San Diego International Airport – SAN
San Diego International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. The unique thing is that this airport serves about 24 million passengers through 1 runway. According to the 2018 survey, it served 24 million passengers that year, which is almost 10% more than the previous year. As time goes on, the airport is becoming able to handle more passenger capacity through various improvement projects.
2 terminals have been used to handle passenger traffic since day one with an international arrival facility. A $3 billion Terminal 1 expansion project was recently signed off on.
Table of Contents
San Diego Airport Address: Location, Map, and Phone Number Details
| Airport Name | San Diego International Airport |
| Airport IATA Code | SAN |
| Airport Address | N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States |
| Passenger Terminals | Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 |
| Destinations Served | 60 Domestic Destinations 10 International Destinations |
| SAN Airport Phone Number | (619) 400-2404 |
| Passenger Foot Traffic | Around 25 million |
| Distance from San Diego | 5 Miles |
| Official Airport Website | https://www.san.org/ |
| SAN Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoAirport |
| SAN Instagram Page | https://www.instagram.com/sandiegoairport |
| SAN Twitter Page | https://x.com/sandiegoairport |
| SAN Youtube Page | https://www.youtube.com/@SanDiegoInternationalAirport |
SAN Airport Map, Facilities & Services
Passenger Terminals at SAN Airport Terminals
Operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Diego International Airport’s terminals are designed to be easy for passengers to navigate. This airport has 2 terminals located side by side: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and the two are well connected. Passengers can walk from one terminal to another. Unfortunately, you cannot use the safe area on foot.
You can find ground transportation and parking garages outside both terminal buildings. Although Terminal 2 is the larger of the two terminals, Terminal 1 also accounts for 50% of passengers. Therefore, the airport authorities recently decided to expand the terminal.
Terminal 1
Sits on the eastern side of this USA airport, terminal 1 is mainly used for domestic flights. It has 3 concourses, each with a security checkpoint at the entrance.
Terminal 1’s smallest concourse is located in the eastern corner and is connected by gate numbers 1, 1A, and 2. Another concourse has 8 gates, numbered 3 to 10. The remaining gates give access to the west side concourse numbered 11-18 which is used by some of the reputed airlines such as Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines. A small selection of reputable shops and restaurants can be found on each concourse of the terminal. You will also find a small food court and shopping area on the west side concourse just before the security checkpoint. Baggage claims can be found in both major concourses.
To access the Terminal 1 parking lot or Transit Island, there is a long walkway from the terminal building. It is the main ground transportation for passengers.
Terminal 2 (International Terminal)
Located on the west side of the airport, Terminal 2 handles both domestic and international flights from its 2 concourses. The concourses of this terminal are interconnected inside the secured area, so passengers can use the other concourses conveniently and move around freely.
Its eastern concourse consists of 13 gates which allow passengers to enter and exit the terminal building, gate numbers 20-32. These gates are only used by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines for their flight operations. Again its western concourse has 19 gates, which are used by various other airlines including British Airways and Delta, numbered 33-51.
There are 2 security checkpoints at Terminal 2, beside this, you can find the branded shops of the gate, cafes, world-renowned dining options, etc. All facilities can be accessed by the passengers by walking.
The terminal also houses the Delta Sky Club, which sits on the mezzanine level of the west concourse. This you will get right after clearing B Relax Spa security.
Airlines and Destinations
All travelers want to enjoy convenient and seamless travel while they are at the airport. With San Diego International Airport, you can enjoy all advanced facilities such as check-in facilities, luggage services, and other recreational facilities, which will make your travel experience seamless.
