SAN decoded: a smarter San Diego airport guide
Verify SAN, choose the correct terminal, avoid construction detours, plan security, parking, rideshare and transit, and solve common CLD/CRQ/SAT code confusion with current official-source guidance.
Check these live SAN pages before leaving
These cards intentionally open authoritative live pages instead of pretending static article data is real-time.
What is the San Diego airport code?
The San Diego airport code is SAN. SAN is the IATA abbreviation shown on airline tickets, boarding passes and baggage tags for San Diego International Airport in California. Aviation systems use the ICAO identifier KSAN, while the FAA location identifier is also SAN.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
SAN in 2026: a compact two-terminal airport handling record traffic
San Diego International is physically compact, but it is not a small travel operation. The Airport Authority reported 25.32 million passengers in 2025, the busiest year in SAN history, with 17 passenger airlines. For spring and summer 2026, the airport announced a record 87 nonstop destinations. That combination makes current terminal, curb, parking and connection information more useful than a static airport-code answer alone.
Passengers handled in 2025, a new annual SAN record.
Traffic contextTerminal 1 and Terminal 2; T2 is divided into East and West airline/checkpoint areas.
NavigationRunway 09/27 means airfield disruptions can affect the whole commercial operation.
OperationsRecord spring/summer 2026 network announced by the Airport Authority.
2026 networkWhy is San Diego International Airport abbreviated SAN?
SAN is a straightforward location abbreviation derived from San Diego. The airport opened in 1928 as Lindbergh Field, named in connection with aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh. The current official name is San Diego International Airport, while the historic Lindbergh Field name still appears in older travel material and local references.
Lindbergh Field
The airport’s original name remains useful when interpreting older maps, hotel directions or historic references.
Passenger-facing code
Today, passengers should use SAN for flight searches and reservations; KSAN is primarily an aviation-operational identifier.
SAN vs CLD, CRQ and SAT: do not book the wrong airport
The suggested searches around “San Diego airport code CLD” and “San Antonio airport code” reflect two common errors. The codes below refer to different airports and, in the case of SAT, a different state.
| Code | Airport / meaning | Location | Use this when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN | San Diego International Airport | San Diego, California | You are booking the main commercial airport serving central San Diego. |
| KSAN | ICAO code for San Diego International | San Diego, California | You are reading aviation weather, flight planning or pilot information. |
| CLD | IATA location code associated with McClellan-Palomar | Carlsbad / North County San Diego region | A system specifically identifies McClellan-Palomar; do not substitute it for SAN. |
| CRQ / KCRQ | FAA / ICAO identifiers for McClellan-Palomar | Carlsbad, California | You are using current FAA or aviation references for McClellan-Palomar. |
| SAT | San Antonio International Airport | San Antonio, Texas | Your trip is to San Antonio, Texas—not San Diego. |
San Diego International Airport terminal guide: T1, T2 East and T2 West
SAN has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is further organized as East and West. The first 19-gate phase of the new Terminal 1 opened on September 23, 2025; Phase 1B is adding 11 gates and is planned for completion in 2028. During this transition, airline locations and surface routes have changed.
Terminal 1: use the live airline directory, not an old list
Current Airport Authority information places Air Canada, Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country and WestJet in Terminal 1. Air Canada and WestJet moved from T2 on January 14, 2026; Air Canada uses Gates 116–117 and WestJet Gate 118 according to the official move notice.
Terminal 2: confirm the East or West side
T2 serves major domestic and international airlines and has separate East and West checkpoint areas based on airline location. Assignments have shifted during the New T1 rollout, so the operating airline directory should be treated as the final source for check-in desk, baggage claim and terminal side.
Use the official airline directory only after identifying your operating carrier; use the indoor map once you know the terminal or gate.
New Terminal 1 opened in 2025—Phase 1B construction continues through 2028
The first new-T1 phase opened with 19 gates in September 2025. The Airport Authority says Phase 1B will add 11 more gates for a 30-gate Terminal 1, along with customer lounges, a children’s play area and additional concessions. The original Terminal 1 has permanently closed and is being demolished as part of the next phase.
Phase 1A gates
The initial new terminal is already operating; do not follow directions to the former T1 building.
Phase 1B gates
Eleven additional gates are planned in the second phase.
Final T1 gate count
Phase 1B will bring the new Terminal 1 to 30 gates when complete.
Construction horizon
Phase 1B and the current T1↔T2 surface detours are planned through 2028.
Driving to SAN: the T1↔T2 road and sidewalk are closed during Phase 1B
The former roadway and sidewalk directly connecting Terminals 1 and 2 closed for construction in September 2025. Drivers moving from T1 toward T2 should not try to follow an old airport loop map.
