A Guide to San Diego Airport (SAN)

Quick insights

• San Diego International Airport (SAN) is approximately three miles from downtown San Diego.
• SAN has two terminals connected by pedestrian walkways and complimentary airport shuttle buses.
• Priority Pass™ members can access one participating airport lounge and two spa locations.

San Diego Airport is the busiest one-runway airport in the U.S. and the third-busiest airport in California. While flying in and out of SAN, you’ll have an up-close view of the downtown San Diego skyline.

Whether you’re headed to SAN to begin your travels or are stopping by for a layover, you may want to familiarize yourself with amenities and activities within the airport. Read on to find out about ground transportation, parking options, what to do while you wait for your flight and more.

Navigating to and from San Diego Airport

There are a variety of ground transportation options for travelers headed to or from San Diego Airport:

• Taxi: Designated taxi zones can be found at the transit islands on the arrivals/baggage claim levels of both terminals.
• Rideshare: Pickup and drop-off zones for rideshare apps are located outside of both terminals.
• Bus: Metropolitan Transit System bus route 992 operates between SAN and downtown San Diego from both terminals approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
• Train: Amtrak and COASTER commuter trains are accessible via bus route 992.
• Rental car: Take the free airport shuttle bus from either terminal to access the off-airport Rental Car Center.
• Hotel shuttles: Many hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttles. Hotel courtesy shuttle pickup zones are located on the transit islands in both terminals.
• Walking/biking: A path for pedestrians and bicyclists (separated from vehicle traffic) runs from the airport to Little Italy and downtown San Diego to the east, and to Liberty Station and Point Loma to the west. Bike lockers and racks are available at various locations at SAN.

Parking options at San Diego Airport

SAN offers daily and long-term parking options in addition to valet parking. For further parking spots, visitors can take the free shuttle buses to get to their terminal. If you’re at the airport to pick someone up from arrivals, use the free cell phone lot.

For additional parking information or to reserve a spot online, visit SAN’s website.

When to arrive at San Diego Airport

Most airport officials recommend that travelers arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. It also may be best to budget additional time for travel during rush hour or the holidays.

If you travel frequently, you may benefit from a program like TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry, which may save you time in the security line.

San Diego Airport map

If you want to scope out parking or terminal details before you arrive, you can review an interactive map of SAN on their website. It also shows shopping and dining options so you can scope out where you’ll pass the time before takeoff or where you’ll get your pre-flight snack

San Diego Airport terminal information

SAN has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. They’re located next to each other, though passengers will need to go through security again to travel between terminals. Both terminals have designated parking garages and ground transportation pickup and drop-off locations.

Additional terminal details include:

• Terminal 1 has three concourses and primarily serves domestic flights. The three concourses have separate security checkpoints, so travelers will need to re-clear security if they travel between concourses. Terminal 1 has a walkway that connects it to the parking lot and ground transportation services.
• Terminal 2 serves more international flights. Its two concourses are connected post-security, so travelers can walk freely between them. Terminal 2 also houses amenities like the Aspire Lounge and two Be Relax Spa locations.

To travel between terminals, visitors may use the free 24/7/265 shuttle bus or use connecting walkways. Note that using the walkways between terminals requires you to re-clear security.

Priority Pass amenities at San Diego Airport

In addition to one lounge in the Priority Pass network, SAN has two Be Relax Spas available to members:

Aspire Lounge

SAN’s Aspire Lounge is located in Terminal 2 between gates 23 and 33. Guests can stay for a maximum of three hours, and access may be limited during peak times due to space restraints. Children under two are admitted for free.

Aspire Lounge offers a range of amenities, including:

• Food and beverage service
• Full bar
• Shower facilities
• Spacious seating area
• High-speed Wi-Fi

Note that premium alcoholic drinks and à la carte menu items are subject to payment.

If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).

Be Relax Spa

In addition to airport lounge access, Priority Pass members may also use lounge entitlements towards spa services at Be Relax Spas in select airports.

SAN has two Be Relax Spa locations:

• Terminal 2 near gate 27
• Terminal 2 near gate 36

Things to do at San Diego Airport

Whether you have a few hours to spare or are passing time during a longer layover, here are a few things to do while at SAN:

• View airport art: SAN’s Arts Program displays public artworks, temporary art exhibits and live performances throughout the airport. Performing artists specialize in dance, theater, live music and more.
• Relax in an airport lounge: There are several airport lounges at SAN, many of which provide complimentary food and beverages after entry. If you don’t have a membership for a particular lounge, you may be able to purchase a day pass.
• Explore the area: If you have at least six hours between flights, you might have time to visit the Liberty Station district, which houses a range of restaurants, bars and the Liberty Public Market, which includes eateries and shops. For even longer layovers, you might want to head downtown to check out the San Diego Zoo or Waterfront Park.

Additional amenities within the airport include nursing rooms, pet relief areas, currency exchange services, luggage storage and more.

In summary

SAN is just a short drive from downtown San Diego, which means that it’s accessible to locals and visitors alike. The convenient location also makes it a great spot for travelers during long layovers.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.