San Diego (SAN) to Seattle (SEA) is about 1,050 miles and typically takes 2 h 40 min by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
SAN to SEA at a glance
| Route | San Diego (SAN) to Seattle (SEA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,050 miles / 1,690 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 40 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | None |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines |
About the San Diego to Seattle route
With roughly 1,050 miles between SAN and SEA, this route sits in the middle range where both nonstop and one-stop options can be competitive.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 2 h 40 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 2 h 20 min to 3 h 05 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,050 miles (1,690 km), not a published schedule.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SAN to SEA is longer than about 37% of them.
For comparison, San Diego to Los Angeles (SAN to LAX) is about 110 miles, so Seattle is a bit farther out from SAN.
The airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International has a single runway and sits only a few miles from downtown, so ground trips are short. Full SAN guide.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA guide.
Other airports are worth a look: around San Diego, Los Angeles International (LAX); and around Seattle, Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change the price or the travel time to your final destination.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both SAN and SEA. Delta Air Lines (at SEA) and Alaska Airlines (at SEA) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Alaska Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 70 miles (7% beyond the direct distance) or Delta Air Lines via Salt Lake City (SLC), which adds about 260 miles (25% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Timing matters here. At SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska. At SAN, spring and fall offer mild weather with fewer crowds; summer weekends and Comic-Con week are the pricey peaks.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SAN
Downtown is a short taxi or rideshare away, and local buses and the trolley connect via the nearby Old Town area.
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
Booking tips
Travelers on San Diego to Seattle often save by checking whether a one-stop itinerary beats the nonstop on price. Read our layover guide before choosing a tight connection.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from San Diego to Seattle?
A typical SAN to SEA flight takes about 2 h 40 min, with a likely range of 2 h 20 min to 3 h 05 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Seattle from San Diego by air?
The great-circle distance between SAN and SEA is about 1,050 miles (1,690 km).
Which airlines fly from San Diego to Seattle?
Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SAN or SEA, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
Are there other airports near San Diego?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Los Angeles International (LAX). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SAN to SEA?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving San Diego (SAN)
More flights involving Seattle (SEA)
- Atlanta to SeattleATL to SEA
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.