San Diego International Airport (SAN) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
San Diego, California · ICAO KSAN
Located on San Diego Bay just 3 miles from downtown, SAN has two terminals and recently completed a new Terminal 1, the centerpiece of a $3 billion modernization. The single-runway airport is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the U.S.
SAN Airport Overview
San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN / ICAO: KSAN) is located in San Diego, California. Located on San Diego Bay just 3 miles from downtown, SAN has two terminals and recently completed a new Terminal 1, the centerpiece of a $3 billion modernization. The single-runway airport is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the U.S.
💡 SAN Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from SAN, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 41 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
SAN TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at SAN average about 17 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Monday around 11 PM and the busiest is Sunday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~4 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at SAN
- Terminal 1 (New): Terminal 1 Checkpoint — brand-new, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
- Terminal 2 (East & West): Terminal 2 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
SAN Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
San Diego International Airport has 2 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal 1 (New)
Terminal 2 (East & West)
Airlines at SAN — Terminal & Gate Directory
San Diego International Airport is served by 11+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| JetBlue | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| American Airlines | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
| United Airlines | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
| British Airways | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 2 (East & West) | Gates 30–55 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve SAN:
Where to Eat at SAN — Dining & Food Guide
San Diego International Airport has 7+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From SAN — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching San Diego from San Diego International Airport:
- MTS bus Route 992 — express to downtown Santa Fe Depot
- Old Town Trolley — transfer at Middletown station via bus
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup at Transportation Plazas
- Rental cars — on-airport facility
SAN Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at San Diego International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Lots
Adjacent to terminals
Economy Lot
Shuttle to terminals
Airport Lounges at SAN
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at San Diego International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- USO Lounge
- The Club at SAN (Terminal 2)
SAN Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at San Diego International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Monello, Stone Brewing, Phil's BBQ.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. SAN has 2 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. San Diego International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 2 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
SAN Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at SAN?
Typical TSA security wait times at San Diego International Airport (SAN) average around 17 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest monday around 11 pm and longest sunday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our SAN TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from SAN. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at SAN are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of SAN?
SAN is served by carriers including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and others. San Diego International Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines.
How many terminals does SAN have?
San Diego International Airport has 2 terminal areas: Terminal 1 (New); Terminal 2 (East & West). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from SAN to downtown San Diego?
Popular ways to reach downtown San Diego from San Diego International Airport include MTS bus Route 992; Old Town Trolley; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does SAN have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
San Diego International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like SAN also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at SAN?
San Diego International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Monello, Stone Brewing, Prado, The Brigantine. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is SAN located?
San Diego International Airport is in San Diego, California (CA). Its IATA code is SAN and its ICAO code is KSAN. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.