
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for drop-offs, including rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, shuttle buses, rental cars, and public buses. For those driving to the airport, there are designated drop-off areas near the terminal entrances, as well as short-term parking options nearby. SAN also provides accessible parking and transportation options for passengers with disabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Diego International Airport |
| Airport Code | SAN |
| Location | Minutes from downtown San Diego |
| Number of Terminals | 2 or 3 |
| Transport Options | Uber, Lyft, taxi, shuttle, bus, rental car, or car |
| Parking | Available near each terminal |
| Pick-up | Cell-phone waiting areas and designated pick-up areas |
| Drop-off | Designated drop-off areas near terminal entrances |
| Additional Information | Service and emotional support animals are allowed in Ubers |
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What You'll Learn

Dropping off passengers at San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. The airport is easily accessible by car, taxi, rideshare, shuttle, bus, or train.
If you are dropping off a passenger at the airport, you can use the designated drop-off areas located near the entrances of each terminal. These areas are clearly marked, and vehicles must be attended at all times. Parking is not permitted in these areas, but there are several parking lots and garages within walking distance of the airport terminals, including parking garages at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and a parking lot adjacent to the Commuter Terminal. Short-term parking is also available for a fee if you need to park and greet your departing passenger.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are available for drop-offs at SAN, with curbside drop-off possible at both terminals. You can also request multiple stops during your ride. Service animals are allowed, and Uber drivers may not refuse a trip if you are travelling with one. Pets are also permitted at the driver's discretion, but it is recommended that you select the Uber Pet option when booking.
If you are travelling by taxi or shuttle, you can find these at the Transportation Plazas outside of each terminal. A free shuttle service, the San Diego Flyer, operates between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center, where you can connect to the Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster, and Amtrak trains. The Flyer operates approximately every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week, with the first pickup at 4:45 a.m. and the last pickup/drop-off at 12:30 a.m.
For those taking the bus, Route 992 stops right outside baggage claim at both terminals and connects to all major transit options in Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego. This route operates seven days a week, with service every 15 minutes for most of the day. One-way fares are $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for seniors, disabled persons, Medicare recipients, and youth.
Overall, San Diego International Airport provides a range of convenient options for dropping off passengers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for travellers.
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Rideshare and taxi options
Ridesharing and taxi options are available at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft operate at the airport, with drop-offs possible curbside at both terminals. At Terminal 1, rideshare pick-ups are from the third lane of the pick-up area, and at Terminal 2, they are from the second lane.
If you are travelling with small children, it is important to note that, by law, they are required to be in a car seat. Service animals are allowed in Ubers, and drivers may not refuse a trip because of their presence. However, for pets, it is recommended that you select the Uber Pet option.
When requesting a ride with Uber, you can enter your flight number for the highest degree of accuracy. You can also request multiple stops during your ride. Uber is available 24/7, and you can reserve a ride up to 90 days in advance to minimise wait times.
There is also a free airport shuttle service called the San Diego Flyer, which operates between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. The Flyer connects travellers to the Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster, and Amtrak trains. The shuttle is electric and operates seven days a week, with the first pick-up at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick-up/drop-off at 12:30 a.m. The buses arrive every 20 to 30 minutes and are equipped with air conditioning, luggage racks, and an ADA ramp.
Another bus option is Route 992, which stops outside of baggage claim at both terminals. A one-way fare is $2.50 ($1.25 for seniors, disabled people, Medicare recipients, and youths). Route 992 operates seven days a week, with buses running every 15 minutes for most of the day.
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Public transport options
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers a variety of public transport options for travellers to and from the airport. SAN is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is served by 17 major and commuter airlines.
For travellers looking to use public transport, there are several options available. SAN provides a dedicated shuttle service called the San Diego Flyer, which operates between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. This service is free and runs every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week. The Flyer connects travellers to other transit options, including the Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster, and Amtrak trains.
In addition to the Flyer, travellers can also utilise Bus Route 992, operated by the Metropolitan Transit System. This bus route offers curbside drop-off and pickup outside baggage claim in both terminals and runs every 15 minutes for most of the day, seven days a week. The one-way fare is $2.50, with discounted rates for seniors, disabled individuals, Medicare recipients, and youth.
