Sometimes referred to as Lindbergh Field, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located 3 miles (4.8 km) north-west of the center of the city of San Diego, at the southern tip of California.
It is the United States’ busiest single runway commercial airport, handling around 18 million passengers per year. As it’s situated within a highly populated suburban area, departures are only permitted between 6:30am and 11:30pm.
San Diego International has three terminals: Terminals 1 and 2 and the Commuter Terminal. All international arrivals are handled by Terminal 2, while the Commuter Terminal services flights between San Diego and Los Angeles International Airport. The airport is relatively easy to navigate and flights are generally punctual during most of the year, however delays are common in autumn and winter when visibility is low (thanks to the mighty Santa Ana winds that sweep through the region).
Despite having only one runway, San Diego International manages to keep up with the number of passengers frequenting its terminals each year. It’s a small and clean airport with helpful staff and sufficient amenities.
Back to top
<div class="rxbodyfield">A courtesy shuttle service runs regularly between all three terminals, as well as the SAN Park parking lots.</div>
Back to top
Taxi: Numerous taxi companies operate at the Transportation Plazas outside Terminals 1 and 2. An average fare is around $10.
Airport shuttle: A number of airport shuttle services run between the terminals and surrounding areas in San Diego. The fare is approximately $15 per person.
Bus: The Metropolitan Transit’s Route 992, which stops outside Terminals 1 and 2, travels regularly between San Diego International and downtown San Diego. Journey time is 10 minutes and the fare is $2.25.
Back to top
Terminal car parks 1 and 2 are situated directly across from each terminal, while the SAN Park NTC Lot, SAN Park Harbor Drive Lot and the SAN Park Pacific Highway Lot are located further from the airport. Rates for the Terminal Lots are $2 per 30 minutes up to five hours, $21 for up to 24 hours, and $26 per each additional day. The SAN Park NTC Lot charges a daily rate of $16, while the SAN Park Harbor Drive Lot charges $17 per day and the SAN Park Pacific Highway Lot (furthest from the terminals) costs $11 per day. There is also valet parking with a daily rate of $34.
Back to top
Money and communications: The airport has ATMs, currency exchange and mailboxes.
Luggage: There is a lost-and-found office on the first floor of the baggage claim area in Terminal 2.
Conference and business: There are no business or conference facilities at San Diego International, although many nearby hotels offer business services and meeting rooms.
Other facilities: Facilities include paging services and disabled facilities.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available.
Shopping: Shopping at San Diego International is limited to a small, yet charming, array of retail outlets, including Gifts Etc., Blu Palm, Water’s Edge, Sunstyle and Images of California, most of which stock fashion and accessories. There are also a number of bookstores and newsagents, namely Baja Books, Daily News, Express Connection, Global News, San Diego News Connection and Author’s Bookstore. There are no duty-free stores.
Food and drink: Eating options at San Diego International range from eastern and Italian cuisine to grab-and-go snacks and fast foods. Restaurants and delis include Yan Can, Monet’s California Deli and Cramer’s Deli, while fast-food vendors and bistros include Chilli’s To Go, Pizza Uno, Quizno’s, McDonald’s, Nathan’s, Pizza Hut, Baja Fresh, Brioche Doree and Starbucks. There are also some bars as well, including Stauss Bar, Bloody Mary’s, Home Turf, San Diego Tap Room and NFL Bar.
Back to top
