Transportation at San Diego International Airport (SAN)

San Diego International Airport (SAN), three miles from downtown, is a major transportation hub for Southern California. There are different modes of transport available at the SAN Airport to cater to travelers’ needs and budgets.

Whether travelers prefer the flexibility of car rentals, the convenience of ride-hailing services, the affordability of public transportation, or the comfort of luxury limousines, SAN allows travelers to select the ideal option for their schedule, comfort, and budget.

To help you choose the best transportation option that suits your needs, the following guide explores each available option at San Diego Airport.

Transportation Options at San Diego International Airport (SAN)

SAN ensures a seamless journey for each traveler, regardless of whichever transportation option they select. Here’s the list:

1. Car Rentals

San Diego Airport’s Rental Car Facility is off-site but accessible via a free, 24-hour shuttle service. Major companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget, run from this center, making it an ideal location for leisure travelers seeking the freedom of exploring San Diego or traveling to the surrounding areas on their schedule. Shuttle service to the Rental Car Facility operates from the main terminal’s north and south ends, and dedicated and on-demand buses run continuously throughout the day.

However, there are other expenditures associated with it, such as parking and fuel.  Furthermore, San Diego traffic may be very bad, especially around rush hour, which can make your trip longer.

• Pickup: In both terminals, follow the blue “Rental Car Shuttle” signs that are located across from the baggage claim area.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Shuttles have wheelchair elevators, low flooring, and kneeling space.

2. Taxi

At San Diego International Airport, several businesses offer taxi services. Just follow the signs to the Transportation Plazas if you require a taxi. Unless you designate a specific taxicab company, a customer service representative will assign you to the first available taxi.

There are plenty of taxis at the airport, and each terminal has a dedicated pickup area. Every cab that serves SAN is metered and licensed. Depending on traffic, the usual rate from the airport to downtown San Diego is between $15 and $20. Taxis offer a straightforward way to get around, especially for people traveling in groups or with large bags.

Taxis provide an efficient, round-the-clock door-to-door transportation choice at SAN:

• Pick Up/Drop Off: There are designated taxi zones at the transit islands next to each terminal on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, ensuring prompt access for arriving customers.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Passengers looking for wheelchair-accessible taxis should notify the operator upon arrival.

3. Rideshare Services

Several businesses provide rideshare services. Ride-share services like Lyft, Uber, Opoli, and Wingz are permitted to operate and provide an efficient alternative to taxis at the SAN Airport:

• Drop Off: Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer designated curbside passenger drop-offs, which are well marked.
• Pick up: After leaving baggage claim at Terminal 1, passengers can head to the cab pickup location via the recently installed pedestrian crosswalk, which has a traffic signal. Upon leaving baggage claim at Terminal 2, travelers should cross the main crosswalk to the Transportation Plaza. The rideshare pickup area is situated in the second lane on the right. At both terminals, there is easy-to-read signage to assist travelers.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Lyft and Uber provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). Riders can use the corresponding apps to request these services.

4. Public Transportation

SAN Airport offers multiple public transportation services to and from the airport effortlessly:

• MTS Route 992: Metropolitan Transit System Route 992 connects passengers going to and from San Diego Airport to Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and the COASTER at Amtrak’s Santa Fe Depot train station downtown. It runs every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays, from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• San Diego Flyer: The “San Diego Flyer” is a free electric shuttle that transports passengers from San Diego Airport to the Old Town Transit Center. The electric shuttle buses operate seven days a week, with an average arrival time of 20-30 minutes.
• Trolley: The city’s light rail transit system, MTS’s San Diego Trolley, links well-known locations and attractions. The City Bus and Terminal Shuttle are the two convenient ways to get to the Trolley from Terminals 1 and 2.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The San Diego Flyer and all MTS buses have wheelchair ramps or lifts and are ADA-compliant for disabled passengers.

5. Hotel Shuttles

SAN has a wide variety of hotels nearby that provide complimentary or paid hotel shuttle services to transport guests from the airport directly to their hotel.

To use this service, contact your hotel in advance to confirm availability, pick-up hours, and locations. Hotel shuttles, which might be convenient and complimentary for registered guests, are only provided at select hotels and may have limited schedules.

• Pick Up: Hotel shuttles typically pick up passengers at the Transportation Plazas outside Terminals 1 and 2. Travelers must contact the hotel staff for wheelchair accessibility.

For additional information about the hotel’s location, rates, stay hours, and more, visit our Hotels at San Diego Airport guide page.

6. Shuttles & Shared-Ride-Shuttle

SAN Airport offers three free shuttle services to help you get around efficiently:

• Terminal Loop Shuttle: Connects Terminals 1 and 2, operating daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• San Diego Flyer: Runs between the airport and Old Town Transit Center daily from 4:45 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Rental Car Center Shuttle: The Shuttles operate 24/7 between the airport and the Rental Car Center.

Shared shuttle services are the best transit option if you want to save money and do not mind sharing a ride. At the Airport, companies including GO Airport Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle (previously Super Shuttle) offer easy door-to-door service.

Fares typically range from $15 to $40, depending on the distance to your destination. While shared shuttles are more affordable than private rides, they often make multiple stops along the way, which can add extra travel time.

7. Private Car & Limousine Services

For ease and comfort, private car services at San Diego Airport offer premium transportation with chauffeurs to meet all luxurious travel needs. For instance, One80 Luxury and Blacklane specialize in exclusive services and offer a variety of luxury cars in various classifications.

Prices usually start at $80 and, depending on the vehicle chosen, can rise above $80 to $150 or more. This service is ideal for individuals who want privacy and comfort. However, it is available at a considerably higher cost than the other forms of transport.

Pick Up: Chauffeur services offer pickups directly from the arrivals terminal, where drivers meet passengers with a sign. Contact the company to learn about wheelchair accessibility.

8. Park and Ride Option

Short-term parking at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 garages, priced at $3–$8 per hour. For long-term stays, the Economy Lot charges $20–$30 per day.

There are also plenty of off-site parking lots in the vicinity that tend to provide lower rates and free shuttle service to the terminals.

• Wheelchair Accessibility: Shuttles have wheelchair elevators, low flooring, and sitting space. 

Visit our SAN Airport parking guide for comprehensive details on parking costs, locations, and availability to select the ideal choice for your journey.

9. Helicopter Transfers

Helicopter services for a distinctive and incredibly quick mode of transportation. This premium alternative, which is provided by companies like Helicopter Tours of San Diego, lets you avoid traffic while taking in breathtaking city views from above. It is one of the priciest modes of transportation, with fares usually starting at $200 or more per person. However, it is the best option for individuals looking for speed, exclusivity, and an unforgettable experience.

To meet the needs of every tourist, San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers a variety of transportation choices. There is a dependable method to get to your destination, regardless of your preference for the cost-effectiveness of public transportation, the ease of ridesharing, or the opulence of a private vehicle service.

To make the best choice, consider things such as cost, travel time, and luggage requirements before you leave. Locate every transit option easily with the help of the SAN Airport Map and enjoy a seamless and smooth experience.

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