The official construction notice contains the current two-driver detours. The general directions page is useful for I-5, SR-163, I-8 and I-15 approaches.
How to move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 during construction
Use the complimentary Inter-Terminal Shuttle
The Airport Authority lists daily shuttle service from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m. and provides a live tracker. With the connecting sidewalk closed, this is the airport’s recommended pedestrian transfer.
Official shuttle hoursAssume you may need TSA screening again
Do not plan a T1↔T2 connection as though there is a guaranteed secure-side walkway. Follow the operating airline’s instructions; when the transfer is landside, add shuttle, walking, bag-drop cutoff and TSA time.
Protect much more time
The second airline may require a new check-in and may not protect you if the first flight arrives late. Confirm whether baggage transfers or must be collected and rechecked.
Use the signed detour—not the closed connector
Follow the official detour via Harbor Island Drive/N. Harbor Drive/Spanish Landing or the airport recirculation roadway.
Check the live shuttle tracker shortly before transferring; roadway construction can affect surface timing.
Build a practical SAN travel plan
These calculators run entirely in your browser. They are planning aids—not airline guarantees.
Airport-code checker
Type SAN, KSAN, CLD, CRQ or SAT to identify the airport before booking.
Recommended terminal-arrival time
Parking cost & recommendation
Pickup-readiness checker
SAN security: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, REAL ID and overnight gate closure
Domestic planning baseline
SAN recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic travel. Add extra time for parking, bag drop, rental-car return or assistance.
International baseline
Use at least three hours before an international departure, then check the operating airline’s own document and bag-drop deadlines.
REAL ID and TSA Confirm ID
REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025. A passport and other TSA-approved IDs remain accepted alternatives. TSA’s fee-based Confirm ID option began February 1, 2026 for some travelers unable to present accepted ID.
| Option | Where | Traveler action |
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 | Add the Known Traveler Number to the reservation and verify PreCheck on the boarding pass. |
| CLEAR+ | Official dedicated security page currently lists Terminal 2 East | Published hours: 4:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. daily; membership required. Confirm staffed lane on travel day. |
| TSA Cares | Security assistance | Contact at least 72 hours before travel for disability, medical-condition or special-screening support. |
Liquids
Standard carry-on liquid containers are limited to 3.4 oz / 100 mL in the quart-size bag, with applicable medical and infant-item exceptions.
Lithium batteries
SAN’s TSA reminders direct passengers to keep lithium batteries in carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage.
Laptops
Standard screening may require laptops to be removed; eligible TSA PreCheck travelers follow the instructions for their lane.
Use the dedicated SAN security page for current expedited-screening information; use TSA for accepted ID and item-specific rules.
One runway and an 11:30 p.m.–6:30 a.m. departure curfew
SAN operates a single runway, Runway 09/27, approximately 9,401 × 200 feet. Airport security guidance says departures occur without penalty between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.; the airport’s noise program describes the overnight departure curfew from 11:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.. This is not a blanket airport closure and should not be read as an equivalent ban on arrivals.
Single commercial runway
Weather, visibility and air-traffic constraints on the one runway can affect the airport-wide operation.
Late departure risk
A flight delayed close to the curfew can face additional operational constraints. The airline remains the source for rebooking and departure status.
Early departures
Morning flight time does not equal counter-opening time. Confirm bag drop and ticket-counter opening with your airline.
International arrivals at SAN: first ask whether your flight was U.S.-precleared
CBP inspection comes before public pickup
Follow signs into the federal inspection area. Complete immigration/entry processing, collect bags as instructed, complete customs requirements and exit into the public arrivals area. If connecting, follow the airline’s bag-recheck and security instructions.
Your arrival sequence may be closer to a domestic arrival
Some Canadian origins complete U.S. entry inspection before departure. SAN’s January 2026 Air Canada/WestJet notice specifically identifies multiple precleared Canadian cities. Do not automatically plan a Terminal 2 customs pickup just because the flight is international.
Mobile Passport Control can simplify eligible entry processing
Use CBP’s official app/process only if your traveler category and arrival are eligible. Follow CBP instructions; do not submit competing entry processes for the same arrival.
Use Global Entry if eligible
SAN lists a Global Entry enrollment office by appointment and Enrollment on Arrival for qualifying international passengers. Program eligibility and interview availability come from CBP.
Use CBP for entry-program rules; use SAN’s airline directory for the current arrival terminal and baggage location.
How to get from SAN to downtown, Old Town, the Trolley or a rental car
MTS Route 992: direct airport bus to downtown
Route 992 serves both terminals and downtown. SAN’s public-transit page lists daily service about 4:15 a.m.–midnight, generally every 15 minutes, and MTS lists the adult one-way fare as $2.50. The official 2026 route PDF places both airport stops on 2nd Level Departures.
San Diego Flyer: free shuttle to Old Town
The electric Flyer links T1, T2 and Old Town Transit Center. The official schedule shows the first Old Town departure at 4:50 a.m. (T1 5:05, T2 5:10) and the last at 12:20 a.m. (T1 12:35, T2 12:40). It can also stop on request near Admiral Boland Way/Palm Street for the Middletown Trolley connection.
There is no Trolley station inside SAN
For the Trolley, connect via Route 992 downtown or take the Flyer toward Old Town/Middletown. Do not search for a “SAN Airport Trolley station” inside either terminal.
Uber, Lyft, Wingz and PrimeTime
SAN currently authorizes these rideshare operators. T1: after baggage claim, use the pedestrian crosswalk and follow signed pickup directions. T2: use the main crosswalk to the Transportation Plaza; rideshare pickup is in the second lane.
Rental Car Center
All airport rental-car pickup and drop-off occurs at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. Complimentary terminal shuttles run 24/7; individual rental-company counters may have different operating hours and after-hours procedures.
Route 910 is not the airport bus
Route 910 is an overnight border/downtown service. SAN explains that it can connect with Route 992 during overlapping hours, but it does not replace the airport terminal stop service.
Choose 992 for a direct airport↔downtown bus, Flyer for free Old Town access, and the Rental Car Center shuttle for rental cars.
SAN public-transit details that are easy to miss on a route map
MTS Route 992 PDF: the airport stop is upstairs on Departures level
The current 2026 MTS Route 992 timetable explicitly places both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 bus stops on 2nd Level Departures. That matters because a newly arrived passenger standing at baggage claim can otherwise look for 992 on the wrong level.
The PDF also maps connections at Santa Fe Depot/America Plaza and Courthouse, and points riders to OneBusAway for real-time arrivals.
San Diego Flyer PDF: exact first and last Old Town trips
The airport’s published daily timetable starts at 4:50 a.m. from Old Town, reaching T1 at 5:05 and T2 at 5:10. Its final listed Old Town departure is 12:20 a.m., reaching T1 at 12:35 and T2 at 12:40. The timetable is not perfectly uniform all day, so use the actual schedule rather than assuming an exact 20-minute interval.
The airport’s courtesy-shuttle page also provides a live Flyer tracker. Check it before walking to the stop.
SAN parking rates, clearances, reservations, EV charging and terminal choice
| Option | Published price | Use it for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 Parking Plaza | $3 / 15 min · $40 daily max | T1 convenience, covered parking, EV | Directly across from T1. If flying from T2, the airport directs you to T1 curb and the Inter-Terminal Shuttle. |
| T2 Parking Plaza | $3 / 15 min · $40 daily max | T2 short or long stays | Directly across from T2; reservation stalls are not individually assigned. |
| Valet | $60 / day | Fast curbside handoff | Official page lists T1 curbside Zone J and T2 curbside Zone W for valet reservation handoff. |
| Cell Phone Lot | Free | Waiting for an arriving passenger | 2311 McCain Road; one-hour parking limit. |
EV charging cost
Current official rate: $1 per charging session + $0.55/kWh. Charger count/availability can change, so use posted information rather than relying on a fixed count.
Garage clearances
T1: up to 9 ft 6 in on Level 1; under 8 ft 4 in on Levels 2–5. T2: 8 ft 2 in. Verify signage before entering with a tall van or roof load.
Free tire inflation
The airport lists a no-cost tire-inflation station near the parking-plaza exit on Level 1, plus luggage carts on all garage levels.
Use the parking page for current availability and reservation inventory. A reservation marked sold out does not necessarily mean every physical drive-up space is occupied.
SAN parking reservation says sold out—or the QR code will not scan: what to do
“Sold Out” online does not always mean the garage is physically full
The airport says reservation inventory and drive-up capacity are different. Call SP+ Parking at 619-291-2087 24/7 to ask whether drive-up stalls remain before driving in.
You have a reservation but drive-up signs say full
Official guidance says the reservation is still honored. Follow the entry ramp toward upper levels and show the reservation to the parking attendant.
T2 plate recognition does not open the gate
- Wait about 30 seconds for plate recognition.
- Have the reservation QR code ready.
- If using a phone, switch display from dark mode to light mode.
- Scan at the bottom-left entry-column scanner.
You pulled a ticket because the QR failed
Keep both the ticket and reservation QR code. At exit, use the help/telephone button or show staff. The airport specifically warns not to pay again at a pay station or exit, because that can cause double payment.
