About San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Known locally as Lindbergh Field, San Diego International Airport serves its namesake city in southern California. Our San Diego International Airport guide provides information relating to terminal facilities, public transport routes and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news:

There are currently proposals to relocate the airport due to anticipated congestion over the next decade. A new centralised car hire facility opened in January 2016.

Information:

There are two information desks at the airport, located in the Terminal 1 and 2 baggage claim areas (tel: +1 619 400 2404). Volunteer Airport Ambassadors are also on hand to provide additional information, and are recognisable by their green polo shirts with 'airport information' written on them.

Website:

Driving directions:

San Diego International Airport is served by Interstate 5 with connections to SR163, Interstate 8 and Interstate 15.

From central San Diego, take Interstate 5 northbound, exit at 'Airport/Hawthorn Street', follow signs onto westbound Hawthorn Street, continue to North Harbor Drive and turn right for the airport.

Transfer between terminals:

The courtesy Airport Loop shuttle service provides free, 24-hour transportation between all terminals and the car parks.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:The Flyer Route 992 (tel: +1 619 557 4555; www.sdmts.com) runs between the airport and central San Diego (journey time: 20 minutes; fare: US$2.25), stopping at the Santa Fe depot for connections to trains linking North County to San Diego, and the Amtrak train station for nationwide services. Buses also connect to San Diego's trolley service.

Taxi:Taxi, limousine and shuttle bus services to hotels and central San Diego destinations are available from the 'transportation plazas' in front of each terminal. The fare to downtown San Diego is around US$12, and the trip takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Terminal facilities

Money:

ATMs are available throughout the terminal buildings. Bureaux de change facilities are located in Terminals 1 and 2 only.

Food:

There are more than 30 bars, fast-food outlets, coffee shops, snack bars and restaurants at San Diego International Airport. The majority are located in Terminals 1 and 2, while there is one snack bar/restaurant in the Commuter Terminal.

Shopping:

There are a variety of shops at San Diego International Airport offering giftware, souvenirs, newspapers and books. These can be found in Terminals 1 and 2 – the Commuter Terminal houses just a couple of newsagents. There are no duty-free shops at the airport.

Luggage:

A lost and found office (tel: +1 619 400 2140) is located in the baggage claim area of Terminal 2. Use of a luggage trolley costs US$4.

Other:

AED (defibrillator) units are installed throughout the terminals. Bicycle storage lockers are available (for a small deposit). Shoeshine kiosks are situated in Terminals 1 and 2.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

San Diego International Airport does not have a dedicated business centre. Several airlines provide club lounges for members and business-class passengers. The nearby Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina (tel: +1 619 291 2900; www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com) has a business centre, a wide range of meeting rooms, a ballroom and an exhibition hall accommodating up to 2,000 delegates.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout San Diego International Airport (the first 30 minutes of which are free of charge). Post boxes are located immediately outside the main terminal buildings and public-use telephones can be found throughout the airport.

Disabled facilities:

Facilities for disabled passengers travelling through the airport include lifts, TDD phones and fully accessible toilets. The inter-terminal shuttle and Flyer Route bus are wheelchair-accessible. Disabled parking is available in all terminal car parks.

Passengers requiring wheelchairs and special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel, but on-site assistance is available from volunteer airport ambassadors throughout San Diego International Airport, and by calling from any courtesy or TDD telephone.

Car parking:

Car parks are located in front of each terminal, with short- and long-term rates available. Long-term parking is available at 3302 Pacific Highway, connected to the airport by a free, 24-hour shuttle. There is a 50-space 'cellphone lot' for drivers meeting arriving passengers, and 'valet' parking is available.

Car rental:

Car hire companies serving San Diego International Airport are numerous, including: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty, as well as a whole host of local operators. All are located in the new consolidated rental car centre, which is linked to the terminal by free shuttle buses.