San Diego International Airport [SAN]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) has 2 terminals and offers a range of dining, shopping, and lounges for domestic and international travelers.
• SAN has 5 lounges in Terminal 2. Passengers can access the Aspire Lounge and the United Club by purchasing a day pass.
• The airport provides various ground transportation options, including buses, rental cars, ride-hailing services, and shuttles, ensuring easy access to downtown San Diego and surrounding areas.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a major gateway to Southern California, just minutes from downtown San Diego. It’s the busiest airport in the U.S. to operate on only 1 runway, serving over 25 million passengers each year. Known for its convenience and coastal setting, the airport offers modern facilities and a traveler-friendly experience for both domestic and international passengers.

Quick Info

Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Terminals: Terminals 1 and 2
Airport address: 3225 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Distance From Downtown San Diego: 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)
Website: san.org
Phone Number: 619-400-2400
Passengers Served: 25.3 million annually
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

SAN Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From SAN

Terminal 1

• Air Canada
• Breeze
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• WestJet

Terminal 2

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Copa Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Japan Airlines
• KLM
• Lufthansa
• United Airlines

SAN Airport Terminals

San Diego International Airport has 2 terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The newly constructed Terminal 1 represents the first phase of a 2-part redevelopment project. During the demolition of the old terminal and construction of Phase 2, passengers are currently unable to walk between the 2 terminals outside the secure area, which was previously possible. Interterminal connections are available via the shuttle bus.

Ground transportation services and parking garages are adjacent to both terminal buildings. The terminals are south of the airport runway, with the rental car center on the north side.

Terminal 1

Level 2: Departures

Terminal 1 is on the eastern side of the airport and primarily handles domestic flights with a single, long concourse. The new Terminal 1, unveiled in late 2025, represents the first phase of the redevelopment project, with a concourse extension and additional gates planned for the second phase.

The terminal is split across 2 levels, with baggage claim on level 1 and check-in on level 2. After dropping luggage, passengers can proceed through the consolidated security checkpoint on level 2.

Terminal 1 currently has 22 gates, numbered 101 to 122. The gate lounges now offer ample seating, plenty of natural light, and a wide selection of shops and restaurants nearby.

Level 1: Arrivals

Arrivals is on the lower level of the terminal, with 8 baggage carousels, ATMs, and a nursing room. Ground transportation services are available outside, including the interterminal shuttle stop.

Terminal 2 (International Terminal)

Level 2: Departures

Terminal 2 is on the western side of the airport, offering domestic and international flights from 2 concourses. Curbside drop-off is available at either end of the terminal, so it’s helpful to know your airline’s location (east or west) to proceed to the correct side of the airport.

Check-in is on the upper level, as are the security checkpoints, with one on the east side of the airport and the other on the west.

The east side concourse has 13 gates, numbered 20 to 32, used only by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. The west side concourse is larger, with 19 gates, numbered 33 to 51, and is used by most airlines, including British Airways and Delta.

Both concourses offer a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, and passengers can walk between them to access these amenities after clearing security.

A Delta Sky Club is on the mezzanine of the west side concourse, and a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club is near gate 47. The east side concourse also has a Be Relax Spa near gate 28 and Aspire Lounge just after security.

Interterminal Transport

Shuttle Bus

SAN has a courtesy shuttle bus that loops the airport terminals and parking garages. These depart from outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and operate daily from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Walking

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are close to each other, but the demolition of the old Terminal 1 means passengers currently cannot walk between the terminals and must take the shuttle bus.

After passing through the security checkpoints in either terminal, passengers can move freely throughout that terminal’s airside areas to reach all gates and amenities.

Security and Customs at SAN

SAN has 3 security checkpoints. One is in Terminal 1, and two are in Terminal 2 (on the east and west sides, respectively). They open at around 4:15 a.m. and close just before the last departure.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck security lanes are available at every security checkpoint at SAN, with varying hours of operation. Check the TSA website for specific timing.

TSA PreCheck Enrollment is through CLEAR+ and is available in Terminal 2, near the west security checkpoint. Enrollment is available daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hot Tip:

It’s good to know the ins and outs of TSA airport security to ensure you breeze through with no issues.

Global Entry Program

SAN participates in Global Entry to process passengers approved for the program. To complete their applications, passengers can visit the Global Entry enrollment center in Terminal 2 on the west side of baggage claim or use Enrollment on Arrival at the CBP processing area.

