How much is a taxi from SAN to downtown San Diego?

Taxi fares: about $20–$30 to downtown. The ride takes 10–20 min depending on traffic.

How far is SAN from downtown San Diego?

About 3 miles, or 10–20 min by taxi.

Which airlines fly from SAN?

Airlines at SAN include Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Hawaiian Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Breeze Airways, Air Canada, WestJet, Copa Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM and Japan Airlines. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave SAN on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown San Diego, an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at SAN?

Delta Sky Club and United Club (Terminal 2 West); Chase Sapphire Lounge (Terminal 2 West); Aspire Lounge (Terminal 2 East, Priority Pass); No lounges yet in the new Terminal 1.

Is there a hotel at SAN?

No hotel inside the terminals; Harbor Island hotels, a few minutes away, run free shuttles.

How long do I need to connect at SAN?

We recommend at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our SAN connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at SAN?

Long-term lot with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at SAN?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection. International flights arrive at Terminal 2 West.

How do I find cheap flights from San Diego?

Add SAN as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from San Diego drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

San Diego · airport guide

San Diego Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at SAN?

Yes. The new Terminal 1 isn't connected to Terminal 2 inside security: changing terminals means leaving security, taking the free loop shuttle (or walking) and going through TSA again. A secure connector to Terminal 2 East is under construction and due around 2029. Terminal 2 East and West are linked inside security.

San Diego International Airport has Terminal 1 (new in September 2025) and Terminal 2 (East and West). The quickest way from SAN to downtown San Diego is the MTS Route 992 bus (about 15 minutes, $2.50).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown San Diego

15 min

MTS Route 992 bus, $2.50

Taxi

10–20 min

about $20–$30 to downtown

Connecting here

50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from SAN to downtown San Diego is the MTS Route 992 bus (about 15 minutes, $2.50). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Southwest, Alaska, American, Delta and United.

Terminals: Terminal 1 (new in September 2025) and Terminal 2 (East and West)
Taxi: 10–20 min, about $20–$30 to downtown
Distance: About 3 miles to downtown San Diego
Connecting: At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: Delta Sky Club and United Club (Terminal 2 West); Chase Sapphire Lounge (Terminal 2 West) and more

Getting from SAN to downtown San Diego

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

MTS Route 992 busto downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depotabout 15 min$2.50
Free SAN Flyer shuttle, then the Trolleyto Old Town Transit Centerabout 15 minfree shuttle; Trolley from $2.50
Taxi or rideshare10–20 minabout $20–$30 to downtown

Inside SAN

Terminals and connections

The new Terminal 1 isn't connected to Terminal 2 inside security: changing terminals means leaving security, taking the free loop shuttle (or walking) and going through TSA again. A secure connector to Terminal 2 East is under construction and due around 2029. Terminal 2 East and West are linked inside security.

How long a layover you need at SAN

Lounges

•Delta Sky Club and United Club (Terminal 2 West)
•Chase Sapphire Lounge (Terminal 2 West)
•Aspire Lounge (Terminal 2 East, Priority Pass)
•No lounges yet in the new Terminal 1

Sleep, showers and hotels

•No hotel inside the terminals; Harbor Island hotels, a few minutes away, run free shuttles

Parking at SAN

•Long-term lot with shuttles, the cheapest
•Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking plazas, next to the terminals

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check SAN's official site.

SAN tips

•Airlines are moving into the new Terminal 1 in phases through 2028, so check which terminal yours uses before you go.
•SAN is about 3 miles from downtown, one of the closest big-city airports in the U.S.

Can you leave SAN on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown San Diego and back, the fastest way20 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at SAN

Major airlines that fly from SAN (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
JetBlue Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Sun Country Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 11 in Bag fees
Breeze Airways Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
WestJet Carry-on 53 × 38 × 23 cm Bag fees
Copa Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 10 in Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Japan Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees

SAN airport FAQ

The quickest option is the MTS Route 992 bus to downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot: about 15 minutes for $2.50. You can also take the Free SAN Flyer shuttle, then the Trolley to Old Town Transit Center, about 15 minutes for free shuttle; Trolley from $2.50. A taxi takes 10–20 min (about $20–$30 to downtown).

Cheap flights from San Diego (SAN)The latest fare drops we've found from SAN.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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