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San Diego to Beijing flights take around 16 to 20 hours with one connection. The distance between San Diego and Beijing sits at roughly 6,484 miles (10,436 kilometers), and no airline currently operates direct service on this route. Most travelers fly out of San Diego International Airport (SAN), which has daily connecting flights to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Airlines like Air China, United Airlines, American Airlines and China Southern Airlines provide connecting service on this route. Connecting flights typically route through Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seoul. Flight times vary based on your layover duration and which airline you pick.
Connecting flights from San Diego to Beijing run about 16 to 20 hours depending on your routing. San Diego to Beijing through Los Angeles takes around 16 with Air China or United Airlines. Flying via San Francisco on American Airlines adds up to similar times.
Air China operates daily connections from San Diego through their hub network. Several airlines codeshare, so you can book through to Beijing on a single ticket even though you're connecting.
Layovers in hub cities typically last 2 to 4 hours. Longer connections can push total travel time past 20 hours, but sometimes those tickets cost $200 to $400 less than the shorter itineraries. Worth checking both options.
Beijing is 16 hours ahead of San Diego during standard time. Check local daylight saving rules as the gap might shift seasonally. When you leave San Diego in the afternoon or evening, you'll typically arrive in Beijing the next morning or afternoon local time.
Most eastbound flights depart San Diego in the afternoon or evening and arrive in Beijing the following day. The overnight connection works well since you can sleep on the long-haul leg.
Booking at least 6 to 8 weeks out usually gets you the best fares. Shoulder seasons tend to be cheaper for this route since it's between peak summer travel and the winter holiday rush.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Beijing?
The flight from San Diego to Beijing takes around 16 to 20 hours. Total travel time depends on your routing and layover duration. Flights through Los Angeles or San Francisco typically fall on the shorter end, while connections through other hubs can add extra time.
How far is it from San Diego to Beijing?
The distance from San Diego to Beijing is approximately 6,484 miles (10,436 kilometers). This long-haul route makes it one of the longer flights from the Western US region.
What is the time difference between San Diego and Beijing?
Beijing is 16 hours ahead of San Diego. Time differences may shift during daylight saving periods depending on local rules in each location.
Are there direct flights from San Diego to Beijing?
No, there are no direct flights from San Diego to Beijing as of 2024. All flights require at least one connection, typically through hubs like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seoul.
Which airlines fly from San Diego to Beijing?
Air China, United Airlines, American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines operate service from San Diego to Beijing. Air China typically has the most weekly departures on this route.
Planning beyond this route? Explore more flight times, distances, and travel durations using our tools below. Start with our Flight Time Calculator to estimate journey times worldwide, or browse average travel times from your departure city using the San Diego Flight Times.
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