SAN · San Diego, CA · Large Hub

San Diego International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for San Diego International Airport (SAN), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
  • Minimum connection time: 35 min domestic, 1 hr 15 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 1 hr 30 min before domestic, 2 hr 30 min before international
  • To San Diego: about 10 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes

Terminals & connections

San Diego International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. T1 and T2 are not airside-connected; shuttle + re-security required.

Terminal 1

4 airlines: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest dominant.

Terminal 2 (East/West)

8 airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, and more

T2 West is international; T2 East is domestic non-Southwest.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
35 min
Domestic to international
1 hr
International to domestic
1 hr 15 min
International to international
1 hr 15 min
Transfer system
Free SAN shuttle bus between T1 and T2 (landside)
Airside connected
No

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave SAN.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at SAN is 25 minutes at peak and 5 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 30 min before a domestic flight and 2 hr 30 min before international.

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Lounges

1 notable lounge at SAN, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

USO SAN

Terminal 2 West

Military

Access: Military ID

Amenities: Quiet room

Amenities

4 of 7 core amenities available at SAN: free WiFi, nursing rooms, chapel, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Not available

Sleep pods

Not available

WiFi

Free (good)

Nursing rooms

Available

Both terminals

Chapel

Available

Terminal 2

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas

Dining highlights

Terminal 2: Stone Brewing, Phil's BBQ

Ground transport to San Diego

SAN is about 10 min from downtown San Diego by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
Downtown is 3 miles away.
 $15-$30 10-20 min
MTS Route 992
Bus
To downtown/Santa Fe Depot.
 $2-$3 15-25 min

Parking

SAN parking ranges from $15/day economy to $32/day short-term.

Short-term
$32/day
Long-term
$20/day
Economy
$15/day
Valet
Not available

Can I leave SAN during a layover?

Yes, SAN is close enough to San Diego that a 3-hour layover is workable. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of San Diego. Round-trip to the city center is about 20 min plus re-screening on return.

SAN is one of the closest major airports to its downtown. 3+ hour layovers can easily do the Gaslamp Quarter or Embarcadero.

Overnight layover hotels

  • Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
    5-min shuttle
    $$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at SAN?

Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight from SAN, and 150 minutes before an international flight.

What is the minimum connection time at SAN?

SAN requires at least 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 75 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. SAN terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: Free SAN shuttle bus between T1 and T2 (landside).

How long does it take to get between terminals at SAN?

Budget 8 min for same-terminal transfers and 20 min for different-terminal transfers at SAN via Free SAN shuttle bus between T1 and T2 (landside). T1 and T2 are not airside-connected; shuttle + re-security required.

Can I leave SAN during a 3-hour layover?

Yes, SAN is close enough to San Diego that 3-hour layovers are workable. Round-trip to the city center is about 20 minutes plus re-screening. SAN is one of the closest major airports to its downtown. 3+ hour layovers can easily do the Gaslamp Quarter or Embarcadero.

Does SAN have showers?

SAN does not have dedicated public showers. Paid lounge access is typically required for shower facilities.

Does SAN have sleep pods?

SAN does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.

Is WiFi free at SAN?

Yes. SAN offers free WiFi throughout the airport.

What is the cheapest way to get from SAN to San Diego?

The cheapest option is typically MTS Route 992 at $2-$3, taking 15-25 minutes. To downtown/Santa Fe Depot.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at SAN?

SAN supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 25 minutes.

Where should I eat at SAN during a layover?

Notable dining at SAN includes Stone Brewing (Terminal 2), Phil's BBQ (Terminal 2).

How much does parking cost at SAN?

SAN parking rates: $32/day short-term, $20/day long-term, $15/day economy. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.

Is there a hotel at SAN for overnight layovers?

The closest option is Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina (5-min shuttle, $$). Budget time for the shuttle or rideshare in your overnight plan.

Which terminal does my airline use at SAN?

SAN has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines; Terminal 2 (East/West): American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at SAN?

Yes. Pet relief areas.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at SAN?

Yes. Terminal 2.

Compare SAN to other airports

See how SAN ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.

Best for layovers SAN ranks well for quick layovers With sleep pods See which airports offer capsule hotels and nap rooms Shortest MCT SAN dom-to-dom: 35 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr 15 min

Airlines operating at SAN

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of SAN.

Pack for your San Diego trip

Destination packing lists for cities served by SAN.

Compare other airports

Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with San Diego International Airport before flying.