Overview
San Bernardino sits at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains in California's Inland Empire, around 60 miles east of Los Angeles. It's a city with genuine Route 66 heritage, warm year-round weather and easy access to both desert scenery and alpine resorts, making it an interesting alternative to the more crowded coastal cities for UK travellers who want sunshine, history and outdoor adventure in one trip.
Best time to fly to San Bernardino
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable conditions, with warm days, low rainfall and clear mountain views. Summer temperatures regularly climb above 35°C, which suits sun-seekers but can feel intense for sightseeing. Winters are mild in the city itself, while the nearby San Bernardino Mountains see snowfall, making this a handy base for a ski trip to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead. For the best fares, check the When to book chart above, as prices to this region shift with the seasons.
Airlines and routes
There are no non-stop flights from the UK to San Bernardino. The standard route is a direct flight from London to Los Angeles International (LAX) with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, taking around 11 hours, followed by a road transfer or short domestic hop to San Bernardino, roughly an hour's drive away. Travellers connecting via other US hubs with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta or United can also route through Ontario International Airport, which sits closer to San Bernardino than LAX. Comparing both options on the price charts on this page will help you find the fastest and cheapest combination for your dates.
Things to do in San Bernardino
Beyond its role as a gateway to the mountains, San Bernardino has plenty to keep visitors busy for a day or two before heading further afield.
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum: a quirky slice of fast-food history on the very spot where the McDonald brothers opened their first restaurant.
- San Bernardino Mountains: drive up to Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear for boating, hiking or skiing, all within an hour of the city.
- California Theatre of the Performing Arts: a beautifully restored 1928 venue hosting concerts, theatre and community events.
- Glen Helen Regional Park: open space with lakes, trails and picnic areas, popular for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
- San Manuel Casino: a large entertainment and gaming complex just north of the city in Highland.
At San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
San Bernardino International Airport occupies the former Norton Air Force Base site, about three miles east of downtown. It handles general aviation, cargo and limited scheduled passenger flights, so most UK travellers will arrive via LAX or Ontario and complete the journey by hire car, rideshare or shuttle. From SBD itself, taxis and rideshares reach the city centre in around 10 minutes; from LAX, allow 90 minutes to two hours by road depending on traffic, and around 45 minutes from Ontario.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to San Bernardino
- Book roughly two to four months ahead for the best transatlantic fares to Los Angeles or Ontario, then arrange the onward leg separately.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) and avoid peak summer school holidays to keep fares down.
- Stay flexible on dates and use the price charts above to spot the cheapest days to travel.
- Compare fares to both LAX and Ontario, as the cheaper option can vary by season and often makes up for a longer road transfer.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a valid ESTA authorisation under the Visa Waiver Programme for stays of up to 90 days, applied for online before departure. The currency is the US dollar; card payments are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended, as healthcare costs in the US can be high, and a passport valid for the full duration of your stay is required for entry.