Minneapolis to San Diego
3h 29m The flight from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) covers 2,463 km (1,530 miles) and takes approximately 3h 29m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads south-west on an initial great-circle bearing of 245°, passing near 39.4° N, 106.2° W at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 4h 29m | 4h 54m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 3h 09m | 3h 35m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 2h 44m | 3h 09m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 2h 54m | 3h 19m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| MSP | SAN | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field | San Diego International Airport |
| City | Minneapolis | San Diego |
| Country | United States | United States |
| ICAO | KMSP | KSAN |
| Coordinates | 44.8801, -93.2217 | 32.7336, -117.19 |
| Elevation | 841 ft | 17 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to San Diego?
A non-stop flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to San Diego (SAN) takes about 3h 29m. The great-circle distance is 2,463 km (1,530 miles, 1,330 nautical miles), flying south-west on an initial bearing of 245°.
How far is Minneapolis from San Diego?
2,463 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,530 miles or 1,330 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between MSP and SAN?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 2,463 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Other routes from Minneapolis
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.