There are few things better than going to an ocean city with a great climate, and San Diego is precisely that. Located in Southern California, right on the border of Mexico, it opens out to the deep-blue water of the Pacific Ocean.
Famous for being the “Birthplace of California”, it’s significantly older than its closest California neighbour, Los Angeles. The city is great for many things, including water-related activities, history, and nightlife. On top of that, it proudly holds the busiest single-runway airport in the world — San Diego International Airport.
Here are the seven cities that offer great opportunities for travelling to San Diego by private jet.
Topics
1. Private Charter: Las Vegas to San Diego
Getting to San Diego from Las Vegas by private jet will cost you the least out of all the starting points mentioned in this article. That’s not a surprise though, since the distance between the two cities is quite short, only 415 kilometres, which translates to an hour spent in the air.
All in all, a short and very comfortable flight.
Las Vegas to San Diego: Pricing Options
The prices, as we said, are relatively low. Only the heavy jet exceeds the cost of 10,000 dollars. If you’re travelling with a small company, we recommend one of the more compact jets.
The prices below are based on Jet the World. Note that other private charter companies might have lower or higher prices, depending on the company.
Aircraft Type | No of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Turboprop | 4- 19 | From $5,500 | 1 h 15 min |
Light Jet | 4 – 11 | From $7,100 | 1 h |
Midsize Jet | 6 – 10 | From $9,150 | 55 min |
Heavy Jet | 6 – 96 | From $16,950 | 55 min |
Las Vegas to San Diego: Airport Options
Since it’s one of the gambling and tourist capitals of the world, Las Vegas has always attracted people with deep pockets. Intuition tells us that the city should be more than capable of receiving wealthy clients in private jets — and in this case, we’re not wrong.
The two most popular (and suitable) airports for accommodating private aircraft in Las Vegas are:
- Harry Reid International Airport
- Henderson Executive Airport
Harry Reid International Airport

Located just eight kilometres from the famous Las Vegas hotels, Harry Reid International Airport is the main hub for receiving private jets in this area. Named after a very famous Nevada senator, it’s been going strong since the 1940s. RTC Transit takes care of ground transport, offering shuttle services to Las Vegas at any time. You’ll be in one of its hotels in around 20 minutes.
The two FBOs operating in the airport are the famous Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation with their famous professionalism.
Henderson Executive Airport to New York
Located a little further than Harry Reid (around 18 kilometres), Henderson Executive is the premium airport for receiving private jets in Las Vegas. You’ll need slightly more time to get to the centre from here, but it’s worth it — since the airport is significantly less crowded.
The company ruining the airport takes care of the FBO.
2. Private Charter: San Francisco to San Diego
Flying from San Francisco to San Diego with a private jet is really a great option. “Just” 719 kilometres from each other, no flight exceeds more than two hours. When you consider that you are flying from one of the economic and cultural centres of America, the story only gets better and better.
San Francisco to London: Pricing Options
The prices are not very high, considering that you’re flying private. The average price for the smaller types of planes — the turboprops, light, and midsize jets — is around 10 000 dollars, and the heavy jet is around twice as much.
For more details, check the table below where you’ll find the precise numbers of the flight time and the prices of every particular jet.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Turboprop | 9 | From $7,500 | 1h 50 min |
Light Jet | 9 | From $10,100 | 1 h 25 min |
Midsize Jet | 10 | From $11,800 | 1h 20 min |
Heavy Jet | 96 | From $21,550 | 1h 20 min |
San Francisco to San Diego: Airport Options
San Francisco offers three great airports at your disposal. All of them are international, quite large, and modern. On the opposite sides of the bay lie San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. Norman Y. Mineta, on the other hand, is close to the city centre, and the urbanized area around San Francisco.
San Francisco International Airport

Largest in the bay area and the second biggest in California (after the one in Los Angeles), San Francisco International Airport is a doorstep for major international flights to almost every part of the world. Interesting fact: they opened one of the first museums at an airport in the world — if you have a couple of hours to spare, go and take a look.
The airport is tightly connected to the city, offering a train, rental car, and taxi transport. Whatever option you choose, you’ll be in the city centre in approximately 40 minutes.