For those looking for a more flexible option, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at SAN. These services offer drop-offs curbside at both terminals, and passengers can be picked up from the transportation plaza across from the terminals.
Additionally, SAN is served by all major car rental agencies, providing travellers with the option to rent a car upon arrival. Free dedicated shuttle buses are provided to transport customers between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center.
Overall, SAN provides a range of public transport options to cater to the needs of its travellers, ensuring easy access to downtown San Diego and surrounding areas.
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Parking options
San Diego International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different traveller needs. The airport consists of two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with the Commuter Terminal located west of Terminal 1. Each terminal has its own parking garage, and the Commuter Terminal has an adjacent parking lot. These parking facilities are located near each terminal.
If you are picking someone up from the airport, you can use the cell phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow you to wait in your car until your passenger arrives. Once they have arrived, you can proceed to the designated passenger pick-up areas at each terminal. It is important to note that parking is not allowed in these pick-up areas, and vehicles must be attended at all times. If you need to park your vehicle, you can use the short-term parking options near the terminals, which are typically charged by meters for 1 to 2 hours.
For those dropping off passengers, you can use the designated drop-off areas located near the terminal entrances. These areas are clearly marked, and you can simply stop by the curb to let your passengers out.
In addition to the parking facilities at the airport, there are off-site parking options available through airportparkingreservations.com, which start from $12 per day. These off-site lots provide courtesy shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport, ensuring a convenient connection to the airport.
For those looking for a more sustainable option, the San Diego Flyer provides a free electric shuttle bus service between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. This service operates seven days a week, with the first pickup at 4:45 a.m. and the last pickup/dropoff at 12:30 a.m. The shuttle buses are equipped with luggage racks and are powered by sustainable energy, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional parking options.
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Picking up passengers at San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is serviced by 17 major and commuter airlines. The airport consists of two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which offer a range of dining, shopping, and lounge options.
If you are picking up passengers from San Diego International Airport, there are a few options available to you. Rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft operate from the airport, with drop-off and pick-up possible curbside at both terminals. At Terminal 1, passenger pick-up is from the third lane of the pick-up area, and at Terminal 2, it is from the second lane. To get to the terminals, drive out to N. Harbor Drive and turn right. Follow it all the way to the airport until you see signs for the terminals. Alternatively, you can take University Avenue, turn left onto Massachusetts Avenue, then turn right to merge onto CA-94 W and follow until exit 17A to merge onto W. Hawthorn Street. Use the right two lanes to merge onto N. Harbor Drive and follow the signs to the terminals.
If you do not need to meet your passengers inside the airport, you can wait in the airport's Cell Phone Lot, which offers free parking for up to 60 minutes. This lot is open from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily and is located at 2311 McCain Road on the west side of the airport. Once you have made contact with the arriving passenger, you can proceed to the terminal.
Another option for picking up passengers is to use the Route 992 bus, which stops right outside the baggage claim at both terminals. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to/from Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego, which connects with major transit options. Fares are $2.50 for a one-way trip.
Additionally, there is a free airport shuttle called the San Diego Flyer that picks up and drops off passengers on the east side of the Old Town Transit Center near the depot building. This shuttle operates every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week, with the first pick-up at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick-up/drop-off at 12:30 a.m.
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Frequently asked questions
Uber and Lyft are two ride-sharing services that operate from San Diego International Airport. Uber offers a range of options, from private rides to premium cars and more cost-effective alternatives. Uber is also available 24/7, which is ideal for early or late flights.
The San Diego Flyer is a free airport shuttle that picks up and drops off passengers on the east side of the Old Town Transit Center near the depot building. The shuttle operates every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week, and is timed to meet the first and last Trolley, Coasters, Amtrak trains, and MTS buses. Route 992 is another option that stops right outside the baggage claim at both terminals and takes 15 minutes to get to/from Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego.
Yes, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop off passengers curbside at both terminals.









































