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Airport Transportation

San Diego International Airport

Also known as: San Diego Airport, Lindbergh Field, SAN Airport. Formerly San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field.

SAN · KSAN · San Diego

Airport facts

Name
San Diego International Airport
IATA code
SAN
ICAO code
KSAN
City
San Diego
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
32.7336, -117.1900
Time zone
America/Los_Angeles

About San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN), still widely known as Lindbergh Field, serves San Diego and southern California. It sits on San Diego Bay about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown, one of the closest big-city airports to its downtown in the United States.

Southwest is the largest airline, with about a third of passengers, and SAN is a hub for Alaska Airlines; United, Delta and American also fly here, along with a number of international flights. The airport handled about 25.3 million passengers in 2025, all on a single runway.

There are two terminals. The new Terminal 1 opened its first phase in September 2025, with more gates due by 2028, and Terminal 2 has East and West concourses and the international arrivals facility.

From the airport, travelers head downtown and to the Gaslamp Quarter, the cruise terminal, Coronado, La Jolla and the beaches, or south to the Mexican border at San Ysidro and Tijuana.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Runway

One runway, 09/27, 9,401 ft (2,865 m)

Passengers per year

About 25.3 million in 2025

Opened

August 16, 1928

Main airlines

Southwest (about a third of passengers), Alaska (hub)

Arrival tips for San Diego International Airport

Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Each has its own baggage claim and pickup zones, and drivers meet you at your terminal.

If you arrive on an international flight, you clear US Customs and Border Protection in the international arrivals facility at the southwest corner of Terminal 2. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.

Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.

Taxi and ride-app pickup zones are at both terminals, and shuttle buses run to the rental car center. MTS Route 992 runs to downtown, and the free San Diego Flyer shuttle connects with the Old Town Transit Center for trolley and train connections. The airport is close to downtown, so rides into the city are short outside rush hour.

Ground transportation

  • Private transfer from San Diego Airport

    A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you downtown, to the cruise terminal, Coronado, La Jolla or the border at San Ysidro. Handy with luggage or a group.

  • Taxi from San Diego Airport

    Taxis use the pickup zones at both terminals. The ride downtown is short.

  • MTS Route 992 bus

    Runs from both terminals to downtown every 15 minutes, from about 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

  • San Diego Flyer to Old Town

    A free shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center every 20 to 30 minutes, for the trolley, Coaster and Amtrak.

  • Rental car

    Shuttle buses run from both terminals to the consolidated rental car center.

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Moving between terminals

  1. MTS Route 992 bus

    Stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on its way downtown, every 15 minutes from about 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Terminals

Terminal 1

The new terminal, with 19 gates opened in September 2025 and more due by 2028.

Terminal 2

East and West concourses, with the international arrivals facility at the southwest corner.

Airlines and destinations

Main airlines at San Diego. Check your boarding pass for Terminal 1 or 2.

Alaska Airlines

Hub carrier at SAN, about 18% of passengers.

Airline guide

American Airlines

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines

The largest airline at SAN, about a third of passengers.

Airline guide

United Airlines

Airline guide

Facilities

  • International arrivals

    US Customs and Border Protection at the southwest corner of Terminal 2.

  • Rental car center

    A consolidated rental car facility reached by shuttle bus from both terminals.

  • Taxi and ride-app zones

    At both terminals.

  • San Diego Flyer

    Free shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center every 20 to 30 minutes.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.

  • Reduced mobility

    If you need to change terminals, tell your airline in advance so assistance can be arranged.

  • Service animals

    Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.

  • Assistance on arrival

    Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Diego airport from downtown?

San Diego International Airport is about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, on San Diego Bay. MTS Route 992 runs downtown every 15 minutes, and taxis, ride apps and pre-booked drivers make the short trip by road.

Is San Diego airport the same as Lindbergh Field?

Yes. San Diego International Airport was dedicated as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, and many locals still call it Lindbergh Field. It took its current name in 2003; the code is SAN.

How many terminals does San Diego airport have?

SAN has two terminals. The new Terminal 1 opened its first 19 gates in September 2025, with more due by 2028. Terminal 2 has East and West concourses and the international arrivals facility.

Is there a train from San Diego airport?

Not directly. The free San Diego Flyer shuttle runs every 20 to 30 minutes to the Old Town Transit Center, where you can take the trolley, Coaster or Amtrak. The nearest trolley stop, Middletown, is about 800 ft from a shuttle shelter.

Which airlines fly from San Diego?

Southwest Airlines is the largest, with about a third of passengers, and Alaska Airlines has a hub at SAN. United, Delta and American also fly here, along with international airlines.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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