International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and experience the lesser-explored corners of Tampa and beyond.

  • Booking your vehicle from Tampa International Airport around one week in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.

  • The street address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

  • The centre of Tampa is approximately 24 kilometres from St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE). After your flight from San Diego to Tampa has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 35 minutes.

  • If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so.

  • After your flight from San Diego to Tampa, rest your head at a hotel close to PIE. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:

  • Budget, Alamo and Avis make picking up a St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.

  • In general, the sooner you book, the better the deals and choice of vehicles. Reserve your ride from PIE the moment you know your dates.

  • The address for St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is Suite 221 - Terminal Building.

Best time to go to Tampa

  • March is the quietest month for flights from San Diego to Tampa, while April is the most popular. Figure out the best time to go to Tampa based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.

  • When booking your San Diego to Tampa tickets, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Tampa, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).

  • January sees average temperatures of between 9ºC (48ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Search for cheap flights from San Diego to Tampa around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.

More about Tampa

  • Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Tampa, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Tampa:

  • There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park are top attractions which should be on every Tampa itinerary.

Explore more of the United States

  • Jacksonville is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Tampa. Around 274 kilometres to the north, top sights here include St. John's Cathedral, MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

  • If there's time to check out another major stop in the United States, consider Miami, roughly 338 kilometres southeast of Tampa. Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami are among its highlights.

Prices shown on this page are estimated lowest prices only. Found in the last 12 days.