San Diego Airport Terminal 1 Parking Directions & Rates

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San Diego Airport Terminal 1 parking is the on-airport parking structure connected directly to the New Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN), with rates starting at $32/day on-site or as low as $8.95/day at nearby off-site lots with free shuttles. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza opened with the new terminal in September 2025 and offers 5,200 spaces across five levels. Whether you're flying Southwest, JetBlue, or Frontier, finding and reaching Terminal 1 is straightforward once you know which roads and lots to use.

• Terminal 1 Parking Plaza costs $32/day max ($2.50 per 15 minutes) with a direct pedestrian connection to the terminal.
• Economy Lot costs $20/day with a free ~3-minute shuttle to Terminal 1.
• Valet parking at Terminal 1 curbside costs $40/day — the most expensive on-airport option.
• Off-site lots run from $8.95 to $24.95/day with free 24/7 shuttles to both terminals.
• From I-5 northbound, take the Hawthorn Street exit. From I-5 southbound, use the Sassafras Street exit.
• The new Terminal 1 serves Breeze Airways, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and Sun Country.

Before you drive in, compare SAN Terminal 1 parking rates from $8.95/day on Triply and lock in your spot before you leave home.

Where Is Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport?

Terminal 1 sits on the north side of San Diego International Airport, along North Harbor Drive near the intersection of Pacific Highway. The New Terminal 1 opened its Phase 1A on September 22, 2025, replacing the old terminal entirely. It is part of a $3.8 billion redevelopment project managed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

SAN sits just 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego — one of the closest major airports to a city center in the United States. From the Gaslamp Quarter, you can reach Terminal 1 in 7 to 12 minutes by car. From neighborhoods like Little Italy and Middletown, the drive is even shorter. Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla residents can reach it easily via I-5 or I-8.

The new Terminal 1 features a dual-level roadway: the upper level handles departures and the lower level handles arrivals. New 4+ miles of roadways were completed as part of the project, making traffic flow significantly better than the old layout.

How Do You Get to Terminal 1 at SAN? (Driving Directions from I-5, I-8, and Downtown)

Most drivers reach Terminal 1 via Harbor Drive, which runs along the waterfront and connects directly to the terminal's main entrance. The exact route depends on where you're coming from. Traffic near the airport can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours, so check real-time traffic on Waze before you leave.

From I-5 Northbound (South San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado)

1. Head north on I-5.
2. Take the Hawthorn Street exit.
3. Turn left onto Hawthorn Street heading west.
4. Turn left onto Pacific Highway.
5. Follow signs to North Harbor Drive and the Terminal 1 entrance.

From I-5 Southbound (La Jolla, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach)

1. Head south on I-5.
2. Take the Sassafras Street exit.
3. Turn right onto Sassafras Street heading west.
4. Turn left onto Pacific Highway.
5. Follow signs to North Harbor Drive and Terminal 1.

From I-8 (Mission Valley, East San Diego)

1. Head west on I-8 toward the coast.
2. Merge onto I-5 southbound.
3. Take the Sassafras Street exit and follow the directions above.

From CA-163 (Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Mission Hills)

1. Head south on CA-163.
2. Merge onto I-5 south.
3. Take the Sassafras Street exit and follow signs to Terminal 1.

Once on Airport property, follow the overhead signs for Terminal 1 Departures (upper roadway) or Terminal 1 Arrivals (lower roadway). The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza entrance is clearly marked from the main terminal road.

What Are the Parking Options Near Terminal 1 at San Diego Airport?

Terminal 1 travelers have four main on-airport parking choices, plus a range of off-site lots nearby. Each option offers a different trade-off between price, convenience, and walking distance.

• Terminal 1 Parking Plaza — The closest structure to Terminal 1. Five levels, 5,200 spaces, with a direct pedestrian walkway into the terminal. Includes 185 EV charging ports. Max rate: $32/day.
• Economy Lot — The cheapest on-airport option at $20/day. A free shuttle runs approximately every 3 minutes to both terminals.
• Valet Parking — Drop your car at the Terminal 1 curbside. Costs $40/day. No walking or shuttle required.
• Cell Phone Lot — Located at 2311 McCain Road. Free to use while waiting for arriving passengers. No overnight parking.

For drivers flying out of Terminal 2 (Alaska, American, Delta, and others), the parking setup is different. See our guide on San Diego Airport parking Terminal 2 for details on those lots and rates.

How Much Does Parking Cost at Terminal 1 at SAN?

On-airport Terminal 1 parking ranges from $20/day to $40/day, depending on the lot and service level. Off-site options can cut that cost by more than half. Here's a full breakdown of verified rates (verified April 2026):

Booking off-site lots in advance through a comparison tool can save you up to 72% versus on-airport valet rates. For a deeper look at how rates stack up across all SAN lots, read our San Diego airport parking cost breakdown for 2026.

Which Airlines Fly Out of Terminal 1 at San Diego Airport?

Terminal 1 at SAN serves six airlines as of 2026. These are all domestic carriers, making Terminal 1 the primary hub for budget and leisure travel at the airport.

