Direct (nonstop) flights from Dulles to San Diego

2 airlines fly nonstop from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). It's 2,254 miles (3,627 km), about 5h 40m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

IAD
Washington Dulles International
🇺🇸 Dulles, USA
SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
Flight Time
5h 40m
Distance
2,254 mi
3,627 km
CO₂/pax
381 kg
−34 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Alaska Airlines +1
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
IAD → SAN
Flight Time
5h 40m
Distance
2,254 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
IAD → SAN
Flight Time
5h 40m
Distance
2,254 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Dulles to San Diego with one stop · direct emits 381 kg CO₂ per passenger

IAD PIT (Pittsburgh) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 7m (183 mi) Leg 2: 4h 55m (2,105 mi) Total: ~6h 2m 🍃 415 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAD → PIT
1h 7m · 183 mi
View IAD to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → SAN
4h 55m · 2,105 mi
View PIT to SAN flights →
IAD IND (Indianapolis) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 49m (476 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,782 mi) Total: ~6h 4m 🍃 414 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAD → IND
1h 49m · 476 mi
View IAD to IND flights →
Leg 2
IND → SAN
4h 15m · 1,782 mi
View IND to SAN flights →
IAD CMH (Columbus) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 26m (299 mi) Leg 2: 4h 45m (1,964 mi) Total: ~6h 11m 🍃 412 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAD → CMH
1h 26m · 299 mi
View IAD to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → SAN
4h 45m · 1,964 mi
View CMH to SAN flights →
IAD MCI (Kansas City) SAN
Leg 1: 2h 48m (926 mi) Leg 2: 3h 25m (1,333 mi) Total: ~6h 13m 🍃 421 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAD → MCI
2h 48m · 926 mi
View IAD to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → SAN
3h 25m · 1,333 mi
View MCI to SAN flights →
IAD ABQ (Albuquerque) SAN
Leg 1: 4h 25m (1,628 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (628 mi) Total: ~6h 20m 🍃 416 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAD → ABQ
4h 25m · 1,628 mi
View IAD to ABQ flights →
Leg 2
ABQ → SAN
1h 55m · 628 mi
View ABQ to SAN flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Dulles to San Diego?

A nonstop flight from Dulles (IAD) to San Diego (SAN) takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 2,254 miles (3,627 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Dulles to San Diego?

2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Dulles to San Diego?

Yes. 2 airlines: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Dulles from San Diego?

The flight distance from Dulles to San Diego is 2,254 miles (3,627 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Dulles to San Diego?

At 5h 40m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Dulles to San Diego?

Roughly 381 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,905 km.

Is the return flight from San Diego to Dulles also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Dulles to San Diego?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Washington Dulles International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.