San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN), also known as Lindbergh Field, is the primary airport serving San Diego and the surrounding Southern California region. Located just 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego along San Diego Bay, it is one of the busiest single-runway commercial airports in the United States, handling over 25 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals arranged in a crescent shape along the waterfront:

• Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines (dominant carrier), Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue, and other carriers
• Terminal 2: Delta, United, American, Hawaiian, international flights, and others

Terminal 2 underwent a major expansion completed in 2024, adding 30 new gates and significantly improving passenger amenities. The airport is notable for its proximity to downtown—you can see the city skyline from the terminals—and its challenging single-runway operations that limit expansion.

SAN is remarkably close to downtown San Diego—just 3 miles northwest—making it one of the most conveniently located major airports in the United States. Travel times are typically short:

• Downtown San Diego: 10-15 minutes
• Gaslamp Quarter: 10-15 minutes
• La Jolla: 20-30 minutes
• Mission Beach/Pacific Beach: 15-20 minutes
• Coronado: 15-25 minutes

The airport is accessible via Interstate 5, Harbor Drive, and North Harbor Drive. Traffic congestion is generally mild compared to other California airports, though rush hour (7-9am, 4-6pm) can add delays.

No rail connection yet: Unlike many major airports, SAN does not have direct rail service. A trolley extension has been planned but not yet constructed.

Uber and Lyft are widely available at SAN. Pickup zones are located at the Transportation Plazas on the ground level of each terminal:

• Terminal 1: Exit to the crosswalk, then proceed to the Transportation Plaza
• Terminal 2: Follow signs to the Transportation Plaza on the ground level

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown San Diego: $12-20
• Gaslamp Quarter: $12-20
• La Jolla: $25-40
• Mission Beach: $18-28

Wait times are typically 5-10 minutes but can extend during peak hours or major events.

Taxis are available at designated stands outside each terminal's arrivals level. Fares are metered; expect approximately:

• Downtown: $15-22
• Gaslamp Quarter: $15-22
• La Jolla: $35-50

SAN does not have direct rail service, but bus connections are available.

MTS Bus Route 992 (Airport Flyer)

The MTS Route 992 provides the most direct public transit connection:

• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
• Fare: $2.50 (exact change or PRONTO card)
• Hours: 5am to midnight approximately

Route from airport:

1. Exit to the ground level at either terminal
2. Follow signs to "Bus" or "Ground Transportation"
3. Board Route 992 at the bus stop
4. Travel to Broadway & Kettner (Santa Fe Depot) in about 10-15 minutes
5. Transfer to the Trolley (Blue, Orange, or Green Line) or Amtrak/Coaster

To Downtown

1. Take Route 992 to Santa Fe Depot ($2.50, 10-15 min)
2. Walk to Gaslamp Quarter (5-10 min) or transfer to Trolley

PRONTO Card

San Diego's transit system uses the PRONTO fare card. Purchase one at Trolley stations or use the PRONTO mobile app. Day passes are available for unlimited rides.

SAN offers several parking options at varying price points (as of 2025):

Lot	Daily Rate	Notes
Terminal 1 Parking	$40/day	Attached garage, walking distance
Terminal 2 Parking	$40/day	Attached garage, walking distance
Economy Lot	$20/day	Free shuttle to terminals
Cell Phone Lot	Free	30-minute limit while waiting for arrivals

Short-term rates: $3 per 20 minutes in terminal garages

Off-site alternatives: Private parking lots along Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway offer rates from $10-15/day with shuttle service. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during holidays.

Tip: The terminal garages fill up during peak travel periods. Arrive early or consider the economy lot for longer trips.

SAN has improved its dining options significantly, especially with the Terminal 2 expansion. Highlights include:

Terminal 1:

• Panera Bread: Bakery and sandwiches
• Phil's BBQ: Popular San Diego barbecue chain
• Stone Brewing Tap Room: Local craft beer
• Rubio's Coastal Grill: Fish tacos (San Diego staple)

Terminal 2 West:

• Breakfast Republic: Popular local breakfast spot
• The Brigantine: Seafood and California cuisine
• Stone Brewing: Craft beer from local brewery
• Starbucks: Multiple locations

Terminal 2 East:

• Shake Shack: Burgers and shakes
• Ballast Point Brewing: Another excellent local brewery
• Tocaya Modern Mexican: Fresh Mexican cuisine
• Blue Water Seafood: Fresh fish tacos and seafood

Best for local flavor: Try Stone Brewing or Ballast Point for San Diego craft beer, and Rubio's or Blue Water for fish tacos—a San Diego specialty.

