Charter route · West Coast
San Francisco → San Diego
KSQL → KCRQ · 359 nm · 1h 13m typical block · $12,000–$17,000 midsize jet
359 nm
Distance
1h 13m
Block time (midsize jet)
$12,000–$17,000
Typical one-way estimate
9
Operators at the endpoints
The San Francisco–San Diego run covers 359 nautical miles, typically flown on a midsize jet in about 1h 13m block time from KSQL to KCRQ.
San Diego peaks Year-round — strongest demand around winter and spring and summer and fall. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in season; slots and ramp space at KCRQ tighten around holidays and major events.
Cost by aircraft class
| Class | Typical aircraft | Seats | Block | One-way est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6–9 | 1h 41m | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 4–7 | 1h 15m | $9,000–$12,500 |
| Midsize JetTypical | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR | 7–9 | 1h 13m | $12,000–$17,000 |
| Super-Midsize Jet | Citation Longitude, Challenger 350 | 8–12 | 1h 10m | $14,000–$19,500 |
| Heavy Jet | Gulfstream G550, Global 6000 | 12–19 | 1h 09m | $19,500–$27,500 |
Estimates only — class rate card × block time on great-circle distance +8% routing, the same math as the cost estimator. Real quotes vary with dates, positioning, and demand.
Airport options
Rated operators on this route
Operators based at either end fly it without positioning an aircraft first — often the sharpest quotes.
Based near San Francisco
04 / Answers
San Francisco to San Diego: what fliers ask
How long is the flight from San Francisco to San Diego?
The trip covers about 359 nautical miles. Plan on roughly 1h 13m block time on a midsize jet — a light jet runs about 1h 15m, a heavy jet about 1h 09m. Block time includes taxi and climb, not just cruise.
How much does a private jet from San Francisco to San Diego cost?
One-way estimates run $12,000–$17,000 on a midsize jet, the class most travelers book at this distance. Across the whole rate card the spread is $5,000 (turboprop) to $27,500 (heavy jet). Real quotes move with dates, positioning, and demand.
Which airports do private jets use between San Francisco and San Diego?
Departures typically use KSQL, KSFO, KOAK, KSJC; arrivals use KCRQ, KMYF, KSAN. When KCRQ is slot-restricted or weathered in, nearby alternates include KNFG, KNKX, KNZY, KSDM.
What size aircraft is right for San Francisco to San Diego?
At 359 nm, most charters book a midsize jet (Citation XLS+, Learjet 60XR, 7–9 seats). Larger cabins fly it faster with more room; smaller classes trade comfort for price.
Are there empty-leg flights from San Francisco to San Diego?
Empty legs on this route are posted by operators as repositioning flights come up — they clear in hours, not days. Watch the empty-legs board or set an alert to catch the next one.