San Diego International Airport
Also known as: San Diego Airport, Lindbergh Field, SAN Airport. Formerly San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field.
Private transfer from SANSee pricesSee pricesAbout San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN), still widely known as Lindbergh Field, serves San Diego and southern California. It sits on San Diego Bay about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown, one of the closest big-city airports to its downtown in the United States.
Southwest is the largest airline, with about a third of passengers, and SAN is a hub for Alaska Airlines; United, Delta and American also fly here, along with a number of international flights. The airport handled about 25.3 million passengers in 2025, all on a single runway.
There are two terminals. The new Terminal 1 opened its first phase in September 2025, with more gates due by 2028, and Terminal 2 has East and West concourses and the international arrivals facility.
From the airport, travelers head downtown and to the Gaslamp Quarter, the cruise terminal, Coronado, La Jolla and the beaches, or south to the Mexican border at San Ysidro and Tijuana.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority
- Runway
One runway, 09/27, 9,401 ft (2,865 m)
- Passengers per year
About 25.3 million in 2025
- Opened
August 16, 1928
- Main airlines
Southwest (about a third of passengers), Alaska (hub)
Arrival tips for San Diego International Airport
Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Each has its own baggage claim and pickup zones, and drivers meet you at your terminal.
If you arrive on an international flight, you clear US Customs and Border Protection in the international arrivals facility at the southwest corner of Terminal 2. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.
Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.
Taxi and ride-app pickup zones are at both terminals, and shuttle buses run to the rental car center. MTS Route 992 runs to downtown, and the free San Diego Flyer shuttle connects with the Old Town Transit Center for trolley and train connections. The airport is close to downtown, so rides into the city are short outside rush hour.
Ground transportation
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Book a transfer from SANPrivate transfer from San Diego Airport
A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you downtown, to the cruise terminal, Coronado, La Jolla or the border at San Ysidro. Handy with luggage or a group.
Taxi from San Diego Airport
Taxis use the pickup zones at both terminals. The ride downtown is short.
MTS Route 992 bus
Runs from both terminals to downtown every 15 minutes, from about 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
San Diego Flyer to Old Town
A free shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center every 20 to 30 minutes, for the trolley, Coaster and Amtrak.
Rental car
Shuttle buses run from both terminals to the consolidated rental car center.
Moving between terminals
- 1
MTS Route 992 bus
Stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on its way downtown, every 15 minutes from about 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The new terminal, with 19 gates opened in September 2025 and more due by 2028.
Terminal 2
East and West concourses, with the international arrivals facility at the southwest corner.
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
International arrivals
US Customs and Border Protection at the southwest corner of Terminal 2.
Rental car center
A consolidated rental car facility reached by shuttle bus from both terminals.
Taxi and ride-app zones
At both terminals.
San Diego Flyer
Free shuttle to the Old Town Transit Center every 20 to 30 minutes.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.
Reduced mobility
If you need to change terminals, tell your airline in advance so assistance can be arranged.
Service animals
Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.
Assistance on arrival
Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.
Frequently asked questions
How far is San Diego airport from downtown?
San Diego International Airport is about 3 miles (5 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, on San Diego Bay. MTS Route 992 runs downtown every 15 minutes, and taxis, ride apps and pre-booked drivers make the short trip by road.
Is San Diego airport the same as Lindbergh Field?
Yes. San Diego International Airport was dedicated as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, and many locals still call it Lindbergh Field. It took its current name in 2003; the code is SAN.
How many terminals does San Diego airport have?
SAN has two terminals. The new Terminal 1 opened its first 19 gates in September 2025, with more due by 2028. Terminal 2 has East and West concourses and the international arrivals facility.
Is there a train from San Diego airport?
Not directly. The free San Diego Flyer shuttle runs every 20 to 30 minutes to the Old Town Transit Center, where you can take the trolley, Coaster or Amtrak. The nearest trolley stop, Middletown, is about 800 ft from a shuttle shelter.
Which airlines fly from San Diego?
Southwest Airlines is the largest, with about a third of passengers, and Alaska Airlines has a hub at SAN. United, Delta and American also fly here, along with international airlines.