CLEAR+

CLEAR+ lanes are available at the Terminal 1 checkpoint and at the Terminal 2 west checkpoint. Lanes and enrollment are open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Mobile Passport

SAN accepts Mobile Passport, which allows passengers to enter their information in the app upon arrival at the airport. Passengers need to present their electronic receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

SAN Airport Lounges

SAN has 5 lounges, all at Terminal 2. Passengers can purchase access to the Aspire Lounge and United Club Lounge, but the Delta Sky Club, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, and USO lounge are for eligible passengers only.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked “N/A” only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

Avoid paying lounge entry fees by using the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Travelers can access the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2, near gate 22, with a Priority Pass membership (or with the Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express).

Travelers can also access the Be Relax Spa in Terminal 2, near gate 26. This spa offers complimentary treatments to Priority Pass cardholders. Guests can choose one of the following treatments:

• Be Back 30-minute lounger massage
• Be Back 15-minute lounger massage plus aromatherapy and O2
• Polish change plus hand massage
• Be Feet on lounger 10-minute plus O2

Dining and Drinks at SAN

SAN has 35 restaurants, bars, and cafes, ranging from Starbucks to Panda Express. There’s only 1 cafe presecurity in Terminal 2. All other dining options are after you clear security.

SAN Wi-Fi and Charging Points

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout SAN for all visitors in 2-hour browsing sessions. Once a 2-hour browsing session ends, simply reconnect to start the next one.

Hot Tip:

Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, consider investing in a mobile hot spot to stay connected.

Charging stations: These are available throughout the airport and at departure gates.

SAN Airport Lost and Found

SAN has a lost and found office located on the west side of Terminal 2 on the lower level, open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m (in-person visits are by appointment only). The office can also be reached at 619-400-2140, or you can submit a claim online.

If an item is lost on an aircraft, then passengers must contact the applicable airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Information desks are in the following locations:

• Terminal 1:
  • Level 1, near baggage claim
  • Level 2, after the security checkpoint
• Terminal 2:
  • Level 1, near baggage claim
  • Level 2, after the west security checkpoint
  • Level 2, in the international arrivals area

Children’s Play Areas

There are no children’s play areas at SAN, so the airport didn’t make our list of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S.

Baby Facilities

SAN has 6 nursing rooms:

• Terminal 1:
  • Level 1, near baggage carousels 3 and 8
  • Level 2, across from gate 118, and near gates 108 and 114
• Terminal 2: Level 2, near gate 34

Traveling With a Pet

SAN has 10 pet relief areas throughout the airport:

• Terminal 1:
  • Level 1, outside the terminal at the east and west ends and on the median across the roadway
  • Near gate 118
• Terminal 2:
  • Outside the terminal, near the walkway between terminals 1 and 2
  • 4 relief areas opposite the terminal, near the ground transportation area
  • Near gate 46

SAN doesn’t make the top 10 most pet-friendly airports in the U.S., but it is one of a few airports that offer a therapy dog service. Volunteer dog handlers and trained dogs roam the airport departure areas, saying hello to waiting passengers.

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available in Terminal 2, just after the western security checkpoint.

Smoking Areas

SAN has designated smoking areas outside of the terminal buildings on level 1. No smoking is permitted anywhere inside the airport.

Money

ATMs are located throughout the airport:

• Terminal 1:
  • Level 1, near baggage carousels 2 and 6
  • Level 2, near gates 106 and 120
• Terminal 2:
  • Level 1, in the international arrivals area and near baggage carousel 4
  • Level 2, in the east check-in area
  • Level 2, near gates 23, 27, 36, 48

There are no foreign currency services available at SAN.

Luggage Storage

SAN does not have any luggage storage services at the airport.

Important SAN Phone Numbers

Parking: 619-291-2087

Lost and found: 619-400-2140

Hot Tip:

During your stay, check out these great San Diego activities.

Travel to and From SAN

Transportation

Bus

The Metropolitan Transit System’s bus route 992 operates between SAN and downtown San Diego. Buses depart from terminals 1 and 2 every 15 minutes on weekdays and up to every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays (between 4:20 a.m. and 11:50 p.m.)

Train 

Passengers can connect to Amtrak and Coaster services at Amtrak’s Santa Fe Depot train station in downtown San Diego. To access the train station, passengers can take bus route 992 from the airport.

The Metropolitan Transit System Trolley is San Diego’s light rail service. 3 lines — blue, green, and orange — serve connections to the airport, downtown, and as far as Santee and San Ysidro at the Mexican border.

To ride the trolley, passengers can take bus route 992 to downtown, where they can board the trolley at either American Plaza or Courthouse station. Alternatively, passengers can ride the rental car shuttle bus to the east side of the transit center, where passengers can pick up the green line.

Shuttles

Passengers can book shared-ride and private-ride shuttles from the transportation plaza across from terminals 1 and 2. The airport recommends Sea Breeze Shuttle or San Diego Direct Coronado Livery.

