San Diego International Airport (SAN)

International passengers follow a standard US border entry process upon arrival at Terminal 2.

• Disembark the aircraft and follow signs towards passport control and international arrivals.
• Present your passport, visa or ESTA authorization, and custom declaration details to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
• Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousels in the international baggage reclaim hall.
• Pass through final customs clearance before exiting into the public arrivals concourse.
• Follow external signage for ground transport options, including buses, taxis, rideshares, and car hire shuttles.

• Bus

  Public Bus (MTS Route 992)

  Metropolitan Transit System Bus 992 connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directly to Downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot.

  Time:

  roughly 10-15 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically around $2.50 USD

• Bus

  San Diego Flyer Shuttle

  A complimentary electric shuttle connecting airport terminals to the Old Town Transit Center for trolley and rail links.

  Time:

  roughly 15-20 minutes

  Typical cost:

  free

• Ride-hailing

  Taxi / Rideshare

  Available from designated pick-up zones outside both terminals; rideshare apps operate from specific multi-modal islands.

  Time:

  roughly 10-20 minutes

  Typical cost:

  typically $15-30 USD depending on traffic

• Car rental

  Car Hire

  Dedicated airport shuttle buses transport passengers from the terminals to the centralized Rental Car Center.

  Time:

  roughly 10-minute shuttle ride to facility

  Typical cost:

  varies by provider and rental duration

Transfers between terminals or onward transport require exiting to the landside area.

• Terminals are connected landside via a pedestrian walkway and free inter-terminal shuttle buses.
• Airside transit between terminals is not available; passengers transferring between terminals must re-clear TSA security.
• Allow at least 90-120 minutes for domestic transfers, and longer for international-to-domestic connections due to customs clearance.

Complimentary wireless internet service is provided throughout both terminals.

• Select the network named '#SAN-Wifi' on your device.
• Accept the terms and conditions on the portal page to establish a connection.
• Sessions run in two-hour increments and can be renewed at no charge.

Cash machines and currency exchange facilities are distributed across the airport.

• ATMs accepting major international bank cards are located both landside and airside in Terminals 1 and 2.
• Currency exchange services operate in Terminal 2 near the arrivals area.
• Payment cards are accepted almost universally across San Diego, so carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.

A range of dining options is available pre- and post-security in both terminals.

• Terminal 2 provides a wide selection of sit-down restaurants, quick-service eateries, and coffee outlets.
• Most outlets open early morning to accommodate first departures and close after late-evening flights.
• Grab-and-go food kiosks and beverage vending machines operate near passenger gates.

Airline lounges and independent spaces are located in Terminal 2 airside.

• The United Club and Delta Sky Club operate inside Terminal 2 for eligible passengers and lounge membership holders.
• An independent lounge option is accessible in Terminal 2 subject to capacity and day-pass purchase.
• Access requires a valid boarding pass departing from Terminal 2.

Numerous accommodations are located along Harbor Drive and in nearby downtown San Diego.

• There is no hotel physically attached to the airport building, but several property options sit within two miles.
• Many nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle pick-ups from designated terminal transport islands.
• Downtown and Little Italy hotels are reachable within a 10- to 15-minute taxi or bus journey.

Baggage claim carousels and support services are on the ground level of each terminal.

• International baggage is collected inside the international arrival area of Terminal 2 before customs clearance.
• Luggage trolleys are available in baggage reclaim areas for a small fee.
• Inquiries regarding lost or delayed baggage should be handled directly at your airline's baggage service counter.

Facilities supporting travellers with young children are positioned throughout the airport.

• Private lactation rooms with seating and power outlets are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
• Baby changing tables are installed in standard restrooms across all terminal areas.
• Elevators and wide concourses accommodate prams and pushchairs throughout the facilities.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Cash Machines (ATMs)
• Currency Exchange
• Nursing Rooms
• Pet Relief Areas
• Rental Car Shuttles
• Accessible Restrooms

Local emergency number: 911

• For medical, police, or fire emergencies, dial 911 from any mobile phone or landline.
• Airport Harbor Police officers patrol the terminals and can provide immediate assistance on site.
• If you lose your passport, contact your nation's nearest embassy or consulate, typically located in Los Angeles or San Francisco.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• San Diego International Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• US Customs and Border ProtectionGovernment source
• US Department of Homeland SecurityGovernment source
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit SystemOfficial transit source
• Centers for Disease Control and PreventionGovernment source