The main (and only) FBO at the airport is the American giant Signature Flight Support. They handle everything connected to private planes at this airport, and their service is professional and efficient.
Oakland International Airport
Located just 16 kilometres from the city centre of Frisco, it takes around 50 minutes to reach it by car. It’s considerably smaller and less developed than San Francisco International, but it’s a fine airport nonetheless. The average taxi price is 58 dollars.
There are two FBOs that offer you their services, namely the ever present Signature Flight Support and Kaiser Air.
Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport
The second largest airport in the bay area (after San Francisco International) is also quite close to Downtown San Francisco — around an hour by taxi, with an average price of 110 dollars. There’s also the rail and the vehicles for hire, so the options are quite open.
Norman Y. Mineta airport provides FBOs from the two American giants: Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support. They’re both stable as a rock, offering various services and amenities, with the best staff in the USA.
3. Private Charter: Seattle to San Diego
There are almost 1700 kilometres between the city of Grunge and San Diego, which equals around three and a half hours of flight (on average). Seattle is a great city, one of the major centres in the northern parts of the USA, and an important centre for travelling by plane.
Seattle to San Diego: Pricing Options
As the distance gets larger, the prices become higher. The smaller jets cost around 18 000 dollars on average — which is quite cheap. The only larger difference is the price of the heavy jet, which isn’t lower than 35 and a half thousand dollars. Check out the prices in detail in the table below.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Turboprop | 9 | From $14,950 | 3 h 50 min |
Light Jet | 9 | From $17,550 | 2 h 45 min |
Midsize Jet | 10 | From $21,500 | 2 h 35 min |
Heavy Jet | 96 | From $35,600 | 2 h 25 min |
Seattle to San Diego: Airport Options
Seattle has been a central aircraft hub for ages, connected to the production of Boeing planes for more than a century. There are three major airports in the area, all of them suitable for receiving private jets:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- King County International Airport
- Renton Municipal Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The famous Tacoma is both one of the smallest and busiest major airports in America. It’s located around 23 kilometres from the centre of the city.
It’s very well connected to Seattle, offering car, bus, train, and shuttle transport. It also has a huge garage with more than 13 000 spaces.
There’s only one FBO at Tacoma airport, namely Signature Flight Support SEA – Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport, with its usual professionalism and variety of services and amenities.
King County International Airport
King County is the second major airport in the Seattle area, and the headquarters of the famous Boeing corporation. It’s quite close to Downtown Seattle — only eight kilometres — a very short ride by car, indeed. Also, here you’ll find quite the unique Museum of Flight, which provides quite an experience for lovers of aircraft history.
Again, there’s only one FBO on the airport — Signature Flight Support BFI – Boeing Field/King County International Airport.
Renton Municipal Airport
The third and smallest airport in the area, Renton Municipal Airport is mainly used for recreational flying. You’ll need only 20 minutes to reach it from Seattle, again, a really short drive.
The airport itself takes care of the FBOs here, with the help of the small city of Renton. All in all, it’s the least suitable option if you’re flying privately. You better stick to either Tacoma or King County.
4. Private Charter: New York City to San Diego
Travelling from the Big Apple to San Diego is the first “serious” flight on this list. Flying from the east to the west coast of America implies crossing around 4 000 kilometres. On the other hand, New York has one of the best airports in the world. The six hours you’re going to spend in your private jet — together with the experience from JFK — is going to be unforgettable.
But, the prices rise as the distance gets larger. Now, let’s take a look at that information.
New York City to San Diego: Pricing Options
We are up from an hour and a half flight, to an average of six hours spent on the plane. The turboprop is not an option anymore, and you won’t find anything cheaper than a 36 000 dollar light jet to take you to San Diego. But the comfort, luxury, and quickness are well worth it.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Light Jet | 9 | From $36,000 | 6 h 30 min |
Midsize Jet | 10 | From $48,950 | 6 h 15 min |
Heavy Jet | 96 | From $44,400 | 5 h 45 min |
New York City to San Diego: Airport Options
New York City is one of the international centres for both continental and intercontinental flights. There are no less than 12 airports in the wider area, and almost all of them are capable of receiving private jets.
Reviewing all 12 of them would require a separate article, so here’s a quick recap of the three most famous ones:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Teterboro Airport
- Westchester County Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport

Probably the most famous airport in America (even in the world), JFK is located 26 kilometres from Manhattan, New York. It’s very well connected, and you can reach it from the city by car, taxi, train, or a shuttle. JFK Expressway is a short freeway specially built to provide quick and easy access from the airport to the city.
Three FBOs offer their services at JFK.
We already talked about the titan Modern Aviation and what they offer. Shelter is a family owned business, going strong since 1963, while Allied Aviation is mainly famous for their work ethic.
Teterboro Airport
Teterboro Airport is definitely the best choice if you’re flying privately from or to New York city. Located just 19 kilometres from the city centre, it’s the major private and corporate hub in the New York Area, with more than 488 flights circulating the sky every day. Privacy and proximity are the key factors to its popularity among private customers.
There are four FBOs operating at Teterboro Airport:
Westchester County Airport
Westchester County Airport is the second major hub in the area, servicing around one million passengers every year. This airport is the farthest from the centre of New York — around 50 kilometres from Manhattan Midtown — and also very popular among private flyers. It’s also the quietest airport in the area, with no less than six noise abatement programs in effect every day.
One more fact: even if you haven’t flown into Westchester airport, you’ve probably already seen it — on TV! It’s a popular background for Hollywood movies, such as The Best Man, Random Hearts, and Meet The Parents.
Again, four FBOs offer you their services at this airport:
We already talked about Signature Flight Support, but don’t underestimate the other three companies. Million Air White Plains is particularly suitable for private jetters, since the main goal of the FBO is to provide an unforgettable luxurious experience.
5. Private Charter: Toronto to San Diego
Don’t be fooled by the fact that Canada and the USA are neighbors, because their territories are quite huge, and they share the biggest border in the world. It’s quite a long ride from Toronto to San Diego: the distance is around 3,450 kilometres, which translates to an average of six hours spent in the air. That makes the private jet a perfect option.
Toronto to San Diego: Pricing Options
From the perspective of private jets, the prices are not so high. On average, some of the smaller jets, like the turboprop, light, and midsize jets cost between 36,000 and 54,000 dollars. But, there’s a huge jump in the prices when you reach the super-midsize jet (heavy jets are not available on this route), which costs an astonishing 103,000 dollars.
Check the table below for a detailed picture: we presented the prices both in American and Canadian dollars (in brackets).
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Turboprop | 9 | From $36,650 ($49,530) | 8 h 15 min |
Light Jet | 9 | From $45,500 ($61,490) | 6 h 5 min |
Midsize Jet | 10 | From $54,300 ($73,382) | 5 h 40 min |
Super Midsize Jet | 8-9 | From $103,350 ($139,670) | 5 h 5 min |
Toronto to San Diego: Airport Options
Toronto is a huge city, actually the biggest one in Canada, with a population of two million and eight hundred thousand people. It’s also the plane centre of all Canada, and boasts no less than 10 airports. But not all of them are suitable for receiving and servicing private jets, nor are they close enough to the city. That’s why we recommend the following two:
- Billy Bishop City Airport
- Toronto Pearson Airport
Billy Bishop City Airport

Billy Bishop City Airport is probably the most suitable airport in the region for receiving private jets. Located very close to the city centre of Toronto, it’s only a 10 minute ride by car. Also, it’s quite small: in any other case that would be a problem, but since heavy jets are out of the picture, that’s actually a plus.
The facilities at the airport are quite great too, with two great FBOs at your service. Porter and StolPort are here to take care of everything that your jet needs, like fuel, check ups and maintenance. Your needs are going to get serviced too, since they offer many different kinds of amenities, especially on the luxurious side.
Toronto Pearson Airport
Simply put, Toronto Pearson Airport is the busiest and the largest airport in Canada, servicing more than 50 million passengers, according to the 2019 statistics. Not as close to Toronto city centre as Billy Bishop, it’s still quite close (22 kilometres). You can get to the airport in many ways, like public transport, bus, train, taxi, or rent a car. It won’t take more than half an hour to reach the airport from Toronto.
There are three FBOs offering their services at Toronto Pearson: the famous and very professional Signature Flight Support, the experienced SkyCharter, and, finally Sky Service, which takes care of two private terminals at the airport.
