San Diego International Airport Parking

Checking out parking options in San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

You just hit the internet jackpot – in this guide, you’ll get all the SAN parking info you could possibly need, plus some really useful info on facilities, amenities and food and drink at this awesome airport. In other words, keep it right here if you want to prep the perfect San Diego International Airport pre-flight experience.

But maybe you’re rolling into San Diego a little early and want to soak up some of the city’s special delights before you take off? If you’re nodding your head, there’s plenty to do here.

To start with, you can unleash your wild side at San Diego Zoo. There are more than 3,700 creatures here from every corner of the earth – from curious penguins and cute pandas to fierce lions and elegant elephants. Next, you might want to take a stroll in the lush surroundings of Balboa Park – it’s packed with museums, gardens, and theaters as well as trees and bushes! And if you really want to get out into the great outdoors, take a hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve. Torrey Pines are the rarest trees in the world and when you’re finished hugging them, you can also surf and sunbathe.

How about a historical attraction that really floats your boat? The USS Midway is a massive aircraft carrier that’s now a museum and when you visit, you’ll learn all about its amazing history and even see planes that used to park onboard before zooming off on dangerous missions. Alternatively, for some European culture transplanted Stateside, stroll around San Diego’s Little Italy, and enjoy the continental sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. Meanwhile, the Gaslamp Quarter has lots of lovely Victorian-era architecture.

You can also combine history and scenery at the Cabrillo National Monument (site of Point Loma Lighthouse) and hop on the ferry to Coronado Island (a real blissful sanctuary you won’t forget in a hurry).

Find the best deals at San Diego International Airport

When you’re committed to finding great airport parking deals at SAN, sometimes it’s tough knowing exactly where to start. However, congrats if you’ve found this well-informed blog near the start of your quest, because (in our humble opinion), it’ll tick all the essential boxes.

In general though, it’s good form when looking for SAN airport parking to book in advance, consider off-site parking, keep an eye out for coupons and discounts and sharing a ride with friends and relatives (if you’re comfortable doing so).

Compare parking at San Diego International Airport

There are a total of 12,800 parking spaces at San Diego International Airport (SAN). You won’t struggle for a space and this ample parking provision is just part of the evolution of an airport that’s been serving this stunning part of the world for the best part of a century.

Established in 1928 as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field (named after legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh), it was originally situated on Pacific Highway, on the north side of the field.

A new terminal was opened in 1967, a second followed in 1979 and the airport opened a commuter terminal in 1996. In 2003, the airport assumed the name San Diego International Airport and today it’s the USA’s busiest single-runway commercial airport.

Linking San Diego and its environs to over 60 destinations in North and Central America, SAN has significant economic clout – contributing $10 billion in economic activity and supporting 30,000 jobs.

SAN is also doing its bit in terms of reducing its environmental impacts, by using energy-efficient lighting and introducing recycling programs for construction and solar panels

What parking is there at San Diego International Airport?

One option we’ve not mentioned so far is booking your parking through a comparison site or app. For instance, APH and Looking4Parking offer SAN parking discounts for groups like seniors, military personnel, and AAA members.

Right now, though, please take a look at your official San Diego International Airport parking provision.

Terminal 1 Parking Garage

This parking garage has 4000 spaces and is right next to Terminal 1, so super-convenient. If you want to roll into a bay with no hassle and stroll into departures, this is a great choice.

Terminal 2 Parking Garage

With 2,900 spaces, this garage is right next to Terminal 2 and there’s a daily flat rate for fees. Again, it’s a good choice when convenience and proximity are priorities.

Short-term parking lot

With 1500 spaces, this lot is located close outside Terminal 1 and it’s the best choice if you’re dropping off or picking up passengers at SAN. Rates are charged per 30 minutes.

Economy parking lot

Just a short walk from Terminal 1, the Economy Parking lot has 4400 spaces and (as you’d imagine), it’s the top choice for thrifty travelers.

Getting to San Diego International Airport

Another great thing about San Diego International Airport is that it’s really easy to get to from a wide range of locations.

For instance, if you’re driving from La Jolla, take Interstate 5 (I-5) south for 10 miles, take exit 16 for Harbor Drive and then follow this road to SAN.

Meanwhile, if you’re rolling in from Coronado, drive along the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge to I-5 south, then take exit 16 for Harbor Drive and follow Harbor Drive to the airport.

From Point Loma, take Rosecrans Street east to I-5 south for two miles before taking exit 16 for Harbor Drive and following the airport signs.

And from Downtown San Diego, take I-8 east to I-5 south and follow I-5 south for 5 miles before leaving at exit 16 and following the final directions above.

Facilities at San Diego International Airport

Whether you’re waiting at SAN for an hour or so, or a little longer, facilities and amenities are great.

For starters, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, which means you can double-check those business emails and keep sending selfies to your social media accounts! There are also plenty of ATMs throughout the airport and currency exchange kiosks if you need to swap your dollars for something a little more exotic.

With restrooms located all over the complex, you’ll never shift nervously from foot to foot when nature calls and if you’re traveling with babies in tow, there are comfortable nursing rooms throughout SAN. The airport is also peppered with pet relief areas and comfy lounges where you can relax away from the busy terminal concourse, treat yourself to plush seating, and enjoy top of the range food and drinks.

Ride hailing services like Lyft and Uber are also available at the airport, there’s public transportation to downtown San Diego and SAN provides a range of accessibility services for travelers who need extra assistance or are disabled – hearing assistance, wheelchair assistance and ambulifts are available.

But how about a spot of pre-flight retail therapy? The choice of shops at SAN is superb and there’s really something to suit anyone.

If you’re partial to a tipple, there’s Spirit Halloween, Total Wine and BevMo! , while you can stock up on sensual lingerie in Victoria’s Secret, cool shades in Sunglass Hut and fresh threads in Macy’s. You’ll also find a number of souvenir shops where you can buy keepsakes for attractions like San Diego Zoo, the USS Medway, and the city itself.

Other retailers at SAN include electronics stores, bookshops, and newsstands.

If you want to relax with a drink (or three) before you board, sample some delicious craft beers at Craft Brews on 30th St, or fine wine at Prado at the Airport. And as well as snacks and sandwiches, Jetbox serves a variety of cocktails, wines and beers.

When you’re peckish, Jack in the Box serves juicy burgers, crisp fries and hearty breakfasts, and Fresh Attraction offers salads, smoothies and fresh fruit juices, and Einstein Bros Bagels sells breakfast items, sandwiches and (naturally) tasty bagels too.

You can also grab farm-to-table dishes made from local ingredients at Bankers Hill Bar & Market, quick snacks and cold beers at Ciao Gourmet Market, and lip-smacking smoked meats and sides at Phil’s BBQ. Alternatively, Tommy V’s Pizzeria has all your disc-shaped Italian delicacies (as well as pastas and salads) and Pannakin Coffee & Tea is terrific for your caffeine fix. Another great alternative for burgers is the trendy Urban Crave, while Saffron Thai serves excellent Asian dishes, desserts and appetizers.