SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN) INFORMATION

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN), is an international airport approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Downtown San Diego, California, United States.

Formerly known as Lindbergh Field, it is owned and operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. While primarily serving domestic traffic, San Diego has nonstop international flights to destinations in Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

It served more than 9.2 million passengers in 2020. In 2019, its record-breaking passenger number was 25.2 million.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) covers an area of 268 hectares with two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. It is 5 meters above sea level at 32°44′01″N and 117°11′23″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at San Diego International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at San Diego International Airport
• See live flight departures information at San Diego International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve San Diego International Airport

History of San Diego International Airport

Opened in 1928, the airport was developed around the area that was once a delta river outlet for the San Diego River into the San Diego Bay. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes.

The airport was also the site of a national and world record for women's altitude established in 1930 by Ruth Alexander.

Seven years later, the United States Coast Guard Air Base was commissioned next to the airfield. The Coast Guard's fixed-wing aircraft used Lindbergh Field until the mid-1990s.

In 1949, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) established its headquarters in San Diego and started service at Lindbergh Field. Eight years later, it recorded 42 departures per day: 14 American, 13 United, 6 Western, 6 Bonanza, and 3 PSA (5 PSA on Friday and Sunday).

Nonstop flights to Chicago and New York started in 1962 and 1967, respectively.

The current Terminal 1 was opened in 1967; twelve years later, Terminal 2 was inaugurated.

In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was created and assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002. A year later, the management changed the airport's name to San Diego International Airport in 2003.

San Diego gained a nonstop transatlantic flight in March 2001, when British Airways eliminated the halt in Phoenix on its route to London. The airline had served San Diego intermittently since 1988. British Airways left the city in 2003, and returned in 2001.

Several improvements to the facility were also implemented. For example, Terminal 2 added 10 gates, a two-level roadway separating arriving and departing passengers, additional security lanes, and an expanded concession area.

In 2016, the airport opened a new consolidated rental car facility with approximately 14 rental car companies. To cater to the growing transportation needs of customers, a new three-story parking structure in front of Terminal 2 was also completed in 2018.

In 2021, its busiest domestic routes are Denver, Colorado, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona, Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada, San Francisco, California, Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois, Sacramento, California, San Jose, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

The airport’s busiest international destinations include San José del Cabo, Mexico, London–Heathrow, United Kingdom, Vancouver, Canada, Toronto–Pearson, Canada, Tokyo–Narita, Japan, Frankfurt, Germany, Calgary, Canada, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Zurich, Switzerland.

Transfer Services at San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport provides several modes of efficient transportation for its customers. Services to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN), including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and buses are available at the Transportation Plaza of Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international).

Rental Car Services at San Diego International Airport

All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs at SAN are in the Consolidated Rental Car Center. Free shuttles ferry customers between Terminals 1 and 2 and the Rental Car Center regularly.

The rental facility is open 24/7. See and compare all rental car companies at San Diego Airport.

Ride Shares at San Diego International Airport

The designated pick-up and drop-off areas are at T1 and T2 Transportation Plaza at the terminal grounds.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company’s app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Taxis at San Diego International Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Transportation Plaza toward the taxi stand in front of your terminal building.

One-way fare between the airport and Downtown is about $15.00, plus additional charges. If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates.

It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service. More information about taxis to and from San Diego Airport.

Trains at San Diego International Airport

Although there are no train stations at the airport, there are several nearby train connections in downtown San Diego. More information about rail connections in San Diego.

Passengers can take Bus Route No. 992 from T1 or T2 to the nearest Trolley Station at America Plaza. A one-way fare is $2.50.

Alternatively, Metrolink Trains and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner are also accessible when you get to America Plaza Trolley Station.

Buses at San Diego International Airport

For $2.50, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Public Buses MTS Route 992 and MTS Route 923 can take passengers to downtown San Diego and several areas in the region. More details about bus services to and from San Diego Airport.

Additionally, San Diego Flyer Shuttle operates between Old Town Transit Center, Terminal 1, Terminal 2 East, and Terminal 2 West, seven days a week, with buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes. The ride is free of charge.

Hotel Shuttle Services at San Diego International Airport

Many hotels in San Diego provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Transportation Plaza of T1 and T2.

Parking at San Diego International Airport

The airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces at Terminals 1 and 2. Reserved parking is also offered at the facility. These parking facilities are open 24/7.

Cash and credit card payments are accepted. More information about short and long term parking at San Diego Airport.

Other Services at San Diego International Airport

Wi-Fi at San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport is proud to offer fast, free Wi-Fi service to all travelers in the airport (#SANfreewifi).

Free sessions are two hours each, with speeds that allow you to download and stream your favorite music or movies.

If you need additional time, simply log back into another free 2-hour session.

ATMs at San Diego International Airport

ATM cash machines are located in both concourses, first-floor Baggage claim, and second-floor lobby.

• Terminal 1 East, near Gate 1,
• Terminal 1 Lobby across from Food Court
• Terminal 1 East, near Gate 5, past checkpoint
• Terminal 1 West, near Gate 13
• Terminal 2 East, Gates 20-32, pre-security
• Terminal 2 East, near Gate 23
• Terminal 2 Baggage Claim, near Carousel 4
• Terminal 2 West, near Gate 36
• Terminal 2 West, Gates 33-51

Currency Exchange at San Diego International Airport

Currency Exchange are available in five locations at the airport, namely:

• Terminal 1 Currency Exchange ATM, across from Food Court;
• Terminal 2 East Currency Exchange ATM, near Gate 23;
• Terminal 2 Baggage Claim, Kiosk across from Carousel 3;
• Terminal 2 West, Kiosk near Gate 48; and
• International Arrivals Hall, Kiosk in the Meet & Greet area.

Nursing Stations at San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport has three lactation rooms for nursing mothers. Two of them are in Terminal 1 and one is in Terminal 2.

Amenities include a handwashing station, electrical outlets, comfortable seating, artwork, a children's seat, and soft lighting.

Restrooms at San Diego International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at San Diego International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at San Diego International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at San Diego International Airport

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside the terminals. Local and State laws prohibit smoking within 25 feet of all entrances to public buildings. Please follow smoking regulations at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at San Diego International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 619-400-2140.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at the Information Desk in Terminal 1 and 2, near the Baggage Claim area. Phone: +1 619-400-2404.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned. Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at San Diego International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals. Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks is not accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at San Diego International Airport

There are two Information Desks at this airport near the Baggage Claim areas at Terminals 1 and 2. Telephone: +1 619-400-2404.

Pet Relief at San Diego International Airport

San Diego Airport's pet relief area is located inside Terminal 2. Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance.

Animals are not permitted at the airport unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at San Diego International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim area at the Ground Level of Terminals 1 and 2. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter. Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance.

Airport Lost and Found Phone: +1 619-400-2140.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at San Diego International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints can call +1 619-400-2404.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in San Diego

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in San Diego, California in the United States of America.

San Diego International Airport Contacts

Address: 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
General Phone: +1 619-400-2404
General Email: acocustomerservice@san.org
Lost and Found Email: lostandfound@san.org
Lost and Found Phone: +1 619-400-2140
Official Website: https://www.san.org/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Passengers at San Diego International Airport can access free Wi-Fi by connecting to “#SANfreewifi” at the terminals.