6. Private Charter: London to San Diego
Flying from San Diego to London is not a small feat. The distance amounts to more than 8,800 kilometres, which translates to around 11 hours of flying. On top of all, San Diego is on the far side of the West Coast of America, and not on the East Side, which is significantly closer to the UK.
The jet options are quite small, since the distance is so large. Turboprops, light, and midsize jets are all out of the picture, as they’re not suitable for long, long-distance flights.
London to San Diego: Pricing Options
Heavy jets never come cheap, and in this case, the price is even higher, considering the large number of kilometres. You won’t find anything cheaper than 130,000 dollars.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to San Diego | Estimated flight time |
Heavy Jet | 96 | From €133,950 (£111,037) | 11 h |
London to San Diego: Airport Options
London is a major international flight hub, with a lot of airports suitable for receiving both public and private jets. Almost all airports on our list offer exclusive runways and hangarage for private aircraft, which comes quite in handy if you’re flying private.
The three most popular airports are:
- Luton Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Heathrow Airport
Luton Airport

One of the busiest airports in the UK, Lutton airport received around 19 million passengers in 2019. The distance between Luton and the city centre of London is 34 kilometres, which amounts to an hour drive by car. There’s a train available connected to the Midland Main rail line, which will get you from Oxford street to the airport in no more than 30 minutes. We recommend choosing the train, as you’ll get there much quicker.
Luton airport is a very popular destination for private jetters, and clients are used to all kinds of luxurious services and amenities. Four major FBOs are here to provide everything you need, from luxurious accommodations and VIP rooms, to food, shopping, and plain services:
Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is slightly bigger than Luton, and is listed as the fourth busiest airport in the UK, servicing around 29 million passengers in 2019. It’s located in Essex, on the eastern side of London. The distance between the centre of London and Stansted is slightly larger, amounting to around 40 kilometres.
It’s also connected to the Midland Main rail line, so choosing the train as your transport option is probably the right choice, since the trip will last only around 50 minutes.
Stansted airport is quite developed, with a lot of FBOs offering their services. But, have in mind that Universal Aviation — going strong for more than 30 years — is the only handler available. They’re your only choice for planning services and trip support.
There are five more FBOs at your disposal:
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow is the biggest and the most famous airport in London, and its name has signified security and luxury for more than half a century. It’s the closest airport to the centre of London from the three on our list, located only 22 kilometres from the heart of The Big Smoke.
The most popular FBO in the vicinity of this airport is Universal Aviation. The only “problem” about it is its location: practically its seat is not at Heathrow itself, but at the nearby Northolt airfield. On the other hand, since Norhold is the official seat of the Royal Air Force (RAF), it’s a big plus concerning the security question.
There are many other FBOs at Heathrow airport or near it, and here they are listed in no particular order of quality or preference:
- Signature Flight Support
- Sheltair
- Jet Aviation
- Meridian Teterboro
- Ross Aviation
- Greenwood Lake Aviation
- Lynx FBO Network
7. Private Charter: Tokyo to San Diego
The distance between Tokyo and San Diego is approximately the same as the one between London and San Diego: around 8,900 kilometres. But the flight is slightly shorter — almost 10 hours — since the plane flies above the Pacific ocean. Since the distance is so great, only the heavy jet is the available option.
Tokyo to San Diego: Pricing Options
Aside from the heavy jet — which is the only suitable plane for travelling long distances — there are no other available options. The flight is going to cost quite a lot, though, around 60,000 dollars more than if you’re flying from London.
In the table below, we give you the price both in American dollars and in Japanese Yen.
Aircraft Type | Max no of passengers | Average price to London | Estimated flight time |
Heavy Jet | 96 | From $194,250 (¥25,910,521) | 9 h 55 min |
Tokyo to San Diego: Airport Options
Tokyo is an international flying centre, since the islands of Japan serve as a convenient place to rest between flights from America to Asia. It has a lot of airports to offer, but we narrowed down the choice to the following three:
- Tokyo Haneda International Airport
- Narita International Airport
- Chofu Airport
Tokyo Haneda International Airport

Tokyo Haneda Airport is the largest airport in the Tokyo area, and one of the busiest in the world, servicing around 87 million passengers a year. It’s mostly used for commercial, domestic flights.
