Navigating airport parking can typically really feel like the primary hurdle of your journey, and San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN) is not any exception. With its two terminals and ongoing development, planning your parking technique prematurely saves time, cash, and stress.
I’ll stroll you thru the primary San Diego airport parking choices so you possibly can determine whether or not to decide on the handy terminal garages or the cheaper off-site heaps.
Key Takeaways
On-Airport Parking at SAN: Terminal Comfort
Parking in one of many airport heaps gives most comfort, although it’s the costliest choice. It’s finest for vacationers who prioritize pace and direct terminal entry, quick 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. Nonetheless, ongoing development at this terminal and on this construction might have an effect on driving routes and entry occasions. There’s loads of directional signage to observe (albeit generally complicated).
- Time/Price: You’ll be able to park by the hour till you hit the present most of $38/day. Parking length is often as much as 30 days.
- How you can Pay: Earlier than returning to your automobile, you possibly can pay with a significant bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pockets at automated pay stations (kiosks) close to the plaza’s elevator. You can even 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 offended or hurried vacationers behind you.
- Suggestions: Supreme for T1 airways (Southwest, Frontier, Spirit, and so on.). It could actually fill shortly throughout peak journey. Permit additional journey time because of potential development 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 straight throughout from Terminal 2, the place most worldwide flights arrive and depart.
- Time/Price: Hourly charges faucet out at a each day most of $38/day (just like T1).
- How you can Pay: Fee works like Terminal 1, the place you should utilize bank cards at pay-on-foot kiosks close to elevators earlier than getting in your automobile. You can even pay straight 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’s signage to direct you, however you’ll enter the plaza and switch proper towards the open aspect of the construction). It’s designed for airport pick-up and drop-off for individuals who want a little bit extra assist attending to and from their gate. Charges apply.
- Most Keep: Normally 30 days for each Plaza and Valet (extra on valet under).
All on-site parking garages even have a 10-minute grace interval throughout which you’ll be able to park without cost. Nonetheless, I don’t assume that is sufficient time to park, run into the terminal to gather somebody, after which get again to your automobile. 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 often what you possibly can anticipate.
- The way it Works: As you drive towards both terminal, observe indicators for “Valet.” Pull into the designated curbside Valet space, go away your keys with the attendant, and head straight to check-in. Upon return, observe indicators (or directions offered at drop-off) to get your automobile from the Valet attendants.
- Hours: Valet parking pick-up at SAN is often obtainable 24/7, however drop-off is often restricted to five a.m.–11 p.m.
- Price: Valet has a sometimes larger charge construction (presently $60/day plus non-obligatory tip).
- Greatest For: Vacationers who prioritize pace and comfort above price.
Cell Telephone Lot
- Objective: This free lot is solely for drivers ready to choose up arriving passengers. You should stay together with your automobile.
- Location: There’s loads of signage to information you to it. You’ll be able to even put “Cell Telephone 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 often park, get out, and stroll alongside the bay. I’ll textual content once we’re on the curb and he’s there inside 5 minutes.
Curbside Parking on the Terminals — Not Allowed
If it’s essential choose somebody up, you possibly can’t park on the curb exterior 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 choose up.
I see individuals attempt to park and keep on a regular basis. Parking enforcement often waves drivers alongside if there’s no signal they’re actively choosing somebody up.
Curbside Pickup Suggestions
When 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 often in Zone O or P, which is exterior American Airways’ baggage declare in Terminal 2.
Off-Web site 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-Web site Parking?
- Price Financial savings: Typically significantly cheaper per day, particularly for longer stays.
- Reservations: You’ll be able to (and may) guide your spot prematurely, guaranteeing availability and infrequently locking in a greater charge.
- Normally Much less Problem: Off-site parking generally includes much less disturbing navigation than busy airport garages, particularly throughout peak occasions or development.
The way it Works: Sometimes, 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-Web site Tons
- Use Parking Aggregators: Web sites and apps like SpotHero (my household makes use of this app for parking throughout San Diego) are common instruments for evaluating costs, areas, facilities, and evaluations of varied heaps close to SAN.
- E-book Direct: You can even guide straight on the car parking zone’s web site.
Extremely-Reviewed Off-Web site Lot Examples close to SAN
I usually discover that evaluations of each off-site parking place might be combined. When you have a favourite, let me know.
Typically, it’s essential textual content to summon a shuttle to the airport, so perceive easy methods to meet your shuttle earlier than you go.
- Aladdin Airport Parking: Identified for its dependable service, coated parking, and shuttle service, which operates 24/7. They’ve been round for over twenty years and will not be the most cost effective. However they’re probably the most extremely regarded in my community.
- WallyPark Airport Parking: This facility gives contactless self-parking choices and generally has promo codes on its web site.
- Fox Auto Parks: These are outside heaps. You’ll be able to guide EV chargers and even a automobile wash.
Close by Parking at Sheraton San Diego and Different Inns
An alternative choice generally discovered through apps like SpotHero is parking at close by airport accommodations, such because the Sheraton San Diego Resort & Marina throughout Harbor Drive.
The way it Works: Inns generally promote unused parking areas. The Sheraton is walkable to T1, however it’s essential cross Harbor Drive. For my part, 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-Web site Parking
- E-book Forward: Important, particularly throughout holidays or busy journey seasons.
- Permit Shuttle Time: Consider 20-40 minutes additional for check-in, ready for the shuttle, and trip time. Know the frequency of the shuttle you plan 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 choose up their automobile, the lot is closed.
- Word Your Spot: Take an image figuring out the place you’ve parked within the storage so that you don’t neglect.
Common SAN Parking Suggestions & Different Concerns
- E-book Forward: Sure, I’ll say it once more. Whether or not utilizing an app for an off-site deal or reserving straight, 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 development updates for on-site parking.
- Consider Further Time: At all times permit extra time than you assume crucial for site visitors, discovering a spot, strolling or shuttling, and potential development 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 often provide accessible choices, however you’ll must confirm with the corporate you’re utilizing.
- Alternate options Exist: Do you really want to park a automobile? Rideshares (Uber/Lyft), taxis, the free San Diego Flyer electrical bus (connecting from Previous City Transit Heart), or getting dropped off are all choices.
Closing Ideas
Selecting your parking at San Diego Airport is dependent upon whether or not you favor the benefit 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!
