San Diego International Airport [SAN] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) consists of two terminals, offering a range of dining, shopping, and lounge options, catering to domestic and international travelers.
• SAN has 4 lounges located in Terminal 2. Passengers can access Aspire Lounge and United Club by purchasing a day pass.
• The airport provides various ground transportation options, including buses, rental cars, ride-shares, and shuttles, ensuring easy access to downtown San Diego and surrounding areas.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the busiest airport in the U.S. that operates with only 1 runway. In 2018, the opening of the new Terminal 2 international arrivals facility helped manage the increased passenger traffic, as will the $3 billion Terminal 1 expansion project that was recently signed off.

Quick Info

Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Terminals: 2 — Terminals 1 and 2
Airport address: 3225 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Distance From Downtown San Diego: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Website: san.org
Phone Number: 619-400-2400
Passengers Served: 24 million annually
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

SAN Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From SAN

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

SAN Airport Terminals

San Diego International Airport consists of 2 terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These terminals sit side-by-side and are closely situated for passengers to walk in between for connecting flights — just not within the secure area, unfortunately.

Both terminals have ground transportation services and parking garages located outside of the terminal buildings. Terminal 2 is larger and more modern, but Terminal 1 still handles around 50% of the passenger traffic, so it is due for future expansion.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is situated on the eastern side of the airport and serves mainly domestic flights from 3 concourses — each with a security checkpoint at the entrance.

In the far eastern corner of Terminal 1 is a small concourse providing access to gates 1, 1A, and 2. Next is another concourse with 8 gates (numbered 3-10). Southwest Airlines occupies both of these concourses, as well as operating from a few gates in the west side concourse.

The west side concourse has 8 gates numbered 11-18 operating flights from Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines.

Each concourse has a small selection of shops and restaurants, in addition to the facilities that can be found outside of the secure area. A small food court and shopping area are located just before the west side concourse security checkpoint, and baggage claim is located between the 2 larger concourses.

Passengers may use the walkway from the terminal building to access the Terminal 1 parking lot or transit island for ground transportation.

Terminal 2 (International Terminal)

Terminal 2 is on the western side of the airport operating domestic and international flights from 2 concourses. Unlike Terminal 1, the Terminal 2 concourses are interlinked inside the secure area so passengers may move around freely to make use of the facilities.

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

Terminal 2 has 2 security checkpoints that are conveniently positioned for either the east or west side concourses. A good selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants are located in both concourses and passengers can walk between the 2 to access the facilities.

A Delta Sky Club is located on the mezzanine level of the west side concourse, and a Be Relax Spa is located just after clearing security. The east side concourse also has a Be Relax Spa near gate 27 and the Aspire Lounge located just after security.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Shuttle Bus

SAN has a courtesy shuttle bus that loops the airport terminals and parking garages. These depart from outside of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and operate 24-hours.

Walking

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not far from each other, and passengers can stroll through the connecting walkways in just a few minutes. The walkway is outside of the secure area, so it is necessary to re-clear security on arrival at the next terminal.

Security and Customs at SAN

SAN has 5 security checkpoints with 3 located in Terminal 1 and 2 located in Terminal 2. The 3 security checkpoints at Terminal 1 are at the entrances to each concourse, so connecting passengers to/from these concourses would need to re-clear security on arrival at the next concourse.

Terminal 2’s security checkpoints do not restrict access to an individual concourse, so passengers can move freely between these to utilize facilities.

SAN’s security checkpoints 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 of SAN with varying opening hours. Check the TSA website for timings.

SAN has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in Terminal 2, outside of security near the American Airlines desks. The center is open Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 3 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 for processing passengers that have been approved in the program. Although there is not an Enrollment Center at the airport (the closest being Otay Mesa Enrollment Center), passengers may interview on arrival into Terminal 2 at primary booth 4, daily from 6 a.m – 10 p.m.

CLEAR

CLEAR was introduced to San Diego International Airport in April 2022 and can be found in Terminal 2.

Mobile Passport

SAN accepts Mobile Passport, where passengers can input their information into the app on arrival at the airport to save time completing an arrival form. Passengers need to present their electronic receipt, along with their passport, to a CBP agent.

SAN Airport Lounges

SAN has 4 lounges, all located at Terminal 2. Passengers can purchase access into the Aspire Lounge and United Club Lounge, but the Delta Sky 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 as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid paying any lounge entry fees with the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Travelers can access the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2 between gates 33 and 23 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 2 Be Relax Spas in Terminal 2 near Gate 27 and Gate 36. This spa offers complementary treatments to Priority Pass cardholders. Guests can choose 1 of the following treatments:

• Be Back 30-minute lounger massage
• Be Back 15-minute lounger massage plus aromatherapy and O2
• Head Up 10-minute lounger massage plus aromatherapy and O2
• Be Feet 10-minute lounger massage plus aromatherapy and O2

Dining and Drinks at SAN

SAN has 40 restaurants, bars, and cafes, ranging from Starbucks to Panda Express. There a few options pre-security, but most are located around the departure gates for a quick bite before take-off.

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 is over, simply re-connect to start the next session.

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, think about investing in a mobile hotspot to keep you connected. 

Charging Stations: Charging points are available throughout the airport and at the departure gates.

SAN Airport Lost and Found

SAN has a lost and found office located in Terminal 2 west on the lower level, open daily 7 a.m-10 a.m, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and 8 p.m.-11 p.m. The office can also be contacted by calling 619-400-2140 or emailing lostandfound@san.org.

