San Diego Airport ParkingSan Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the closest major airports to a downtown core in the United States — just 3 miles from downtown San Diego. It's also the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the country, handling 25.32 million passengers in 2025 across two terminals.

The brand-new $3.8 billion Terminal 1 opened Phase 1A in September 2025 with 19 gates. Phase 1B opens Spring 2026 with 3 more gates, and Phase 2 adds 8 more gates in early 2028 — bringing Terminal 1 to 30 gates at full build-out. Terminal 2 East and West together have 31 more gates.

On-airport parking at SAN ranges from $20/day (Economy Lot) to $40/day (Valet). Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 garages all cap at $32/day. Off-airport parking through Triply typically costs a fraction of the terminal garage rate; the lot list on this page shows current per-day rates, and a search with your dates shows your total with taxes and fees.

Aladdin Airport Parking — Fully indoor garage 1.2 miles out (about a 5-minute drive). Complimentary 24/7 shuttle every 10–15 minutes and on demand, with staff to help with luggage. Self-park or quick valet, plus EV charging stations. Pull a ticket at entry and keep it — you'll show it with your confirmation at checkout.

San Diego's Park, Shuttle & Fly (Lot A or Lot B) — Fully fenced, well-lit lot 0.9 miles out, open and staffed 24/7. Free courtesy shuttle 24 hours on demand — call 619-291-1234 for your return pickup. A Lot A reservation is also valid at Lot B, and vice versa. SUVs, trucks and oversized vehicles must book the large-vehicle rate or pay the difference at the lot. Your reservation covers a set block of time: arrive early or leave late and the lot charges its flat walk-up rate plus a one-time $4.75 Airport Access fee.

Fox Parking — Valet lot 0.8 miles from SAN, but its listed shuttle runs to the San Diego Cruise Port, not the airport terminals (on demand, 4:00 AM–12:30 AM). Best for cruise travelers — if you're flying, check the shuttle details on the lot page before you book. Complimentary luggage help. Medium SUVs/trucks pay $3/day and full-size SUVs/trucks $8/day extra at the lot.

Cruising instead of flying? Aladdin Port Parking uses the same indoor garage, but its 24/7 shuttle (every 15–25 minutes) runs to the cruise ship terminals, not the airport.

SAN is exceptionally close to downtown San Diego (3 miles), making rideshare and public transit highly competitive with parking. For most travelers headed downtown:

FREE San Diego Flyer — Free shuttle (electric Endera buses) connects the Airport Transportation Plaza to Old Town Transit Center every 20–30 minutes, 4:45 AM to 12:30 AM. Old Town connects to:

• San Diego Trolley Blue Line — to downtown and San Ysidro/Mexico border ($2.50)

• San Diego Trolley Green Line — to Mission Valley, SDSU, Santee ($2.50)

• COASTER commuter rail — Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside

• Amtrak Pacific Surfliner — LA, Orange County, Santa Barbara

MTS Route 992 Bus — $2.50 to downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) in 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes, 5 AM–12:30 AM. From the airport's elevated platform.

Rideshare — $10–$18 to downtown, 7–12 minutes. Round-trip Uber for two ($20–$36) beats 2+ days in any on-airport lot.

For Comic-Con week (July) and Padres game days, surge pricing kicks in. Pre-booked parking eliminates that risk.

The new Terminal 1 is one of the most significant airport terminal replacements in decades. Phase 1A opened September 22, 2025 with 19 gates. Highlights:

• 5-story Terminal 1 Parking Plaza with 5,200 spaces — directly connected to terminal

• 185 EV charging ports — Level 2 chargers, included with parking (free electricity)

• Dual-level roadway separating arrivals and departures

• 90,000+ sq ft of concession space with 12 food and beverage outlets and 5 specialty retail

• Powered by 100% carbon-free electricity with a 900,000-gallon stormwater capture/reuse system

• Underground fuel delivery

Phase 1A contributed to an 11%+ passenger increase October–December 2025 vs the same period in 2024. Phase 1B adds 3 more gates in Spring 2026 (Air Canada and WestJet move there). Phase 2 adds 8 more gates in early 2028.

Terminal 2 (East with 12 gates and West with 19 gates plus international arrivals) remains active. Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal 2 West between gates 46-47 is one of the best lounges in the city.

• Use the free San Diego Flyer for transit — Free shuttle to Old Town Transit Center connects to Trolley, COASTER, and Amtrak. The cheapest way to leave the airport.

• Free EV charging in Terminal 1 Plaza — 185 Level 2 ports across 5 stories. Included with parking. Largest EV charging deployment among San Diego airports.

• Pre-book online — Pre-booked rates are typically lower than walk-up rates, and pre-booking guarantees your space.

• Verify shuttle hours — Aladdin Airport Parking and Park, Shuttle & Fly run 24/7. Fox Parking's shuttle serves the Cruise Port and stops 12:30 AM–4:00 AM.

• Vehicle size matters — Park, Shuttle & Fly requires the large-vehicle rate for SUVs and trucks, and Fox Parking adds $3–$8/day at the lot for bigger vehicles. Factor that into your total.

• Comic-Con week is the worst time — July's San Diego Comic-Con (130,000+ attendees) creates extreme rideshare surge. Pre-book parking weeks ahead.

• Approach over downtown is dramatic — The Runway 27 approach passes directly over Balboa Park and downtown buildings. One of the most scenic approaches in U.S. commercial aviation.

• Curfew for departures — No takeoffs 11:30 PM – 6:30 AM. Penalties up to $10,000.