Need to change a reservation?
Use “Manage My Reservation.” The airport says edits can be made up to 24 hours before the reservation start; same-day new-reservation restrictions can prevent a same-day date/time change.
Parking longer than planned?
The system can charge the applicable daily rate for an overstay. Reservation adjustments generally cannot be made after the reservation start time.
These are operational troubleshooting instructions from SAN’s parking FAQ—not general parking advice.
Passenger pickup, drop-off, Cell Phone Lot and unaccompanied-minor meetings
Dropping someone off
- Confirm the operating airline and terminal.
- Follow current construction/lane signs.
- Use the designated terminal curb for active unloading.
- Keep the driver with the vehicle and leave promptly.
Picking someone up
- Track actual arrival, not scheduled arrival.
- Wait until the passenger has deplaned and collected baggage.
- Get the exact terminal and meeting point.
- Use the free Cell Phone Lot instead of circling.
Meeting a regular arriving passenger
If you prefer an indoor meeting point, the airport’s Information Desks in the T1 and T2 baggage-claim areas are practical public landmarks.
Picking up or dropping off an unaccompanied minor
Do not use SAN Pass for this purpose. Coordinate directly with the airline. Airline procedures may include an airline-issued gate pass or an airline representative meeting the child.
Wheelchair assistance, TSA Cares, SAN Assist and accessible ground travel
Airline wheelchair assistance
The operating airline—not SAN Assist—arranges wheelchair and boarding help. Request it before travel and explain whether you need curb-to-counter, gate, aircraft-seat, connection or baggage-claim assistance.
TSA Cares
For screening support related to disability, medical condition or special needs, contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before travel: 855-787-2227.
SAN Assist
SAN Assist supports travelers with non-visible disabilities such as autism, chronic illness or sensory sensitivities. It is separate from airline wheelchair service.
SAN Assist Travel Guide
Request at least three business days ahead. Current Airport Authority hours are generally 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, subject to availability.
Familiarization tour
Designed for travelers who benefit from practicing the airport journey in advance. SAN recommends requesting a tour about two to three weeks ahead; tours are normally weekdays during business hours.
MTS says buses on all routes are accessible via lift or ramp.
Free terminal↔Rental Car Center shuttle runs 24/7; arrange rental-company assistance separately when needed.
Facility-related ADA/Title VI contact: 619-400-2482.
Use SAN accessibility for airport-facility/SAN Assist support, the operating airline for flight assistance, and TSA Cares for screening support.
Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, pet relief, luggage carts, charging, bike lockers and military USO
SAN publishes free two-hour Wi-Fi sessions; reconnect for more time. Select the current official SAN network displayed at the airport rather than a similarly named unknown network.
Six post-security locations are published across T1 and T2 West, with handwashing, outlets, seating and soft lighting.
Post-security: T1 across from Gate 117 and T2 near Gate 46, plus outdoor Ground Transportation Plaza areas.
Free for arriving passengers in the International Arrivals Hall; fee-based carts are available in parking, terminal-entry and baggage-claim areas.
Free local calls are available for 619, 858 and 760 area codes from courtesy phones throughout the terminals.
FuelRod stations are available in both terminals; SAN currently lists the portable unit purchase at $25.
Two lockers are published; online signup is required and there is a $25 refundable key deposit.
Located on arrival/departure levels in both terminals and at the Rental Car Center; use the indoor map for exact position.
Do not use a static restaurant-hours table. Search SAN’s current Shop & Dine directory because concession hours change.
Published nursing-room locations
| Area | Location |
|---|---|
| T1 Level 1 | Near baggage claim units 3 and 8 |
| T1 Level 2 | Across from Gate 118; across from Dining Hall / near Gate 114; near Gate 108 |
| T2 West Level 2 | Near Gates 34–35 |
Does San Diego Airport have showers?
SAN does not advertise general public terminal showers. The USO Neil Ash Airport Center does list showers and toiletries, but access is for eligible active-duty, Guard and Reserve service members and dependents in transit, with retirees admitted space-available at staff discretion.
Outside Terminal 2 across Airport Terminal Road; follow signs and the sky bridge. Published hours: Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; weekends 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Confirm before relying on the facility.
Use the official services page for facility details and the indoor map for exact current location. Use the USO page for eligibility and hours.
SAN Pass: useful for gate visits—but not for every pickup situation
SAN Pass allows approved non-ticketed visitors to enter post-security areas of Terminals 1 and 2, subject to daily capacity and TSA approval. It is useful for seeing off or greeting many travelers, but it is not a substitute for airline procedures involving an unaccompanied minor or the secure international-arrivals process.
