Cheap flights from San Diego International to Seattle-Tacoma from $169
Updated 2026-07-28
1051 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 2h 31m with 8 airlines operating direct service from San Diego International (SAN) to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from San Diego International
San Diego International is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States, sitting 3 miles from downtown San Diego. MTS Route 992 runs from the terminals directly to downtown in around 15 minutes for $2.50; the future Trolley extension (planned 2027) will provide direct light rail. Southwest and Alaska have the largest schedules; American, Delta and United add full-service capacity. Limited international long-haul — British Airways and Lufthansa serve London and Frankfurt direct.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma is 14 miles south of downtown Seattle, with the Link Light Rail Red Line running directly from the airport station to Westlake in 38 minutes for $3.25 — possibly the simplest big-city airport transfer in the United States. Fares peak in mid-summer (June–August) and around Bumbershoot/Labor Day; January and February are the cheapest months despite winter rain.
Who flies SAN to SEA?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 2h 31m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 2h 31m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 2h 31m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 2h 31m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 2h 31m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 2h 31m | Economy |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | 2h 31m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 2h 31m | Economy |
8 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
San Diego to Seattle FAQs
Direct flights from San Diego International (SAN) to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) take approximately 2h 31m for the 1051-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
8 carriers operate direct service from San Diego International (SAN) to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA): Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and 3 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — Southwest Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) is the primary international airport for Seattle. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.