San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport: The Hub of the West Coast

Introduction

Serving the Greater San Diego area, San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN) — also referred to as Lindbergh Field — is a very busy major airport. SAN is the second busiest single-runway commercial airport in North America and also a service provider for over 20 million passengers per year to/from San Diego as well as around the Globe.

Airlines and Destinations

Domestic and several international airlines fly into San Diego International Airport. From major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, to budget airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest, there are many nonstop flights available from San Diego International Airport, including hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Phoenix, as well as more leisure-focused destinations such as Las Vegas, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas. The airport is also served by low-cost carriers including Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines, offering cheap options for travelers.

Passenger and Flight Figures

By 2023, San Diego International expects to see more than 25 million passengers—that is a big jump from the pandemic years. It is one of the busiest airports in the region, with over 500 daily arrivals and departures. Despite the adversity of recent years, SAN is slowly bouncing back to where it once was — an essential port-of-call in West Coast aviation.

How to Get Here

San Diego's major airport is located at San Diego International Airport, just 3 miles away to the northwest of the downtown neighborhood, making it a highly accessible area from various parts of the city. The airport is accessible by automobile, taxi or rideshare, public transportation in the South Bay and on the Westside (LAX station/Aviation Station), and buses providing service to key routes throughout various parts of Los Angeles. The airport connects to the city's principal highways (I-5, SR 163), which means easy access for drivers.

Parking

The airport has all parking options for its passengers. The 2,800+ new parking spaces offered by the newly opened Terminal 1 Parking Plaza will complement existing facilities. There are short-term, long-term, and economy parking lots available with distance shuttle services connecting to the terminals.

Transportation Prices

San Diego International Airport is located about a 15-minute drive, Uber or Lyft from most hotels in the San Diego area and also proves to be very user-friendly. This may be in the form of competitive rates with Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, or fixed-price options available through Taxis and Shuttle services. For budget travelers, public transportation is inexpensive; the San Diego Trolley and buses traverse most areas.

Terminal Layout

San Diego International Airport is made up of three main terminals, including the Commuter Terminal, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. The Commuter Terminal is west of Terminal 1, with easy walking distance. A passenger bridge is right at Terminal 1 and linked to the other, making it easy for its passengers on both terminals.

Navigate the Airport

San Diego International Airport is easy to navigate due to its excellent signage and organized layout. Passengers can navigate to check-in counters, security checkpoints, gates, as well as other facilities. Further, the airport offers useful information kiosks and staff to help travelers with whatever questions or concerns they may have.

Getting Between Terminals

Getting from one terminal to the other at SAN? The airport also has a pedestrian bridge that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk. If you have limited mobility or large suitcases, free shuttle services are in operation to ferry passengers between the terminals.

Services and Amenities

San Diego International Airport — serving the southern part of California — features a range of services and facilities for traveler comfort. Facilities available to passengers include free Wi-Fi, ATM machines, currency exchange, and a selection of restaurants and shops. Additionally, the airport includes lounges for men and women, nursing rooms, and pet relief areas.

Restaurants and Shops

Meet an eclectic mix of tastes and preferences with the following dining and retail choices at SAN. Whether you're looking for a quick bite and some coffee, or sit-down dining at full-service restaurants in the airport, with low-key eateries complementing them too. Shoppers can browse through a variety of local and national brands, as well as specialty stores and duty-free shops.

Security and Customs

San Diego International Airport security and customs is really hassle-free. It also offers a Terminal 2 and U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, which adds up to make an exceptional flying experience. Passengers should allow additional time to perform these tasks before getting onto the aircraft.

Accessibility

We are proud that San Diego International Airport is an open and inviting place for all travelers to come through. There is free parking at the airport with accessible stalls, as well as ramps and accessible elevators for passengers who require them. They also offer assistive devices such as wheelchairs and electric carts, and the staff are trained to provide personalized help to individual requirements.

Travel Tips

We encourage travelers to come early when flying out of San Diego International Airport, especially during peak travel periods, in order to enjoy a smoother path through the airport. Passengers are also encouraged to verify the flight status and gate information before getting to the airport, as well as familiarize themselves with all of SAN's offerings across terminals. With proper planning and a little research in the airport, anyone can whisk through an airport without any stress.