| (Passenger Services) | ||
| Airline | Destinations | Terminal(s) |
| Air Canada | Toronto–Pearson | 2 |
| Alaska Airlines | Dallas, Charlotte, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, New York, Atlanta, Austin, Boise, Boston, Eugene, Everett, Fresno, Honolulu, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Las Vegas, Lihue, Monterey, Newark, New York–JFK, Orlando, Puerto Vallarta, Redmond/Bend, Sacramento, San Jose (CA), San José del Cabo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Rosa, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, Tampa, Washington–Dulles Seasonal: Anchorage, Bozeman, Eagle/Vail, Fort Lauderdale, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Hayden/Steamboat Springs, Jackson Hole, Missoula, Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City | 2 |
| American Airlines | Dallas, Charlotte, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix, New York, and others | 1 |
| Breeze Airways | Norfolk, Raleigh/Durham | 2 |
| British Airways | London | 1 |
| Southwest Airlines | Albuquerque, Austin, Baltimore, San Francisco, San Jose (CA), San José del Cabo, St. Louis, Tucson, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Reno/Tahoe, New Orleans, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston–Hobby, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Nashville Seasonal: Atlanta, Boise, Colorado Springs, Columbus–Glenn, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Tampa | 1 |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Salt Lake City, New York, and others | 2 |
| United Airlines | Chicago, Newark, Denver, San Francisco, Houston, New York, Newark, Washington–Dulles and others | 2 |
| JetBlue Airways | New York, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and others | 2 |
| Spirit Airlines | Houston–Intercontinental, Las Vegas, Oakland, Portland (OR), Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Jose (CA) Seasonal: Baltimore | 1 |
| Frontier Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose (CA) Seasonal: Atlanta, Orlando | 1 |
| Allegiant Air | Las Vegas, Phoenix, Provo and others | 2 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Honolulu, Maui, and others | 2 |
| Japan Airlines | Tokyo | 1 |
| Lufthansa | Munich | 2 |
| Porter Airlines | Toronto–Pearson | 1 |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul | 1 |
| Westjet | Calgary, Vancouver | 2 |
(Cargo Services)
| Airlines | Destinations Covered |
| FedEx Express | Indianapolis, Memphis, Oakland, Phoenix–Sky Harbor |
| UPS | Louisville, Ontario |
| Amazon Air | Major U.S. cities |
| Ameriflight | Imperial, Ontario |
| IFL Group | Tijuana |
| West Air | Imperial |
Global Entry Program
SAN is an active participant in the Global Entry program for processing their passengers. The approved passengers need to organize an interview. Unfortunately, the airport does not have an Enrollment Center. The airport’s closest Enrollment center is Otay Mesa Enrollment Center. However, passengers need to contact primary booth 4 at Terminal 2 for an interview. It opens daily from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
TSA Pre Check
San Diego International Airport also has the TSA PreCheck security lanes, situated at every security checkpoint with varying opening hours. Its Enrollment Center can be found outside of security near the American Airlines desks of terminal 2. It opens Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Inter-Terminal Transfers
SAN is very easy to navigate. There are various shuttle options to connect each part of the airport. There are also walkways to go from one terminal to another. Below is a discussion about these options.
Terminal Loop Shuttle – this shuttle runs between Terminals 1 and 2 daily. Passengers can assess it any time from 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
San Diego Flyer – this shuttle mainly runs between SAN and the Old Town Transit Center daily. You do not get it for the whole day as it opens from 4:45 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Rental Car Center Shuttle –You can get this shuttle 24 hours every day which runs between SAN and the Rental Car Center.
Get to and from the terminal
1. Walking
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located close to each other and are very well connected. Passengers can move from one terminal to another in just a few minutes via connecting walkways, located outside the secure area.
2. Bus
The Metropolitan Transit System has a bus route called Bus Route 992 that serves between SAN and downtown San Diego. It is available from both Terminals 1 and 2 every 15 minutes on weekdays, between 5:00 AM and 11:30 PM. The same timings are also available on weekends and public holidays at 30-minute intervals.
3. Train
The Metropolitan Transit System trolley is a rail service in San Diego. It helps to connect the passengers through blue, green, and orange, 3 lines to the airport, downtown, and the Mexican border to Santee and San Ysidro. To avail this train, passengers can take bus route 992, or rent a car or shuttle bus to downtown American Plaza or Courthouse stations.
4. Shuttles
Shared ride and private ride shuttles are available from the transportation plaza across Terminals 1 and 2. Passengers from the airport are recommended to these shuttle providers for booking facilities and good service.
5.Taxi
You can get Taxis from the transportation plaza across from the terminals of San Diego International Airport. If you cannot book, you can airport representative to help you for booking. There are flat taxi fares between the airport and downtown which are around $11-$15.
6. Ride Share
7. Economy Parking
Official Airport Parking : SAN has convenient airport parking across both terminals that you can access directly via walkways. This is very convenient for those who are looking for an affordable option.
Short-term Parking :Terminal 1’s short-term parking lot is now closed. But you can access the Terminal 2 parking lot, which is located southwest of Terminal 2, accessible via a covered walkway.
There is another parking plaza available in terminal2 which offers hourly and daily parking
All parking charges are $2.50 for 0-30 minutes, $6 for 30 to 60, and $8 for 1-1.5 hours
Long-term Parking : Long-term parking lots are located on Harbor Drive and Winship Lane at the east end of San Diego International Airport. But here you will find parking at a daily rate such as $20 driving-up or $17 prepaid.
Curbside Valet Parking : If you are in a hurry or looking for the most convenient option for parking, you should definitely go with valet parking which is available curbside in Terminals 1 and 2 for $40 per day.
San Diego International Airport Lounges – SAN
Passengers waiting at SAN do not face any problem as there are 4 lounges and all are located in Terminal 2. To access the Aspire Lounge and United Club lounges you have to purchase the access. However, only eligible passengers can access the Delta Sky Club and USO lounges.