The airport is located in Ōta, Tokyo, 15 kilometres to the south of Tokyo station. Since the Japanese capital has the biggest metropolitan area in the world, the distance is very short. The taxi fares from the city to the airport amount to no less than $42 or ¥5,600, and you’ll get to the terminal in 15 minutes.
There are a lot of FBOs offering their help, but the two most suitable for servicing private jets are the ever present international company Universal Aviation, and the firm that serviced the visitors of the 2020 Olympic Games, Jetex Japan. Both of them offer their services in as many languages as you speak.
Narita International Airport
If domestic flights mainly go through Haneda Airport, then most of the international commercial flights go through Narita. It’s a little bit further away from the centre of Tokyo — the distance amounts to 65 kilometres, and the taxi fares are considerably higher: from $172 to $210, or ¥23,000 and ¥28,000.
Considering the FBOs, you’ll meet again your familiar friend, Universal Aviation. But, there’s a second option too, namely the JAL Business Aviation, which is well known for servicing people who fly to Tokyo for work.
Chofu Airport
Chofu Airport is the last one on our list. It has quite a long tradition, going strong since 1941. It’s quite close to Tokyo centre, located only 27 kilometres by car or by bus. The taxi fare is down again, amounting to no more than 40 dollars, or ¥5,650.
The only FBO ready to offer you their service is Universal Aviation.
Which Jets Can Fly You To San Diego?
The charters on our list are quite different from each other. Up to number three they’re relatively short, the flights from New York and Toronto are significantly longer, and, finally, the distance from London and Tokyo to San Diego is huge. These things are important since they reflect on the suitable choice of aircraft. It’s common knowledge that smaller jets are great for flying shorter distances, but they’re quite useless on intercontinental flights because they require multiple stops for refuelling.
Here’s a general overview of all types of jets that we’ve mentioned in our guide, and the most preferable way in which you should make use of them.
Turboprops
Obviously, turboprops are the most economical of all private jets. They pay for their cheapness with the fact that they have to refuel every 2414 kilometres, and that they are considerably slower in comparison with the other, bigger models. We recommend the Pilatus PC-12 which is quite popular.
In relation to our list of locations, renting a turboprop will serve you well for the first three charters, namely Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Light Jets

Light jets are the usual choice of aircraft for private flyers who want to reach their destinations as quickly as possible. They can reach a top speed of around 400, and can fly without the need to refill for 2,735 kilometres. They’re great for reaching San Diego from Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Seattle considerably faster than with the turboprop.
We recommend the Citation Bravo, which is quite suitable for those kinds of flights.
Midsize Jets
Midsize jets can fly without stopping for 3,540 kilometres, or around five hours. They’re as elegant as they’re fast, offering both a more comfortable and quicker flight than the turboprop and the light jet. They’re best used for flying to the three closest locations on our list, but some midsize jets — ones with a bigger reservoir — may even take you to New York. But we must emphasize that we don’t recommend that.
The Citation III is a great option, since it’s technically a midsize jet, but it offers the comfort and the baggage area of a much bigger plane.
Midsize – Super Midsize Jets
Super-idsize Jets can be placed somewhere between the regular midsize jet and the heavy jet. Namely, they’re the heavy jet’s most fierce competitor for intercontinental flights, since they offer long-distance travelling at a considerably cheaper price. The flights from New York City and Toronto are perfect for trying out the capabilities of the super midsize jet.
We recommend Challenger 300 which is really great for longer, even intercontinental flights.
Heavy Jets
If you want to travel a really long distance, like the ones between London and San Diego, or Tokyo and San Diego, the heavy jet is the only available option for you. Extremely comfortable, fast, and durable, they offer comfort, safety, and speed.
We recommend Gulfstream V which is perfect for flying 10,000+ kilometres without stopping for a refill.
Conclusion
Maybe not the most popular destination for private flights, San Diego is still a great place with a lot of connections. The best offers are definitely in the USA and maybe Canada. But as you start looking for intercontinental flights, things get a little more complicated.
As you can see, the price for charters inside America are very cheap, but those outside it, even to neighboring Canada, can be very pricey, so take this into consideration.