OVERVIEW
San Diego International Airport is sandwiched between the waterfront and downtown -- so travelers tend to get a startlingly close view of the city's skyscrapers and Interstate 5 when flying into town.
DRIVING
San Diego International is just three miles from downtown. If you plan to drive, getting around is surprisingly easy, especially since the airport is adjacent to Interstate 5.
Passenger pick up: A free cell phone waiting lot is available. Drivers can park temporarily, at no charge, in the 50-space, which is open around the clock. The maximum wait is 60 minutes, and vehicles must be attended. Get directions.
PARKING
Most convenient: Parking adjacent to the terminals is $1 for the first hour, $7 for four hours, and $18 for the first 24 hours; then $24 for each additional day.
Cheapest: Off-site parking options include the airport's SAN Park Pacific Highway lot, at $10 per day. Other long-term parking - SAN Park Harbor Drive and SAN Park NTC - cost $12 per day. All offer free shuttle service.
More parking information: (619) 291-2087
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Cab: A cab ride to downtown can cost $9 to $14. Several local cab companies accept major credit cards.
Bus: The Flyer runs between the airport and downtown from Terminals 1 and 2. The fare is $2.25.
Shuttle: Several companies offer shuttle service at the airport. Rides to or from downtown San Diego run about $9 to $12.
Train: Take San Diego Transit bus No. 992 to the Santa Fe Depot to catch Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner or the Coaster train, which serves communities between downtown San Diego and coastal North County every day but Sunday. Validated Coaster tickets can be used for a free transfer. Buses run every 10 minutes for much of the day, and the approximate travel time is 10 minutes.
Cruise passengers: Cruise ship representatives are available in the arrivals area of the Commuter Terminal to help people find transportation to the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal.
Rental cars: Advantage, Alamo, Autorent, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Pacific, Rent4Less, Thrifty and West Coast serve the airport.
GETTING AROUND THE AIRPORT
Terminal maps
AMENITIES/USEFUL INFO
Lost and found: Located on the first floor of Terminal 2's baggage claim. Call (619) 400-2140.
Traveler aid: Volunteers help with directions, lost luggage and other travel-related matters at kiosks near baggage claim in terminals 1 and 2.
Pets: The airport's new 475-square-foot, wheelchair-accessible, ADA-compliant Service Animal and Pet Relief Area is between terminals 1 and 2.
Info for travelers with disabilities
ATMs: Eight Bank of America ATMs are located throughout the three terminals at pre- and post-security locations.
