Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Finest San Diego Airport Parking Choices (SAN Information & Suggestions)


Navigating airport parking can usually really feel like the primary hurdle of your journey, and San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN) isn’t any exception. With its two terminals and ongoing building, planning your parking technique upfront saves time, cash, and stress.

I’ll stroll you thru the principle San Diego airport parking choices so you’ll be able to determine whether or not to decide on the handy terminal garages or the more cost effective off-site heaps.

Key Takeaways

  • SAN has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Signage reveals which airways are in every terminal however for the reason that turn-offs might be tough, lookup your terminal upfront.
  • You’ll be able to park in plazas in entrance of both terminal or use cheaper off-site parking.
  • Each choices can and needs to be reserved and pay as you go on-line earlier than you park.
  • Terminal 1 is beneath building which might influence visitors patterns and parking entry. You need to at all times verify the most recent up dates on the airport’s parking web page.

On-Airport Parking at SAN: Terminal Comfort

Parking in one of many airport heaps presents most comfort, though it’s the costliest choice. It’s finest for vacationers who prioritize velocity and direct terminal entry, brief holidays and enterprise journeys, or for these with mobility challenges.

Terminal 1 Parking Plaza

  • Location: Straight throughout from Terminal 1.
  • Present Standing: T1 passengers can now park within the brand-new parking construction. Nevertheless, ongoing building at this terminal and on this construction could have an effect on driving routes and entry occasions. There may be loads of directional signage to comply with (albeit typically complicated).
  • Time/Price: You’ll be able to park by the hour till you hit the present most of $38/day. Parking period is often as much as 30 days.
  • Find out how to Pay: Earlier than returning to your automotive, you’ll be able to pay with a significant bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pockets at automated pay stations (kiosks) close to the plaza’s elevator. You too can pay with a bank card on the exit gate if you drive out. I don’t like doing the latter as a result of the exits are unstaffed, and if the machine doesn’t register your ticket or card, you’ll have loads of indignant or hurried vacationers behind you.
  • Suggestions: Ultimate for T1 airways (Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, and so on.). It may fill rapidly throughout peak journey. Enable additional journey time on account of potential building congestion.
  • EV Charging: By the point the construction is full, there shall be 185 charging ports! Further charges apply.

Terminal 2 Parking Plaza

Right here, you’ll discover one other multi-level storage providing self-parking.

  • Location: It’s immediately throughout from Terminal 2, the place most worldwide flights arrive and depart.
  • Time/Price: Hourly charges faucet out at a every day most of $38/day (much like T1).
  • Find out how to Pay: Fee works like Terminal 1, the place you should use bank cards at pay-on-foot kiosks close to elevators earlier than getting in your automotive. You too can pay immediately on the unstaffed exit gate.
  • EV Charging: There are 16 EV Cost ports right here. Further charges apply.
  • Quick-Time period Parking: You’ll discover some 3-hour parking areas in an uncovered floor lot (there may be signage to direct you, however you’ll enter the plaza and switch proper towards the open facet of the construction). It’s designed for airport pick-up and drop-off for individuals who want somewhat extra assist attending to and from their gate. Charges apply.
  • Most Keep: Often 30 days for each Plaza and Valet (extra on valet beneath).

All on-site parking garages even have a 10-minute grace interval throughout which you’ll park without spending a dime. Nevertheless, I don’t suppose that is sufficient time to park, run into the terminal to gather somebody, after which get again to your automotive. You’ll want to attend at crosswalks to cross the road between the parking storage and the terminal.

Valet Parking at Each Terminals

Examine pricing and availability earlier than you go, however right here’s normally what you’ll be able to anticipate.

  • The way it Works: As you drive towards both terminal, comply with indicators for “Valet.” Pull into the designated curbside Valet space, depart your keys with the attendant, and head straight to check-in. Upon return, comply with indicators (or directions supplied at drop-off) to get your automotive from the Valet attendants.
  • Hours: Valet parking pick-up at SAN is often obtainable 24/7, however drop-off is normally restricted to five a.m.–11 p.m.
  • Price: Valet has a sometimes increased charge construction (at the moment $60/day plus optionally available tip).
  • Finest For: Vacationers who prioritize velocity and comfort above price.

Cell Cellphone Lot

  • Goal: This free lot is solely for drivers ready to select up arriving passengers. You will need to stay along with your car.
  • Location: There’s loads of signage to information you to it. You’ll be able to even put “Cell Cellphone Lot” into Google Maps, and it’ll pop up as an choice on McCain Street.

Different Locations You Can Wait

If my husband is choosing me up from the airport, he’ll drive over to Spanish Touchdown throughout North Harbor Drive the place he can normally park, get out, and stroll alongside the bay. I’ll textual content after we’re on the curb and he’s there inside 5 minutes.