• Breeze Airways
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines (the highest-volume carrier at SAN)
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines

Phase 1B of the New Terminal 1 project is currently underway. Three additional gates are expected to open in Spring 2026, adding Air Canada and WestJet to the terminal. Eight more gates are planned by early 2028, bringing the terminal to 30 gates total. If you're booking a future international flight, confirm your terminal assignment before you park.

If your airline is not on this list — Alaska, American, Delta, United, British Airways, or others — you are flying from Terminal 2. Double-check your boarding pass before heading to the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza.

Is There a Shuttle from Remote Parking to Terminal 1?

Yes — both the on-airport Economy Lot and all verified off-site lots include free shuttle service to Terminal 1. Shuttle frequency and hours vary by provider, so here's what to expect:

• Economy Lot shuttle — Runs continuously. Approximately 3-minute ride to the terminals. Free.
• SDAP shuttle — Runs 24/7, free valet included. One of the most frequent off-site options.
• Aladdin Airport Parking shuttle — Runs every 5 to 10 minutes. Free, 24/7.
• Fox Auto Parks shuttle — Runs every 25 minutes or on-demand. Free, 24/7. Ride is 5-10 minutes.
• Park Shuttle & Fly (Lot A & B) — 24/7 express service. Call (619) 291-1234 for return pickup.
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina shuttle — Runs every 15-20 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight.
• Four Points by Sheraton San Diego shuttle — Runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM.

All off-site shuttles drop off and pick up at the Courtesy Shuttle area outside both terminals. On return, look for the designated shuttle pickup zone at the lower-level arrivals curb. For the San Diego Flyer, a free shuttle also runs between both terminals and Old Town Transit Center — useful if you're connecting to the trolley or COASTER rail.

What Are the Best Off-Site Parking Alternatives Near Terminal 1?

Off-site parking near Terminal 1 can save you $11 to $31 per day compared to the on-airport Parking Plaza. Every verified lot below includes a free shuttle to Terminal 1. Pre-booking online typically saves an additional $4 to $12 per day off walk-up rates.

Aladdin Airport Parking stands out for its shuttle frequency. Shuttles run every 5 to 10 minutes around the clock, making it one of the most convenient off-site options. It also offers covered parking. You can pre-book from $13/day through airportparkingreservations.com. Read our full review in the Aladdin Airport Parking Kettner Boulevard guide.

San Diego Airport Parking (SDAP) offers full valet service at $18/day with 24/7 shuttle coverage. The lot is fenced, staffed, and monitored by security cameras. It's a strong mid-range pick for travelers who want valet convenience without paying on-airport valet prices.

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego is the cheapest verified option at $8.95/day when pre-booked through cheapairportparking.org. The shuttle runs on the hour from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM. It's best for daytime or evening departures — not ideal for red-eye flights.

For travelers looking to save on longer trips, explore the San Diego airport long-term parking options for weekly rate breakdowns and multi-day strategies.

Tips for Parking at San Diego Airport Terminal 1 Without the Stress

A little planning goes a long way at SAN. The airport is compact and close to downtown, but the Terminal 1 area can back up during peak travel times. These tips will help you arrive, park, and get through security smoothly.

• Pre-book your parking. On-airport lots can fill fast during holidays and summer. Pre-booking through SAN's official parking reservation page or an off-site lot guarantees your space and often saves money.
• Add extra time for the Economy Lot shuttle. The shuttle runs frequently, but factor in 10-15 minutes to park, board, and ride to the terminal. Don't assume you can park and sprint to your gate.
• EV drivers: use the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza. The new structure has 185 EV charging ports — the most EV-friendly option on airport.
• Avoid rush hour on I-5. The airport sits right off I-5, and commuter traffic between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM adds time to your drive. Budget an extra 15-20 minutes during those windows.
• Know your terminal before you park. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 share road access but have separate parking structures. Parking in the wrong structure wastes time. Check your boarding pass first.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck. TSA PreCheck can cut your security wait significantly. Combined with early parking, it's the fastest way through SAN's Terminal 1.
• Rideshare drop-off uses the upper-level departures curb at Terminal 1. If you're picking someone up, use the free Cell Phone Lot at 2311 McCain Road until they're ready.
• Oversized vehicles must pay for additional spaces. Plan for that cost if you're driving an SUV with a trailer or cargo van.

Follow TSA security screening guidelines to avoid delays at the checkpoint. Liquids, electronics, and shoes all affect how quickly you move through the line — knowing the rules in advance saves everyone time.

The new Terminal 1 runs on 100% carbon-free electricity and captures up to 900,000 gallons of stormwater annually — it's one of the most sustainable airport terminals in the U.S. The facilities inside are modern, spacious, and well-signed. Once you're parked and through security, the terminal experience is genuinely easy.

Ready to lock in your spot? Compare SAN Terminal 1 parking rates from $8.95/day on Triply — filter by price, shuttle frequency, or lot type and reserve in minutes with free cancellation.