San Diego airport (SAN)

San Diego International Airport (IATA code: SAN)—notable for being the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States—is a primary air gateway to Southern California. It provides a dense network of domestic flights across the country and to Hawaii, along with international connections to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.

Official Website: san.org

General Information Phone: +1 619 400 2404

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates two passenger terminals open 24 hours a day:

• Terminal 1: a state-of-the-art facility opened in its first phase to replace the original 1967 structure, featuring modern passenger processing technology and 19 operational gates.
• Terminal 2: divided into East and West concourses, accommodating major legacy carriers and all international arrivals.

Inter-Terminal Connection: the complimentary Inter-Terminal Shuttle links the curbsides of both terminals 24/7 with departures every 10 to 15 minutes. A separate shuttle links the passenger terminals with the Consolidated Rental Car Center.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2025): 25.3 million passengers.

Information Points

Information desks are located on the baggage claim level of both terminals. In addition, the airport's Volunteer Airport Ambassadors, identifiable by their green uniforms, are stationed throughout boarding concourses and public halls to guide travelers.

 Location

The airport is conveniently situated just 3 km (2 miles) northwest of Downtown San Diego, bordered by San Diego Bay and with immediate access to Interstate 5.

Parking services at San Diego airport (SAN)

The airport features modern, secure parking facilities situated directly in front of each terminal, catering to both short-term pick-ups and long-term stays.

Parking Facilities

• Terminal 1 Parking Plaza: a 5-story covered garage facing Terminal 1 with more than 5,200 stalls, sensor-guided space indicators, and electric vehicle charging bays.
• Terminal 2 Parking Plaza: multi-story covered garage located opposite Terminal 2 with covered walkways connecting directly to departures and arrivals.
• Valet Parking: curbside drop-off and pickup service available along terminal curbs between 5:00 am and 11:00 pm.

Key Parking Policies

• Free Cell Phone Lot: complimentary waiting lot located near Terminal 2, allowing drivers to wait up to 60 minutes free of charge while arriving passengers collect their bags. Vehicles must remain attended. Hours: 5:00 am to 0:30 am.
• Grace Period: terminal parking garages offer the first 10 minutes free for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Online Reservations: pre-booking parking spaces online is recommended to guarantee availability and access discounted long-term rates.

Official parking rates and reservations

Facilities for passengers with special needs

San Diego International Airport provides comprehensive facilities that comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Special Assistance Requests

Passengers requiring wheelchair service, boarding escort, or special luggage handling should contact their airline at least 48 hours before their departure. Airline personnel will provide assistance beginning at the check-in counters through to the aircraft gate.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

• Access ramps, lowered curbs, and elevators equipped with braille signage and auditory signals in all terminals and parking structures.
• All-gender, accessible restrooms and companion-care facilities equipped with automatic door openers.
• Electric courtesy carts and airport shuttle buses (inter-terminal and rental car links) fitted with wheelchair lifts and dedicated securement areas.
• Designated accessible parking spaces close to walkways on prime levels of all parking garages.
• Service animal and guide dog relief areas situated both pre-security curbside and post-security inside boarding concourses.

For additional inquiries or assistance regarding airport accessibility, passengers can contact the Airport Authority's ADA Coordinator at +1 619 400 2981.