San Diego International Airport

San Diego International (SAN) is a breeze when it comes to flying in large cities. With only two terminals, surrounding parking spaces, and a consolidated rental car facility, it's conveniently located just off the major highway and less than 3 miles from the city centre. San Diego is the eighth-largest city in terms of population in the United States, and the airport had 24 million passengers in 2018, compared to the 87.5 million passengers that travelled through LAX, making it the 24th busiest airport in the country. On 17 carriers, there are close to 500 flights every day to more than 60 nonstop locations domestically and overseas.

Know Before You Go

Given that it is situated in the centre of the city, less than 3 miles from the convention centre, downtown, and the Gaslamp Quarter, it is among the best airports in the world for visitors. When flying into town, think about choosing a window seat because you'll be flying over Balboa Park, the zoo, and downtown skyscrapers.

Two terminals are arranged side by side in the configuration, which is pretty simple. Upper floors are where departures are made. Southwest, Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country, Spirit, WestJet, and JetBlue are located in Terminal 1, which includes gates 1 through 18. Gates 20–51 and the international area are located in Terminal 2, which also houses the following airlines: Alaska, American, British Airways, Delta, Air Canada, Edelweiss, Hawaiian, Lufthansa, and United. 

More over half of the flights into and out of SAN are operated by Southwest and Alaska. With the addition of Maui, Pittsburgh, Puerto Vallarta, and Frankfurt to the roster of more than 60 nonstop destinations accessible from SAN last year, sixteen new routes were introduced. For the first time, SAN's annual volume of foreign passengers exceeded one million in 2018.

The smoke-free facility is open around-the-clock, however in order to reduce noise pollution, departures are only made between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Typically, two hours before the first aircraft departs, ticket desks open.

Airport Parking

Hourly and daily rates ($32) are available at the brand-new Terminal 2 parking plaza, which has 2,900 spots and 16 EV Chargepoints. Prepayment reduces the cost to $19. Between the ports and the long-term parking areas on Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, which cost $20 per day each, there are free propane-powered buses that transport customers. For $40 per day, curbside valet is provided.

Cars may pick up and drop off passengers at the curb, but they may not linger there. Wait in the mobile phone lot on Harbor, which includes toilets, to avoid having to round the airport.

Driving Directions

SAN is a short distance from the Interstate 5 Highway's exits and entrances. It has Airport Terminal Road in front of it, which is reached from Harbor. San Diego is renowned for having awful traffic during peak hours, despite the airport being very near to downtown and other major districts. Drive time seldom matches distance in big Californian cities, as it does elsewhere. Sometimes the wait in the security line is less than the time it takes to get to the airport.

Public Transportation and Taxis

At the transportation plazas in front of Terminals 1 and 2, passengers may reserve ground transportation such as taxis and buses to nearby airports. Taxi zones on the arrivals level are where they leave from. Under the blue umbrellas, customer service personnel offer further assistance.

Each terminal has an MTS bus stop for route 992. Every 15 minutes during the weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays, this route runs between 5:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Riders can utilise it to travel to the downtown Santa Fe Depot and connect there with COASTER and Amtrak commuter trains. The San Diego Trolley light rail network's access information is also provided on the website.

Ridesharing services are permitted to drop off and pick up passengers at the terminal 1 transportation plaza and in the second lane on the right for terminal 2.

Both terminals offer free bicycle storage facilities. When the key is turned in, the $25 security deposit is repaid.

Where To Eat and Drink

The Prado, Phil's B.B.Q., Banker's Hill, Pannikin Coffee & Tea, and Elegant Desserts are just a few of the city's top restaurants with locations in SAN. Additional options include grab-and-go restaurants and basic franchises like Einstein's Bagels, Panda Express, and Starbucks. At Stone Brewing, Craft Brews on 30th Street, and Ballast Point Bar, you may also enjoy one last pint of local liquid legends.

Where to Shop

The Gaslamp Marketplace (local goods and souvenirs), Bay Books of Coronado, Shades of Time (sunglasses), The Beach House (ocean-themed apparel, decor, and accessories), Apricot Lane (women's boutique), MindWorks (toys and games), and MAC Cosmetics are a few shops that stand out in addition to the standard sundries vendors. To meet your electronics demands, there are a number of shops and Best Buy vending machines.

How to Spend Your Layover

Explore the area to view artwork, including enduring pieces like Mark Reigelman's Formation or Ben Darby's mosaic Puff, transient displays, and live shows and concerts. They erect works of public art Aside from oxygen and light treatment, two Be Relax spas in Terminal 2 also provide massages and manicures. We advise walking to Spanish Landing or Cancer Survivors Parks, both of which are on the water, if you have a very lengthy stopover.

Airport Lounges

In Terminal 2 West, there is a United Club and a Delta Sky Club. The Airspace Lounge has a $25 entrance fee. Showers, free meals and beverages, and a $10 credit for upscale fare or specialty drinks are all included. Holders of American Express Platinum cards and their guests are admitted free.

Charging Stations and Wi-Fi

The airport established a hashtag (#SANfreewifi) in order to promote their free Wi-Fi. Free sessions expire after two hours, but you may restart them by simply signing in again. There are several chances for charging.

Tips and Tidbits

To assist current military personnel and their families, SAN is home to one of the biggest United Services Organization (USO) facilities in the country. It is situated on the ground floor of the Terminal 2 parking lot, next to the Eastern Skybridge. 

Beyond security, three lactation rooms are accessible. You may find them on the ground level of the East Rotunda in Terminal 1, on the second level of the West Rotunda in Terminal 1, and next to gate 34 on the second level of Terminal 2.

There are five Travelex locations, including a kiosk in the international arrivals hall and an ATM across from the Terminal 1 food court. In addition to kiosks in the international arrivals hall, baggage claim, and next to gate 48, Terminal 2 offers an ATM close to gate 23.

Bank of America is the only brand on all nine ATMs. Each ATM transaction will cost $2.50 for non-BOA clients.

Passengers may use luggage carts for free at the international arrivals area, but they cost $5 to rent elsewhere.

FAQs about San Diego International Airport