SAN vs. LAX: When Is Driving to Los Angeles Worth It?

LAX has more nonstops, more international carriers and, often, lower fares. It also has the 5 freeway, and that is not a small thing.

The real cost of driving

Before you compare prices, add up what the drive actually costs: gas, two to five hours each way depending on when you leave, and either long-term parking (roughly $20 to $30 per day) or a ride. For a family of four, parking a car for ten days can erase a $150 fare difference by itself.

Our rule of thumb

• Solo traveler: LAX needs to be about $120 cheaper.
• Couple: about $200 cheaper.
• Family of four: about $350 cheaper, and even then we would think about it.

When LAX genuinely wins

Long-haul Asia and Europe nonstops. San Diego simply does not have them in most cases, and a nonstop to Tokyo or Paris out of LAX beats a one-stop out of SAN on more than price.

When SAN wins by a mile

Short trips. A weekend in Cabo or Vegas is not worth a freeway drive on either end. And the 6 a.m. departure that is pleasant from San Diego is a 3 a.m. wake-up if you are driving to LAX.