San Diego Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our San Diego Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I missed a plane there because I got too drunk in the bar (good place but a bit pricey). – TripSix

SAN Airport Overview

San Diego Airport Guide — Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / November 2019

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at San Diego International Airport.

What to Expect

San Diego Airport (Code: SAN) is separated into Terminals 1 and 2, which are easy to stroll between on the landside. There is a mix of local and well-known shops and eateries, though most close for the night. Vending machines are the only overnight food options. WiFi is free, though it is limited to 2-hour sessions. Economy class travellers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter a few airport lounges; one even has shower facilities.

Sleeping in San Diego Airport

Sleeping at San Diego Airport (SAN) is challenging, particularly overnight when travellers must leave the gate areas and wait before security until screening reopens in the morning. Most seating has fixed armrests, and the hard, uncarpeted floors make stretching out uncomfortable without a sleeping mat. Terminal 2 has some quieter corners, while recent reviews of the new Terminal 1 describe bright lights, loud music and limited comfortable seating; daytime naps are generally more manageable after security. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping San Diego Airport or read the latest traveller reviews.

For uninterrupted sleep, a few nearby hotels offer free shuttle service for guests. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Do you have a recent experience sleeping at SAN?

Write a Review

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by airline and flight schedule. If you are in the public (landside) area overnight, access to the secure (airside) areas may be restricted until TSA screening opens in the morning. Confirm early-morning access times with your airline before planning an overnight stay.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near San Diego Airport:

Sheraton San Diego Resort (0.3 mi)
TownePlace Suites San Diego Airport (0.8 mi)
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station (0.8 mi)
Hilton San Diego Airport (0.8 mi)

Courtyard by Marriott (1.1 mi)
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town (1.1 mi)
Homewood Suites (1.1 mi)

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

Aspire Airspace Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gates 22 and 23. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.
United Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Mezzanine Level, near departure gates. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.

Airline Lounges (members only)

Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, next to Gate 37. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounges

USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal 2 East Floor, Gate Parking Lot.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules. There are currently no 24-hour dining options. Vending machines offering drinks and snacks are available throughout both terminals.

Drinking Water
Water bottle refill fountains are available on both landside and airside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and USB ports are available at many seating areas. FuelRod portable charging kiosks are also available for purchase. Locations: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

Showers

Shower facilities are available inside the Airspace Lounge. See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at San Diego Airport for two hours. Connect to the “#SANfreewifi” network. After the session ends, free access can be restarted by viewing another short advertisement. This can be repeated as needed.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Airport Art – Art exhibits are displayed throughout the terminals, and the airport occasionally hosts live performances.
Baby Care Facilities – Lactation rooms with seating, power outlets, and hand-washing stations are available airside in both terminals.
Baggage Carts – Baggage carts (Smarte Carte) are available throughout the terminals. Carts are free for arriving international passengers; all others pay a fee.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in Terminal 2. A variety of other shops selling snacks, reading material, clothing, and travel items are located throughout both terminals, generally operating during daytime and evening hours.
Information Desk – Volunteer Airport Ambassadors provide assistance throughout the terminals and staff Information Desks in both baggage claim areas. An additional information desk is available airside in Terminal 2.

Money
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available landside and airside in both terminals. Fees may apply, so check with your bank before withdrawing cash.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are not available.

Reflection Room – A quiet reflection room is available landside in Terminal 2, near the security checkpoint.
Shoe Shine – Shoe shine services are available airside in Terminal 1 on weekdays.
SIM Cards – SIM cards can be purchased at InMotion Entertainment. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Gate 26. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
Spa – Massage and spa services are available airside in Terminal 2 at Be Relax Spa.
Traveller’s Aid – Traveller’s Aid volunteers assist stranded or distressed passengers with general support and travel-related issues. Services are available in the baggage claim areas of both terminals.

Airlines

“San Diego Airport” is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • British Airways • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Japan Airlines • JetBlue • Lufthansa • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country Airlines • United Airlines • WestJet.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Metro”olitan Transit System (MTS) bus route 992 links SAN airport with downtown San Diego. Buses stop at Terminals 1 and 2, every 15 minutes on weekdays (every 30 minutes on weekends), from 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. For route maps, schedules and fare information, visit the San Diego MTS website.

Car Rentals

Car rental agencies are housed in a separate off-site facility accessible by a free shuttle service. The following car rental agencies serve San Diego Airport: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Fox • Hertz • National • Payless • SIXT • Thrifty • Zipcar.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttles

The Airport Loop shuttle service offers free 24-hour transportation around the airport complex, and it frequently travels between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center. The green and blue shuttles are rider-friendly, with wheelchair lifts and graphics designed to help you know which shuttle to take.

Shared-Ride Shuttles

The San Diego Flyer is a free electric shuttle bus service between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. It operates seven days a week, every 20-30 minutes. Several companies offer scheduled or on-demand door-to-door shared-ride shuttle service to and from the airport. Reservations are highly recommended and may be required for some shuttle services. Contact your service provider of choice for information and reservations.

Taxis

Taxis are available in the airport’s transportation plazas on a 24-hour basis. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.

Train

Passengers can take the route 992 bus from the airport to Santa Fe Depot train station. Here, the COASTER train can be used to explore San Diego, and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides connections to other cities down the coast.

Last updated: 2026-01-29

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.