Navigating airport parking can often feel like the first hurdle of your trip, and San Diego International Airport (SAN) is no exception. With its two terminals and ongoing construction, planning your parking strategy in advance saves time, money, and stress.
I will walk you through the main San Diego airport parking options so you can decide whether to choose the convenient terminal garages or the more cost-effective off-site lots.
Key Takeaways
On-Airport Parking at SAN: Terminal Convenience
Parking in one of the airport lots offers maximum convenience, even though it’s the most expensive option. It’s best for travelers who prioritize speed and direct terminal access, short holidays and business trips, or for those with mobility challenges.
Terminal 1 Parking Plaza
- Location: Directly across from Terminal 1.
- Current Status: T1 passengers can now park in the brand-new parking structure. However, ongoing construction at this terminal and in this structure may affect driving routes and access times. There is plenty of directional signage to follow (albeit sometimes confusing).
- Time/Cost: You can park by the hour until you hit the current maximum of $38/day. Parking duration is typically up to 30 days.
- How to Pay: Before returning to your car, you can pay with a major credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet at automated pay stations (kiosks) near the plaza’s elevator. You can also pay with a credit card at the exit gate when you drive out. I don’t like doing the latter because the exits are unstaffed, and if the machine doesn’t register your ticket or card, you’ll have a lot of angry or hurried travelers behind you.
- Tips: Ideal for T1 airlines (Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, etc.). It can fill quickly during peak travel. Allow extra travel time due to potential construction congestion.
- EV Charging: By the time the structure is complete, there will be 185 charging ports! Extra fees apply.
Terminal 2 Parking Plaza
Here, you’ll find another multi-level garage offering self-parking.
- Location: It is directly across from Terminal 2, where most international flights arrive and depart.
- Time/Cost: Hourly rates tap out at a daily maximum of $38/day (similar to T1).
- How to Pay: Payment works like Terminal 1, where you can use credit cards at pay-on-foot kiosks near elevators before getting in your car. You can also pay directly at the unstaffed exit gate.
- EV Charging: There are 16 EV Charge ports here. Extra fees apply.
- Short-Term Parking: You’ll find some 3-hour parking spaces in an uncovered surface lot (there is signage to direct you, but you’ll enter the plaza and turn right toward the open side of the structure). It’s designed for airport pick-up and drop-off for people who need a little more help getting to and from their gate. Fees apply.
- Maximum Stay: Usually 30 days for both Plaza and Valet (more on valet below).
All on-site parking garages also have a 10-minute grace period during which you can park for free. However, I don’t think this is enough time to park, run into the terminal to collect someone, and then get back to your car. You’ll need to wait at crosswalks to cross the street between the parking garage and the terminal.
Valet Parking at Both Terminals
Check pricing and availability before you go, but here’s usually what you can expect.
- How it Works: As you drive toward either terminal, follow signs for “Valet.” Pull into the designated curbside Valet area, leave your keys with the attendant, and head straight to check-in. Upon return, follow signs (or instructions provided at drop-off) to get your car from the Valet attendants.
- Hours: Valet parking pick-up at SAN is typically available 24/7, but drop-off is usually limited to 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Cost: Valet has a typically higher rate structure (currently $60/day plus optional tip).
- Best For: Travelers who prioritize speed and convenience above cost.
Cell Phone Lot
- Purpose: This free lot is only for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. You must remain with your vehicle.
- Location: There’s plenty of signage to guide you to it. You can even put “Cell Phone Lot” into Google Maps, and it will pop up as an option on McCain Road.
Other Places You Can Wait
If my husband is picking me up from the airport, he’ll drive over to Spanish Landing across North Harbor Drive where he can usually park, get out, and walk along the bay. I’ll text when we’re at the curb and he’s there within 5 minutes.
Curbside Parking at the Terminals — Not Allowed
If you need to pick someone up, you can’t park at the curb outside the terminal. You can pull up to the curb if someone is waiting there. You can stay as long as it takes to load luggage and whomever you pick up.
I see people try to park and stay all the time. Parking enforcement usually waves drivers along if there’s no sign they’re actively picking someone up.
