San Diego Airport (SAN) Flights & Information

Located less than three miles from downtown and many top landmarks, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the world’s most conveniently located airports – and the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the U.S. SAN serves numerous destinations throughout the U.S., including many routes to Mexico and the West Coast.

But its network is constantly expanding, with new routes being rolled out (including some to Europe). And with a $3.8 billion renovation at Terminal 1 underway, there’s plenty else to look forward to at this SoCal hub. Here’s what else to know about flying into or out of SAN.

More routes to choose from at SAN

Traditionally, SAN has been a gateway for routes throughout the US, as well as to Mexico and Central America. However, in recent years, the airport has expanded its reach, adding 16 new routes since 2019. Its growing list of 80-plus nonstop destinations now includes Anchorage, Maui and Puerto Vallarta, and, further afield, expanded service to Toronto, London and Munich.

Alaska Airlines and Southwest are the two biggest players at SAN, combined accounting for about half of all flights. Breeze Airways also has a growing presence, with several new routes that have helped enhance SAN’s domestic network.

What to know before you go

Fortunately for newcomers, SAN’s layout is fairly easy to understand, with two numbered terminals, 1 and 2, arranged in a side-by-side configuration. International flights depart from both terminals, but all inbound international flights go through customs at the International Arrivals Facility, located west of Terminal 2.

SAN offers known travelers programs including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR. It also offers Mobile Passport Control, which can come in handy during busy arrival times.

Key terminal information at SAN

At both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, departures and arrivals are located on the second level. At T2, drop-off for departing passengers is located on the second level, and pick-up for arriving passengers is located on the first level, along with baggage claim. Terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway pre-security (as of 2028, passengers will be able to travel between terminals post-security). You can also take the Terminal Loop Shuttle, with three free shuttles running between terminals daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The airport is open 24 hours a day. However, departures only occur between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. to mitigate noise pollution in nearby neighborhoods (remember, SAN is located quite close to downtown).

The airport’s official website is a handy tool for checking flight status and other key information. I appreciate the straightforward, clean interface that displays arrivals and departures, with times and gates (though the addition of a terminal number would be helpful).

What to expect at Terminal 1

Built in 1967, Terminal 1, the older of the two, is home to gates 1-18. Airlines served include Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country, and Spirit. T1 is split into two separate concourses, each with a separate security checkpoint. That means you can’t access other concourses after clearing security.

The new T1: What’s on tap

A $3.8 billion project will eventually replace the current T1 with a new terminal and several roadway improvements poised to greatly enhance the passenger experience. Among the improvements are 30 new gates, the first 19 of which are expected to be open by late summer 2025 (and the remaining 11 by 2028). Those additions will more than double the current capacity to 62 total gates.

The new terminal will span approximately 1,160,000 square feet (including 90,000 square feet of concession space). Up to two new airline and common-use lounges and a children’s playground are also slated, as is an expansive security checkpoint area.

Additional enhancements include an outdoor patio area post-security, with views of San Diego Bay and downtown, and a new parking plaza with up to 5,200 parking spaces as of summer 2025 (2,800 spaces are now available). Meanwhile, a new three-lane entryway road for arrivals aims to greatly reduce traffic and congestion. Finally, a new multi-use path along North Harbor Drive will make it easier for ambitious passengers to access the airport by walking or biking.

Terminal 2: What to know

Terminal 2, meanwhile, is more modern and spacious, with soaring palm trees and more options for dining and shopping across its two concourses, designated as east and west. T2 spans gates 20-51, which serve many long haul flights, including transcontinental and transatlantic routes. Airlines served in T2 are Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and WestJet. Unlike T1, concourses are connected airside, a helpful benefit for passengers.

Getting to and from SAN

Although SAN is located remarkably close to downtown, traffic can cause congestion around the airport – and create extra stress for departures. Unfortunately, there’s no metro or train network accessing the airport, so with taxi, rideshare service, free shuttle, or public bus, you may face traffic. Plan accordingly to avoid a last-minute dash to your gate.

The airport recommends arriving for your flight at least two hours beforehand (though I’d advise longer for international flights or if you’re traveling with children or elderly passengers).

By car, taxi or rideshare service

The good news is that taking a taxi or rideshare service to SAN won’t set you back nearly as much as it does in cities whose airports are located in far-flung outskirts. But again, you may have to contend with traffic and congestion (though the new construction project will help).

SAN’s website currently states that the busiest times curbside are 4:00-6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Keep in mind that the construction work can impact traffic during certain times, so I strongly recommend checking the airport’s dedicated website for the T1 project beforehand.

By bus or free San Diego Flyer shuttle

You can take a city bus via the Metropolitan Transit System’s Route 992, which connects the airport and downtown. During the week, buses run every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays) between 5 a.m. and midnight.

Another option is the free San Diego Flyer shuttle, which whisks passengers between Terminals 1 and 2 and the Old Town Transit Center. There’s a drop-off and pick-up approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. I haven’t taken the shuttle, but if you’re not in a hurry and want to save some money, it’s a convenient (and wallet-friendly) option.

How to walk or bike to SAN (yes, it’s doable!)

Passengers looking to avoid stressing over traffic and get a little exercise before their flight can actually walk or bike to (or from) SAN. I’d only recommend it if you are traveling extra light – say, with only a backpack or rollaboard with sturdy wheels. But if you want to give it a whirl, you’ll definitely earn some bragging rights.

Thanks to the airport’s location just a couple of miles from downtown, as well as a new shared multi-use path – separate from vehicular traffic – as part of the T1 project, it’s easier than ever to get to SAN sans vehicle. The scenic route connects the airport to Little Italy and downtown San Diego to the east, and to Liberty Station and Point Loma to the west. It runs between the beautiful San Diego Bay waterfront and North Harbor Drive and passes through Spanish Landing Park. Signaled crosswalks with traffic signals allow pedestrians to safely cross North Harbor Drive to reach the airport and its parking lots.

Cyclists, meanwhile, can use bike lanes on Harbor Drive or the Spanish Landing Trail. Once you’re at the airport, take advantage of more than 100 bike parking spaces (plus two overnight bike lockers). Bike racks are available throughout T2, the USO Center, and the rental car center. (Just remember to park your bike perpendicular – in between the racks – and not parallel to the racks.)

What to expect airside at SAN

The new T1 project will undoubtedly improve the passenger experience at T1, but for now, T2 offers the most choices for shopping, dining, and lounges. In fact, SAN’s four lounges, which include two airline lounges and an Aspire Lounge available for Priority Pass cardholders, are all at T2. When the new T1 is complete, it will have up to two lounges, as well as outposts of notable San Diego restaurants including Puesto and Cutwater Spirits. Currently, many of the airport’s 40 restaurants are chains, but there are some local options, including Phil’s BBQ and Prado.

Take advantage of one of the nation’s largest USOs

Considering the proximity of the Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where U.S. Navy Seals train, perhaps it’s no surprise that SAN has one of the nation’s largest United Service Organization (USO) centers. Reserved for active duty members of the US armed forces and their families, these centers offer a place for travelers to relax, grab a bite or even sleep.

SAN’s USO stands out for its spacious environment, which includes an outdoor terrace and sleeping area. It also receives rave reviews for its friendly (and all-volunteer) staff. Since it’s located pre-security, be sure to allow enough time to clear security before departure.