Apply same day or up to 7 days ahead
If a date cannot be selected, SAN says that day’s pass allocation has already been filled.
Same-day review
Same-day applicants typically receive an approval email in about 15 minutes; advance approvals are sent after midnight on the visit day.
Mobile PDF required
Open the approved PDF attachment on a mobile device. The airport says printed SAN Pass copies are not accepted.
| Situation | Can SAN Pass help? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Meet regular domestic traveler at gate | Potentially, if approved | Apply, use general screening and carry accepted photo ID. |
| Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR | No | SAN Pass holders use general screening only, 4 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Pick up unaccompanied minor | No | Coordinate directly with the airline for its minor/gate-pass procedure. |
| Meet international arrival inside CBP | No | Meet in the public international-arrivals lobby after the traveler clears CBP. |
| Visit an airline lounge | No | SAN says lounges remain for eligible ticketed passengers, not SAN Pass visitors. |
Read the current pass rules immediately before applying because capacity and security restrictions can change.
Watch: how the free San Diego Flyer connects SAN with Old Town
This airport-linked video is relevant if you are deciding whether to use the free Flyer instead of Route 992, rideshare or a rental car. The current SAN page lists Flyer service daily from 4:50 a.m. to 12:20 a.m. and provides a live tracker.
Use SAN’s courtesy-shuttle page for the live tracker and latest operating hours.
Lost baggage or item at SAN: the location determines who can help
| Where it was lost | First contact | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| On the aircraft, airline counter or checked baggage | Operating airline | Flight number/date, seat or counter, bag tag if applicable, detailed item description. |
| TSA checkpoint | SAN Lost & Found | SAN says checkpoint items are transferred to airport Lost & Found within 24 hours. |
| Public terminal/restroom, Terminal Loop, airport parking | SAN Lost & Found | Terminal/area, date, approximate time and distinctive details. |
| Rental Car Center shuttle | SAN Lost & Found | Shuttle direction, approximate time and terminal/Rental Car Center stop. |
| Inside a rental vehicle | Rental car company | Rental agreement/vehicle and return time. |
SAN Lost & Found office
Terminal 2, Ground Level
3707 N. Harbor Drive, Suite 109
San Diego, CA 92101
Pickup / phone
Appointment pickup is currently listed daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
619-400-2140
Before leaving for San Diego International Airport
- Verify the booking says SAN, not SAT or another regional code.
- Confirm the operating airline and current terminal.
- Check live departure/arrival status.
- Review airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs.
- Add T1↔T2 shuttle time if changing terminals.
- Reserve parking when airport availability is tight.
- Use the Cell Phone Lot for arrival waiting.
- Check TSA ID and battery/liquid rules.
- Arrange airline wheelchair assistance in advance.
- Request SAN Assist early if needed.
- Keep medication and travel documents in carry-on baggage.
- Check late-night plans against SAN’s gate-area closure and departure curfew.
San Diego International Airport location and useful contacts
San Diego, CA 92101
Frequently asked questions about San Diego airport code
What is the San Diego airport code?
What does SAN stand for on a boarding pass?
What is the ICAO code for San Diego International Airport?
Is SAN an international airport?
Is CLD the San Diego airport code?
What is the airport code for San Antonio, Texas?
Is San Diego airport called Lindbergh Field?
How many terminals does San Diego Airport have?
Which airlines use Terminal 1 at SAN?
How do I move between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at SAN?
Is there a post-security walkway between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2?
How early should I arrive at San Diego Airport?
Can I stay overnight after security at SAN?
Does San Diego Airport have a flight curfew?
Does SAN have only one runway?
How much is parking at San Diego Airport?
Where is the SAN Cell Phone Lot?
Where do I pick up Uber or Lyft at SAN?
Is there a free shuttle from SAN to public transit?
Does the San Diego Flyer go to downtown?
What is MTS Route 992?
Does SAN have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
What is SAN Assist?
Can a non-ticketed visitor go through security at SAN?
Where is San Diego Airport Lost and Found?
Where does MTS Route 992 stop at San Diego Airport?
Does the San Diego Trolley stop directly at SAN airport?
If SAN parking reservations say sold out, is the garage definitely full?
What should I do if my Terminal 2 parking reservation QR code will not scan?
Should I use SAN Pass to pick up an unaccompanied minor?
Is the road between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 open?
Does San Diego Airport have public showers?
Official sources and update policy
Fast-changing airport facts are checked against official airport, FAA, TSA, CBP and transit sources. Same-day flight, terminal, construction, parking and security information should always be reconfirmed at the linked official source.