Airport
San
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Transport
Getting To & From San
San Diego International Airport (SAN) sits roughly 3 miles northwest of downtown. Public transit options include the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Route 992 bus, which runs between both terminals and downtown's Santa Fe Depot every 15 minutes during peak hours, connecting passengers to city trolley lines and regional trains. Alternatively, the complimentary San Diego Flyer electric shuttle connects both terminals directly to the Old Town Transit Center for regional rail and trolley links. Taxis and rideshare operators (Uber/Lyft) maintain designated pickup zones on the arrivals level transport islands outside each terminal.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
SAN features two main terminal buildings—Terminal 1 and Terminal 2—handling a mix of domestic and international carriers. Terminal 1 hosts Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, Breeze, Sun Country and, since January 2026, Air Canada and WestJet, while Terminal 2 accommodates major legacy domestic carriers as well as all international widebody operations. Inter-terminal transfers are straightforward via a marked outdoor pedestrian walkway or a complimentary inter-terminal shuttle bus running landside. A dedicated, free 24-hour shuttle connects both terminals to the off-site Rental Car Center.
Hours of Operation
The landside terminal areas are technically accessible 24 hours daily, but airside gate zones close nightly around 2:00 AM and reopen around 4:15 AM following security checkpoint clearance. Overnight sleeping airside is not permitted.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Security Wait Times: Peak rush periods occur early in the morning (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) and late afternoon, during which security queues can stretch significantly. Arriving at least two hours before domestic departures is strongly recommended.
- Single Runway Constraints: As the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States, air traffic volume can occasionally prompt localized departure ripple delays during high-density scheduling windows.
- Terminal Verification: Double-check your airline assignment before arrival, as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are separate physical structures requiring a brief landside walk or shuttle trip to correct if misrouted.
Comfort
Lounges
All commercial airport lounges at San Diego International Airport (SAN) are concentrated in Terminal 2, meaning Terminal 1 has no open lounge at the time of writing. An Escape Lounge is planned for the new Terminal 1. Notable facilities include the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, the Aspire Lounge (which accepts Priority Pass and paid day passes), the Delta Sky Club, and the United Club (on the mezzanine in Terminal 2 West). The terminals are not connected airside, so a Terminal 1 passenger who wants a Terminal 2 lounge must leave security, cross over and clear security again.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
San Diego International Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi across its terminals, though sessions are typically structured in two-hour increments before a quick reconnection is required. Reliability can fluctuate during peak bank hours, but standard browsing and email tasks remain widely accessible. Mobile charging points and seating-integrated power outlets are available throughout the boarding areas, though availability varies depending on the specific gate seating configuration.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
SAN features a diverse mix of local San Diego-inspired eateries and national chains split across Terminals 1 and 2. Standout options highlight regional culinary styles, ranging from local craft breweries and coastal taco stands to artisanal coffee shops and sit-down restaurants. Concession availability tends to scale down significantly late at night once the final bank of departures clears, leaving automated vending options as the primary fallback after security checkpoints close.
Driving In
Parking
The airport offers primary on-site options including Terminal 1 Parking Plaza and Terminal 2 Parking Plaza for short-term and daily needs, alongside a designated Economy Parking lot serviced by continuous shuttle buses. Drive-up daily rates vary depending on proximity to the terminals, and advance online reservations are strongly encouraged by airport authorities to secure lower rates and guarantee space during peak travel periods.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
While there are no hotels physically connected to the terminal walkways, several major properties sit immediately adjacent to the airport perimeter along Harbor Drive. Hotels such as the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station are located just a short shuttle ride or quick drive away, with many area properties offering dedicated 'Park, Stay, and Fly' packages.
Sources: San Diego International Airport Official Site, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego International Airport Official Site, Upgraded Points SAN Lounge Guide, Sleeping in Airports San Diego Guide