Find the Best and Pocket-Friendly Hotels
A wide variety of hotels are available within 2 miles of San Diego International Airport, catering to almost all types of travelers. Some of the hotels are discussed below.
- For many travelers who prefer to stay close to the airport, the ideal option is the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Adorned with all the luxurious amenities with a complimentary airport shuttle, this four-star hotel offers stunning views of the harbor and downtown San Diego at 30,000-40,000 Marriott points per night.
- The Hilton San Diego Airport is located a short walk from both the airport and the beaches of North San Diego Bay. You can get waterfront views, a complimentary airport shuttle, a whirlpool spa, and a sauna at between 50,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
- The Homewood Suites By Hilton San Diego sits within 1.6 miles from the airport and also offers a close view of Embarcadero and Little Italy. It is the perfect option for the families, as each suite are fully-equipped kitchen. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast to the guests each morning.
| Hotels | Address and Phone Number |
| Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island | 1960 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-291-6700 |
| Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina | 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-291-2900 |
| Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town | 1955 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110 • +1-619-543-1130 |
| Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station | 2592 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106 • +1-619-221-1900 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station | 2211 Lee Court, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-881-2710 |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station | 2576 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106 • +1-619-222-0500 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown | 1747 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-338-8200 |
| Wyndham San Diego Bayside | 1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-232-3861 |
| Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina | 2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 • +1-619-222-0561 |
| Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside | 2137 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 • +1-619-696-6300 |
SAN Airport Restaurants: Available Dining and Shopping Options
| Restaurants (Food and Beverages) | ||
| Name | Location | Opening Hours |
| Prado at the Airport | Terminal 2, Gate 26 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phil’s BBQ | Terminal 2, Gate 46 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Pannikin Coffee & Tea | Terminal 1, Gate 5 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Stone Brewing | Terminal 2, Gate 33 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | Terminal 2, Gate 23 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Urban Crave | Terminal 2, Gate 36 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tay Ho | Terminal 2, Gate 23 | 4:30 am – 11 pm |
| Ryan Bros. Coffee | Terminal 2, Gate 49 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Jack in the Box | Terminal 1, Gate 13 | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Craft Brews on 30th Street | Terminal 2, Gate 38 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Qdoba Mexican Eats | Terminal 2, Gate 32 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Peet’s Coffee & Tea | Terminal 2, Gate 22 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saffron Thai | Terminal 1, Gate 6 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Retail, Concessions, and Duty-free | ||
| Name | Location | Opening Hours |
| Bay Books | Terminal 2, Gate 26 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Hudson News | Terminal 1, Gate 2A | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Swarovski | Terminal 2, Gate 24 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunglass Hut | Terminal 1, Gate 5 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tech on the Go | Terminal 2, Gate 35 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Be Relax Spa | Terminal 2, Gate 27 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| See’s Candies | Terminal 2, Gate 21 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Harley-Davidson | Terminal 2, Gate 36 | 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Duty Free Americas | Terminal 2, Gate 24 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Brighton Collectibles | Terminal 2, Gate 26 | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Additional Conveniences and Facilities Found at San Diego International Airport
There are various types of other services offered by the San Diego International Airport, some are discussed below:
Free Wi-Fi: The travelers can enjoy the Free Wi-Fi SAN with 2-hour browsing sessions. Once you complete the 2-hour browsing session you have to re-connect the Wi-Fi to start the next session.
Children’s Play Areas: Comes under the most kid-friendly airport in the US, the airport does not have children’s play areas. However, it has 3 nursing rooms, which are located after the security of the east and west concourses of Terminal 1 and second-level gate number 34 at Terminal 2.
Traveling with Pet: The airport is not on the list of the top most pet-friendly airports in the U.S., but you can find 7 pet relief areas throughout the airport where Volunteer dog handlers usually handle the dogs.
ATMs, Banks, and Currency Exchange or Forex
The airport authority also takes care that the passengers coming from abroad do not face any money-related problems. So, 3 currency exchange services are available in Terminal 2 at this airport.
Conclusion
About 50% of the airport’s passenger traffic passes through Terminal 1. So, airport stakeholders and passengers are quite pleased with the recent approval of a $3 billion redevelopment plan. This redevelopment project is planned to add all modern facilities to Terminal 1 such as 11 additional gates, improved transit options, and an airside connector between Terminal 1 and 2 for faster flight connectivity.
FAQs:
San Diego International Airport has 2 main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which operate domestic and international flights.
San Diego International Airport has a variety of natural and man-made obstacles surrounding the airport, so pilots face more complications than other airports when landing here, such as mountains to the east, high-rise buildings in the downtown area, and nearby Mexican airspace.
Yes, Passengers can walk between the 2 terminals at SAN but it can be done outside of the secure area. Passengers must then re-clear security at the next terminal.
American Airlines operates their domestic and international flights from and to Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport.