Most restaurants open early (5-6am) and close between 9-10pm.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals at SAN.

Network name: Boingo Hotspot or _Free_SAN_WiFi

To connect:

1. Select the free WiFi network
2. Open your browser
3. Accept terms and conditions (may require watching a brief ad)

Speed is adequate for browsing and email. Streaming may buffer during peak hours. Faster WiFi is available in airline lounges.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• InMotion Entertainment stores (both terminals)
• Best Buy Express kiosks
• Carrier stores in the arrivals area

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid SIM options starting around $30 for basic plans. eSIM activation is also available through carrier apps for compatible phones.

ATMs are located throughout both terminals, typically near security checkpoints and gate areas. Major banks represented include:

• Wells Fargo
• Bank of America
• US Bank

Out-of-network withdrawal fees are typically $3-5.

Currency exchange: ICE Currency Exchange operates in Terminal 2. As with most airports, exchange rates include significant markups. Using your bank's ATM abroad or a service like Wise is typically more economical.

SAN offers retail options in both terminals:

Terminal 1:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics and accessories
• San Diego souvenirs: Various gift shops

Terminal 2:

• DFS Duty Free (international departures): Spirits, cosmetics, luxury goods
• Hudson News: Multiple locations
• Be Relax Spa: Massage and spa services
• Local boutiques: San Diego-themed gifts

The Terminal 2 expansion added significant retail space. Duty-free is only available for international departures.

SAN has limited lounge options compared to larger airports, but several are available:

Priority Pass Lounges

• USO Lounge (Terminal 2): Available to Priority Pass members. Basic amenities including snacks, beverages, and WiFi. Note: This is primarily a military service organization lounge that accepts Priority Pass.

Airline Lounges

Terminal 2:

• Delta Sky Club: For Delta Sky Club members, Delta One passengers, or eligible American Express cardholders
• United Club: For United Club members or eligible passengers

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can access the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta same-day
• Priority Pass membership (included with many travel cards) provides access to the USO Lounge

Day Passes

The USO Lounge and airline clubs occasionally sell day passes when capacity allows, typically $40-60.

Near Airport:

• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina: 5 minutes from airport, waterfront location with bay views
• Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island: On Harbor Island, excellent views, free shuttle
• Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station: Near historic Liberty Station
• Hampton Inn San Diego Airport: Budget-friendly with free shuttle

Downtown San Diego (10-15 min from airport):

Given SAN's proximity to downtown, staying in the city center is practical even for early flights:

• Gaslamp Quarter hotels: Walk to restaurants and nightlife
• Embarcadero hotels: Waterfront location near cruise terminal

Tip: Harbor Island hotels offer the best combination of airport proximity and views—you can watch planes land while enjoying the bay.

San Diego offers year-round pleasant weather and diverse attractions:

Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter (10-15 min from airport):

• Historic district with restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Petco Park (Padres baseball)
• San Diego Convention Center

Balboa Park (15-20 min):

• San Diego Zoo: World-famous zoo with pandas and diverse exhibits
• Museums: Fleet Science Center, Museum of Art, Natural History Museum
• Gardens: Botanical Building, Japanese Friendship Garden

Beaches (15-30 min):

• Coronado Beach: Iconic Hotel del Coronado, family-friendly
• La Jolla Cove: Stunning scenery, sea lions, snorkeling
• Mission Beach & Pacific Beach: Boardwalk, surf culture

Other Attractions:

• USS Midway Museum: Aircraft carrier museum on the Embarcadero (15 min)
• SeaWorld San Diego: Marine park (20 min)
• LEGOLAND (Carlsbad): Family theme park (35 min north)
• Tijuana, Mexico: Border crossing at San Ysidro (30 min south)

Getting around: San Diego is spread out and most visitors rent a car. Rideshare is readily available throughout the city. The Trolley serves downtown and some neighborhoods but doesn't reach beaches or many attractions.

Weather: San Diego averages 70°F (21°C) year-round. Mornings can be foggy near the coast ("June Gloom" in early summer), but afternoons are typically sunny.