Curbside Parking on the Terminals — Not Allowed

If you could decide somebody up, you’ll be able to’t park on the curb outdoors the terminal. You’ll be able to pull as much as the curb if somebody is ready there. You’ll be able to keep so long as it takes to load baggage and whomever you decide up.

I see individuals attempt to park and keep on a regular basis. Parking enforcement normally waves drivers alongside if there’s no signal they’re actively choosing somebody up.

Curbside Pickup Suggestions

Should you’re choosing somebody up on the terminal curb, search for the inexperienced indicators labeled with letters. Have your passenger name or textual content you the letter of the zone they’re in so you’ll find them simply. For instance, I’m normally in Zone O or P, which is outdoors American Airways’ baggage declare in Terminal 2.

Off-Website Parking Close to SAN: Worth and Planning

For longer journeys or budget-conscious vacationers, off-airport parking heaps close to SAN provide important financial savings in comparison with terminal garages.

Vacationers becoming a member of cruises departing from the close by cruise terminals additionally use San Diego airport parking heaps.

Why Select Off-Website Parking?

  • Price Financial savings: Typically significantly cheaper per day, particularly for longer stays.
  • Reservations: You’ll be able to (and will) e book your spot upfront, guaranteeing availability and infrequently locking in a greater charge.
  • Often Much less Trouble: Off-site parking typically entails much less demanding navigation than busy airport garages, particularly throughout peak occasions or building.

The way it Works: Usually, you drive to a non-public lot close to the airport, park, and take their complimentary shuttle service to your terminal. Upon returning, use designated pick-up spots to catch the shuttle again to the lot.

Discovering & Reserving Off-Website Heaps

  • Use Parking Aggregators: Web sites and apps like SpotHero (my household makes use of this app for parking throughout San Diego) are fashionable instruments for evaluating costs, areas, facilities, and critiques of varied heaps close to SAN.
  • E-book Direct: You too can e book immediately on the parking zone’s web site.

Extremely-Reviewed Off-Website Lot Examples close to SAN

I typically discover that critiques of each off-site parking place might be combined. You probably have a favourite, let me know.

Typically, you could textual content to summon a shuttle to the airport, so perceive the best way to meet your shuttle earlier than you go.

  • Aladdin Airport Parking: Identified for its dependable service, lined parking, and shuttle service, which operates 24/7. They’ve been round for over 20 years and are usually not the most cost effective. However they’re probably the most extremely regarded in my community.
  • WallyPark Airport Parking: This facility presents contactless self-parking choices and typically has promo codes on its web site.
  • Fox Auto Parks: These are out of doors heaps. You’ll be able to e book EV chargers and even a automotive wash.

Close by Parking at Sheraton San Diego and Different Motels

Another choice typically discovered by way of apps like SpotHero is parking at close by airport accommodations, such because the Sheraton San Diego Lodge & Marina throughout Harbor Drive.

The way it Works: Motels typically promote unused parking areas. The Sheraton is walkable to T1, however you could cross Harbor Drive. In my view, it’s too far with greater than a carry-on. They do run a shuttle to the airport (name the resort for the schedule).

See additionally: Aspire Lounge Evaluation at SAN

Suggestions for Off-Website Parking

  • E-book Forward: Important, particularly throughout holidays or busy journey seasons.
  • Enable Shuttle Time: Consider 20-40 minutes additional for check-in, ready for the shuttle, and journey time. Know the frequency of the shuttle you propose to take.
  • Confirm Hours: Guarantee 24/7 operation if wanted for early or late flights. I’ve seen individuals run into this concern the place their flight is delayed, and by the point they decide up their automotive, the lot is closed.
  • Notice Your Spot: Take an image figuring out the place you’ve parked within the storage so that you don’t neglect.

Basic SAN Parking Suggestions & Different Issues

  • E-book Forward: Sure, I’ll say it once more. Whether or not utilizing an app for an off-site deal or reserving immediately, reserving ensures your area and infrequently secures a greater charge.
  • Examine the Official SAN Web site FIRST: This stays your most dependable supply for present charges, availability percentages, maps, and building updates for on-site parking.
  • Consider Further Time: At all times enable extra time than you suppose mandatory for visitors, discovering a spot, strolling or shuttling, and potential building delays.
  • Know Your Terminal: Double-check your airline’s terminal to park conveniently or guarantee your shuttle serves it. That is the reside record of airways in every terminal.
  • Accessibility: Accessible parking spots can be found in official SAN garages. Off-site heaps normally provide accessible choices, however you’ll have to confirm with the corporate you’re utilizing.
  • Options Exist: Do you actually need to park a automotive? Rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, the free San Diego Flyer electrical bus (connecting from Outdated City Transit Heart), or getting dropped off are all choices.

Closing Ideas

Selecting your parking at San Diego Airport relies on whether or not you favor the convenience of terminal garages or the financial savings of off-site heaps. Understanding your choices and planning forward makes the method a lot smoother. I’d like to know the place you park if you fly. Please share within the feedback!

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