Curbside Pickup Tips
If you’re picking someone up at the terminal curb, look for the green signs labeled with letters. Have your passenger call or text you the letter of the zone they’re in so you can find them easily. For example, I am usually in Zone O or P, which is outside American Airlines’ baggage claim in Terminal 2.
Off-Site Parking Near SAN: Value and Planning
For longer trips or budget-conscious travelers, off-airport parking lots near SAN offer significant savings compared to terminal garages.
Travelers joining cruises departing from the nearby cruise terminals also use San Diego airport parking lots.
Why Choose Off-Site Parking?
- Cost Savings: Often considerably cheaper per day, especially for longer stays.
- Reservations: You can (and should) book your spot in advance, guaranteeing availability and often locking in a better rate.
- Usually Less Hassle: Off-site parking sometimes involves less stressful navigation than busy airport garages, especially during peak times or construction.
How it Works: Typically, you drive to a private lot near the airport, park, and take their complimentary shuttle service to your terminal. Upon returning, use designated pick-up spots to catch the shuttle back to the lot.
Finding & Booking Off-Site Lots
- Use Parking Aggregators: Websites and apps like SpotHero (my family uses this app for parking all over San Diego) are popular tools for comparing prices, locations, amenities, and reviews of various lots near SAN.
- Book Direct: You can also book directly on the parking lot’s website.
Highly-Reviewed Off-Site Lot Examples near SAN
I generally find that reviews of every off-site parking place can be mixed. If you have a favorite, let me know.
Sometimes, you need to text to summon a shuttle to the airport, so understand how to meet your shuttle before you go.
- Aladdin Airport Parking: Known for its reliable service, covered parking, and shuttle service, which operates 24/7. They’ve been around for over two decades and are not the cheapest. But they are the most highly regarded in my network.
- WallyPark Airport Parking: This facility offers contactless self-parking options and sometimes has promo codes on its website.
- Fox Auto Parks: These are outdoor lots. You can book EV chargers and even a car wash.
Nearby Parking at Sheraton San Diego and Other Hotels
Another option sometimes found via apps like SpotHero is parking at nearby airport hotels, such as the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina across Harbor Drive.
How it Works: Hotels sometimes sell unused parking spaces. The Sheraton is walkable to T1, but you need to cross Harbor Drive. In my opinion, it’s too far with more than a carry-on. They do run a shuttle to the airport (call the hotel for the schedule).
See also: Aspire Lounge Review at SAN
Tips for Off-Site Parking
- Book Ahead: Essential, especially during holidays or busy travel seasons.
- Allow Shuttle Time: Factor in 20-40 minutes extra for check-in, waiting for the shuttle, and ride time. Know the frequency of the shuttle you intend to take.
- Verify Hours: Ensure 24/7 operation if needed for early or late flights. I have seen people run into this issue where their flight is delayed, and by the time they pick up their car, the lot is closed.
- Note Your Spot: Take a picture identifying where you’ve parked in the garage so you don’t forget.
General SAN Parking Tips & Other Considerations
- Book Ahead: Yes, I’ll say it again. Whether using an app for an off-site deal or reserving directly, booking guarantees your space and often secures a better rate.
- Check the Official SAN Website FIRST: This remains your most reliable source for current rates, availability percentages, maps, and construction updates for on-site parking.
- Factor in Extra Time: Always allow more time than you think necessary for traffic, finding a spot, walking or shuttling, and potential construction delays.
- Know Your Terminal: Double-check your airline’s terminal to park conveniently or ensure your shuttle serves it. This is the live list of airlines in each terminal.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spots are available in official SAN garages. Off-site lots usually offer accessible options, but you’ll need to verify with the company you’re using.
- Alternatives Exist: Do you really need to park a car? Rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, the free San Diego Flyer electric bus (connecting from Old Town Transit Center), or getting dropped off are all options.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your parking at San Diego Airport depends on whether you prefer the ease of terminal garages or the savings of off-site lots. Understanding your options and planning ahead makes the process much smoother. I’d love to know where you park when you fly. Please share in the comments!