Taxi

Taxis depart from the transportation plaza on level 1 across from the terminals, and an airport representative will help you into the first available taxi. The taxi fare between the airport and downtown is around $24 to $30 (excluding tip).

Ride-Hailing

Ride-hailing companies such as Uber or Lyft operate from SAN, with curbside drop-off at both terminals. Passenger pickup is permitted from the level 1 transportation plaza across from both terminals. At Terminal 1, it is from the second median. At Terminal 2, it’s from the first median.

Directions by Car to SAN

Arriving From Downtown San Diego

Drive out to N. Harbor Drive and turn right onto N. Harbor Drive. Follow it all the way to the airport until you see signs for the terminals.

Arriving From La Mesa

Take University Avenue and then turn left onto Massachusetts Avenue. Turn right to merge onto CA-94 W and follow until exit 17A to merge onto W. Hawthorn Street. Use the right 2 lanes to merge onto N. Harbor Drive and follow until you see the signs for the terminals.

Arriving From Chula Vista 

Take the I-5 N and follow until exit 17A to merge onto W Hawthorn Street. Use the right 2 lanes to merge onto N. Harbor Drive and follow until you see the signs for the terminals.

SAN Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

SAN has convenient airport parking across from both terminals with direct, covered access via walkways. Since the recent construction of Terminal 1, parking is now only offered in the parking plazas opposite the terminals.

Short-Term and Long-Term Parking

Both terminals have a parking plaza in front of the terminal building, providing the quickest and most convenient parking. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza can accommodate vehicles up to 9 feet, 6 inches, and the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza has a maximum clearance of 8 feet, 2 inches.

These 2 parking lots charge $2.50 for every 15 minutes, up to a maximum daily rate of $38.

Reduced-rate parking is available by prebooking online.

Walking Times

• From the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza to Terminal 1: 5 to 10 minutes
• From the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza to Terminal 2: 2 to 3 minutes

Shuttle buses operate daily between the terminals and the parking plazas from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. Shuttles run every 15 minutes and stop at baggage claim curb zones F, M, and T.

Hot Tip:

Both parking plazas have electric-vehicle charging points on level 1 for when you’re away.

Curbside Valet Parking 

If you’re in a rush or are just looking for the most convenient option, you can book valet parking, available curbside at terminals 1 and 2. The valet parking fee is $60 per day.

Pickup and Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot is west of the airport property at 2311 McCain Road, San Diego, CA 92191. Visitors waiting to pick up passengers may wait in their vehicles for up to an hour for free.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Daily parking at SAN is on the expensive side, but the good news is that you can book more affordable spaces at off-site parking lots.

When booked through airportparkingreservations.com, parking starts at $10.50 per day, and these off-site lots offer courtesy shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Passengers with disabilities will find accessible parking in all airport-owned parking lots. Shuttle buses serving the lots are also wheelchair-accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General inquiries: 619-291-2087

Car Rental at SAN Airport

The rental car center is northeast of the airport at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101. Courtesy shuttle buses transport passengers between the terminals and the rental car center.

The following companies are in the rental car center:

Hot Tip:

When renting a car in San Diego, all the little extras, such as tolls and GPS, can add up. Avoid paying excess insurance to your rental agency by using these credit cards that offer rental car insurance as a benefit.

SAN Airport Hotels

There are many hotels within easy reach of San Diego International Airport, and we’ve listed those within a 2-mile radius below. With the airport centrally located in San Diego, your hotel is likely to be well-positioned for access to the airport and within easy reach of many of San Diego’s main tourist and business areas.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Sheraton San Diego Resort is stellar for those who need to stay near the airport but still want a great hotel experience. The 4-star hotel offers stunning views of the harbor and downtown San Diego. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle, outdoor pool, 24-hour-a-day, state-of-the-art fitness center, and luxury spa. Award nights start at 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott points per night.

The Hilton San Diego Airport is both a short walk from the airport and the beaches of North San Diego Bay. The hotel offers waterfront views, a complimentary airport shuttle, a whirlpool spa, and a sauna. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but award nights generally start at 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego is 1.6 miles from the airport and close to attractions in Embarcadero and Little Italy, where many great shops and restaurants are. This is great for traveling families, as each room includes a fully equipped kitchen and a full refrigerator. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast each morning. Award nights start at 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn Marriott or Hilton points.

Final Thoughts

San Diego International Airport is entering an exciting new era, highlighted by the 2025 opening of the first phase of its completely redeveloped Terminal 1. This modern facility replaces the aging original terminal with a larger, more efficient space designed to improve the overall passenger experience. However, the transformation is far from complete.

Phase 2 of the project is already underway and will continue until around 2028, adding additional gates and completing the full vision. Ultimately, once finished, the redevelopment will position SAN as a more comfortable, modern, and future-ready gateway to Southern California.