The office will take in misplaced items found in most public areas of the airport and will keep them for up to 90 days (depending on the type of item).

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: Ground level, near baggage claim
• Terminal 2:
  • Ground level, near baggage claim
  • Second level, after security
  • Second level, international arrivals

Children’s Play Areas

While there are no children’s play areas at SAN, the airport still made our list of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S.

Baby Facilities

SAN has 3 nursing rooms located at:

• Terminal 1: just after security in both the east and west concourses
• Terminal 2: second level, near gate 34

Traveling With a Pet

SAN has 7 pet relief areas throughout the airport. These are located at:

• Terminal 1:
  • At the far eastern point outside of the terminal
• Terminal 2:
  • Outside the terminal, near the walkway between Terminals 1 and 2
  • 3 relief areas opposite the terminal, near the ground transportation area
  • Near international arrivals, across from the terminal
  • West side concourse, near gate 47

SAN doesn’t make it into the list of the top 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 west side security checkpoint.

Smoking Areas

SAN has 11 designated smoking areas outside of the terminal buildings. No smoking is permitted anywhere inside the airport.

Money

ATMs are located throughout the airport, inside and outside of the secure areas. Foreign currency services are available in Terminal 2:

• Baggage claim area
• East side concourse, near gate 24
• International arrivals area

Luggage Storage

Baggage storage is available through baggagenanny.com, which has a kiosk in the baggage claim areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Storage is $20 per bag, per day, and they can even deliver to another location if required.

Important SAN Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 619-400-2404

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

Transport Options

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 every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays (between 5:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.)

Train 

Passengers can connect to Amtrak and Coaster services via Amtrak’s Santa Fe Depot train station, located 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 pick-up the trolley from either American Plaza or Courthouse station. Alternatively, passengers can ride the rental car shuttle bus and alert the driver to stop 1 block from the Middletown station, 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 these shuttle providers.

Taxi

Taxis also depart from the transportation plaza 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 $11-$15 (excluding tip).

Ride Share

Rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft operate from SAN, with drop off possible curbside at both terminals. Passenger pick-up is permitted from the transportation plaza across from both terminals. At Terminal 1, this is from the third lane of the pick-up area and at Terminal 2, the second lane.

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 located across from both terminals with direct, covered access via walkways. Long-term parking is also available for those looking for the most cost-effective option.

Short-Term Parking

The Terminal 1 parking lot is closed and expected to re-open in the fall of 2024.

The Terminal 2 parking lot is located southwest of Terminal 2, accessible from the terminal via a covered walkway.

The Terminal 2 parking plaza is located directly in front of Terminal 2 and offers hourly and daily parking.

These 3 parking lots charge the following rates:

For the Terminal 2 parking lot and Terminal 2 parking plaza, passengers can pre-book daily parking for a reduced rate of $21, saving $11 compared to the drive-up daily fee.

Hot Tip: The Terminal 2 parking plaza has 16 electric vehicle charging points to charge-up while you’re away.

Long-Term Parking

The long-term parking lot is located at the far east end of the airport on Harbor Drive and Winship Lane. Only daily parking rates are offered here, which is $20 driving-up or $17 prepaid.

Passengers must ride the green courtesy shuttle bus between the parking lot and airport terminals. These depart from outside Terminals 1 and 2 and operate 24/7.

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 $40 per day.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

The cell phone waiting lot is located close to the long-term parking lot off Lindbergh Field Way. Visitors waiting to pick up passengers may wait here in their vehicles for free for up to an hour.

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 options at off-site parking lots.

When booked with airportparkingreservations.com, parking starts from $12 per day, and these off-site lots provide courtesy shuttles to pick-up and drop passengers off at the airport.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Passengers with disabilities will find accessible parking in all airport-owned parking lots. Shuttle buses that serve the long-term parking lot are also wheelchair accessible.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 619-291-2087

Car Rental at SAN Airport

The rental car center is located 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 located in the rental car center:

Hot Tip: When renting a car in San Diego, all the little extras such as toll fees and GPS trackers can add up. Avoid paying excess insurance with your rental agency with these credit cards with rental car insurance as a benefit.

SAN Airport Hotels

There are lots of hotels within easy reach of San Diego International Airport, and we’ve listed those below that are within 2 miles. 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 tourism and business areas.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is a stellar option for those who need to stay near the airport but still want a great hotel experience. The four-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 state-of-the-art fitness center, and luxury spa. Award nights start at 30,000-40,000 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 at the hotel generally run between 50,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Homewood Suites By Hilton San Diego is just 1.6 miles from the airport and is close to attractions in Embarcadero and Little Italy where many great shops and restaurants are located.

This is a great option for traveling families, as each room includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a full refrigerator, and offers complimentary breakfast each morning. Award nights run between 50,000 t0 60,000 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 more Marriott or Hilton points.

Final Thoughts

With about 50% of passenger traffic passing through the very dated Terminal 1, airport stakeholders and passengers will be very happy with the recent approval of the $3 billion redevelopment plan.

The current terminal opened in 1967 and does not represent how San Diego wants its first and final impressions to be for passengers visiting the city.

The redevelopment project will see Terminal 1 transformed into a modern facility with 11 additional gates, improved transit options, and an airside connector between Terminals 1 and 2 for quicker flight connections.

The airport is hoping to break ground by the end of 2021 and complete the project in phases from 2024.