San Diego · SAN · Question
How Much Does Parking Cost at SAN? Rates & Tips
Expert answer updated for 2026, with official sources and links to detailed guides.
Parking at San Diego International Airport (SAN) ranges from budget economy lots to premium valet service. Here's a complete breakdown of every parking option and how to save money.
All Parking Options & Rates at SAN
Terminal Lots
Rate: $5/hr, $36/day. Adjacent to terminals.
Economy Lot
Rate: $14/day. Shuttle to terminals.
How to Save on SAN Parking
- Use economy lots. They're typically 50–70% cheaper than terminal garages with free shuttle service running every 5–10 minutes.
- Book online in advance through the official airport website for 10–30% discounts.
- Consider off-airport lots. Third-party lots near SAN often undercut airport prices and include shuttle service. Services like SpotHero and ParkWhiz offer online reservations.
- Use ride-share for short trips. For trips under 3 days, Uber/Lyft round-trip is often cheaper than daily parking fees.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
SAN has a free cell phone waiting lot where drivers can park while waiting for arriving passengers. Wait until your passenger texts that they're at baggage claim, then drive to the terminal — it's typically a 2–5 minute drive from the waiting lot.
For our complete parking guide with all options and tips, see the SAN parking guide.