San Diego Airport (SAN) Flights & Flight Status

San Diego International Airport (SAN) may be in one of the most famously laid-back cities in the country, but the airport is the third busiest in all of California. It pays to know the ins and outs of making your way around this two-terminal airport to keep stress at a minimum. These expert tips will help keep you relaxed and ensure you blend in with the calm, cool culture of Southern California.

Getting to and from SAN by public transportation

The cheapest way to get between Downtown San Diego and its busy airport is by city bus. As long as I have no more than one checked bag per person in my group, this is always the option I take. You can of course take the bus with more bags, but I personally find it too cumbersome, especially if I’m traveling alone.

The Route 992 bus stops at both terminals every 15 minutes from 5 am to midnight. It costs a fraction of the price of hiring a car and only takes around 15 minutes to reach Downtown, where you can connect to other public transport or use a rideshare service for the final leg of your journey.

If you’re traveling to or from Old Town, you’re in luck. A free shuttle called the ‘San Diego Flyer’ operates between the Old Town Transit Center and both airport terminals. The Flyer operates every day, with hours slightly more expanded than the city bus, averaging pickups every 20–30 minutes.

Be warned that the Flyer is much smaller than the bus, though, so I recommend arriving around an hour before you hope to board if you’re heading to the airport, just in case you don’t fit on the first pickup that comes by. At worst, you’ll end up at the airport a bit earlier, which is never a bad thing.

There’s a third option that directly connects SAN with the city by public transportation, but it can be a bit of a hassle. You can take the trolley system from the airport by first accessing free rental car shuttles from either terminal. Inform the driver you’re heading to the trolley, and you’ll be dropped off one block from the station. You’ll then have to walk the rest of the way.

This is not ideal if you have a significant amount of luggage with you, and it’s easier all round to just take the frequent city buses directly from the airport. The only reason I’d recommend this option is if there’s a trolley station directly by your lodging and if you have very little luggage in hand for that one-block walk to the station.

Getting to and from SAN by car

Of course, the most convenient and comfortable option is to take a car. For arrivals, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup locations in both terminals, and these are clearly marked and easy to locate.

For departures, rideshare vehicles can drop you directly at the curb outside your airline’s check-in. This will cost significantly more than public transportation at normal times and can spike higher during surge pricing when demand is at its peak. Taxis are also available at the terminals, and fares are comparable during normal traffic, and preferable during surges.

Rental cars are also available at San Diego International Airport. Free shuttles connect both terminals with the Consolidated Rental Car Center, where all airport rentals are located. These shuttles run 24 hours per day, though bear in mind that not all rental agencies operate the same hours.

Security lines at SAN

Despite this airport’s heavy traffic, the security lines here are generally manageable. Even at peak travel times, which tend to be from 8-9 am and 5-6 pm, you can expect to wait no more than 30–35 minutes in general security lines. Through most of the day, wait times can be as little as half that, or even less.

If you’re in a hurry, programs like TSA PreCheck can reduce the wait and expedite your personal screening process. You need to apply for this program well in advance of your trip and complete the process before the day of your flight, but there’s an enrollment center in Terminal 2 if you want to get the process started while passing through. Personally, I appreciate not having to take off my shoes or remove electronics from my bag even more than the time savings, but that’s because I also use CLEAR.

Airline lounges at SAN and alternatives

Both Delta and United have airline lounges for elite fliers and certain branded credit card holders. But those flying with other airlines, or without the necessary qualifications, still have a couple of options.

Terminal 2 is home to an Aspire lounge, which requires membership non-specific to airlines. I recommend considering this membership only if you visit the UK and EU regularly, as this UK-based lounge network has very few lounges elsewhere. There’s one here because SAN’s busiest international route is to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR), serviced by British Airways.

Active US military members (and their accompanying family members) also have access to the USO at this airport. This free rest area provides snacks, entertainment, and comfortable seating like many other airport lounges, but is found outside of security. This means you’ll need to leave the lounge early enough to pass through security before boarding, even if you’re a connecting passenger. Its hours are also subject to volunteer availability.

Things to do during a layover at SAN

Outside of lounges, San Diego International Airport boasts two day spas for extra relaxation before or between flights. Both spas are located in Terminal 2. In addition to massages and facials, anyone looking for a last-minute manicure for a trip can snag one at these spas.

The Art Program at SAN provides plenty of public art for passengers to experience throughout the airport. One of my favorites may also be one of the most overlooked. In Terminal 2, before security, there’s a picnic table that many walk past without noticing, but it’s inscribed with quotes from travelers about their personal experiences. Admittedly, spending time at this table is a better option for those just arriving than for those on a layover, since it’s outside security, but check it out if you get the chance.

This airport also hosts live music regularly, through a program sponsored by the restaurants and other vendors at SAN. Acts range from singer/songwriters to brass bands and jazz ensembles, and are stationed throughout the airport, from the food court to baggage claim.

Lockers and storage at SAN

San Diego International Airport has suspended all luggage storage and locker facilities for safety reasons, so you can’t leave your luggage anywhere after arrival. If you’re arriving early for a flight and are hoping to unload your bags, you’ll have to check with your airline about early baggage drop allowances. Most airlines won’t accept bags more than 3–4 hours before a flight.

Free Wi-Fi at SAN

SAN offers free Wi-Fi to all guests in two-hour increments. Unlike some airports that fully cut-off passengers after a short period, I appreciate the ability to sign back in for as many two-hour sessions as I’ve visited at SAN. The Wi-Fi here is generally strong and reaches all the key areas I’ve visited within the airport.

Parking at SAN

The Terminal 2 Parking Plaza is SAN’s main parking venue. From here, you can easily access both terminals and the area is patrolled 24 hours a day. The Parking Plaza offers both daily and hourly rates, but you’ll save money if you reserve a space ahead of time.

If you’re just here to pick up an arriving passenger, skip this paid lot and hang out in the free cell phone lot nearby until you get the signal from your arriving passenger. Then, just head to arrivals for easy curbside pickup at no cost.

Service Animal Relief Areas at SAN

There is one service animal relief area on the airside of Terminal 2 (by gate 47), but there are none in Terminal 1. If your service animal or pet needs to go to the bathroom while you’re here, you’ll need to exit the terminal and use one of the many relief areas provided outside of security. You’ll also need to pass through security again to re-enter Terminal 1, which is why I always take my dog to the outdoor area for as long as necessary before entering the airport in the first place.