San Diego Layover Guide (SAN)

What are you looking for in SAN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

San Diego Airport (SAN) is an international airport located in San Diego, California. It’s situated about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown San Diego. The airport officially opened in 1928. San Diego is the second-largest city in California and is known for its pleasant climate, diverse culture, and thriving economy. It’s also renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and a wide range of outdoor and leisure activities.

Can you leave San Diego Airport (SAN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During an international layover at SAN, you may exit the airport only after clearing U.S. customs and immigration. You must possess a valid U.S. visa or ESTA travel authorization to enter and leave the secure area. Without proper entry permission, you cannot leave the airport terminal and re-enter connecting flights. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Balboa Park Explore Balboa Park’s lush gardens, iconic Spanish architecture, and quick museum highlights ideal for a layover stroll, cultural immersion, and scenic photos. Enjoy vibrant botanical displays. Official site: https://www.balboapark.org (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (15 minutes))
• USS Midway Museum Step aboard the USS Midway Museum aircraft carrier, discover interactive exhibits, restored planes, and stunning harbor views perfect for history buffs and photo ops. Family-friendly experience today. Official site: https://www.midway.org (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (10 minutes))
• Gaslamp Quarter Wander the historic Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian-era buildings, vibrant shops, and dining spots, soaking in lively ambiance, street performers, and craft cocktails during a quick downtown cultural break. Family-friendly experience today. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Blue Line Trolley to Gaslamp Station (~12 minutes))
• La Jolla Cove Visit La Jolla Cove’s picturesque coastal cliffs, watch sea lions basking, snorkel in clear waters, and explore tide pools for a refreshing seaside escape. Scenic adventure today. Official site: https://www.lajollabythesea.com (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Lyft/Uber (20 minutes))
• Coronado Beach Relax on Coronado Beach’s pristine sands, admire the historic Hotel del Coronado backdrop, rent a beach bike, or take a quick stroll along the shoreline for panoramic bay views and moments. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Coronado Shuttle Bus (Route 901) (~30 minutes) or taxi)
• Old Town San Diego Discover Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s preserved adobe buildings, authentic Mexican eateries, artisan shops, and living history demonstrations celebrating the city’s colonial heritage. Cultural experience today. Memorable exploration. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Route 992 bus (~20 minutes) or taxi)
• Cabrillo National Monument Explore Cabrillo National Monument’s dramatic ocean vistas, walk the tidal pools at low tide, visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 landing. Historic site. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (~20 minutes))
• Seaport Village Stroll through Seaport Village’s waterfront boardwalk, browse unique boutiques, savor artisanal snacks, and enjoy street musicians’ performances against the backdrop of San Diego Bay. Charming harborfront ambiance today. Quick visit. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Orange Line Trolley to Santa Fe Depot + walk (~15 minutes) or taxi)

Things to Do in San Diego Airport (SAN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Terminal 2 hosts four airline lounges—Aspire, Chase Sapphire by The Club, Delta Sky Club and United Club—featuring complimentary snacks, beverages, rest pods, showers and spacious seating. Two day-spas (Be Relax and XpresSpa) in Terminal 2 East offer massages, manicures, facials and quick beauty treatments, plus a yoga room near Gate 24 for additional calm. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island sits one mile from SAN, accessible via free shuttle, offering soundproof rooms, fitness center and bay views. Additional options within a five-minute drive include the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station and Holiday Inn Express, all providing 24-hour desks and quiet, comfortable accommodations. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
SAN does not feature dedicated sleeping pods or nap rooms. However, pre-security seating areas in both terminals include padded benches, recliners and quiet zones near Gates 24 and 33 in Terminal 2 West. These semi-private spots allow travelers to rest on their carry-ons or benches before clearing security.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: San Diego International offers free high-speed Wi-Fi (#SANfreewifi) throughout Terminals 1 and 2. Sessions last two hours and can be renewed indefinitely by reconnecting. Speeds support streaming, downloading and video calls, with no password required—simply select the network and complete the on-screen prompt.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers seeking mobile data can purchase local SIM cards or activate eSIMs at kiosks and vending machines in the Rental Car Center and Terminal 2 baggage claim. Major carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) have retail counters in the Rental Car Center lobby; eSIM plans are also available online for immediate download upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis line up at the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level of both terminals, offering flat-rate service to downtown San Diego (approximately $19) or metered fares to other destinations. Accessible 24/7, fares to popular neighborhoods range $8–25, with credit card payment accepted on most vehicles.

Train: SAN lacks a direct rail link. To connect by train, take the free San Diego Flyer shuttle from Terminals 1 or 2 to Old Town Transit Center in 15–20 minutes. From there, catch Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner or the Coaster regional rail at Santa Fe Depot (more info).

Bus: MTS Route 992 stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 East and West, running every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 12:45 a.m., linking to downtown hubs like Santa Fe Depot. Route 923 serves Ocean Beach to SAN on weekdays. Fares are $2.50 per ride. (more info)

Shuttle: Three free shuttles operate on-airport and nearby: the Terminal Loop Shuttle (Terminals 1–2, 6 a.m.–11 p.m.), the San Diego Flyer (to Old Town Transit Center, 4:45 a.m.–12:30 a.m.), and rental car shuttles linking all terminals with the consolidated Rental Car Center.

Car rentals: Over a dozen major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) are housed in the consolidated Rental Car Center north of Terminal 1. A free shuttle runs every 10 minutes from the Ground Transportation Plaza outside Terminals 1 and 2, operating 24/7. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term parking is available in covered garages directly outside Terminals 1 (outdoor only) and 2 (covered plaza and outdoor lot). Long-term (economy) parking is east of the terminals on North Harbor Drive, serviced by a free shuttle every 5–10 minutes. Rates vary by lot and duration.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

San Diego International does not offer official on-site storage or lockers. Travelers can use off-site services like Stasher or Smarte Carte in Terminal 2, providing secure, PIN-protected lockers and luggage storage for a daily fee, typically starting around $5 per item. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- San Diego Airport (SAN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks