SAN Airport Transfers: San Diego International
Private car from SAN to anywhere in San Diego. Fixed price before you fly, flight tracking and meet & greet.
About San Diego International
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is about 3 miles northwest of downtown, beside San Diego Bay, which makes it one of the closest big-city airports to its center. It has two terminals: a rebuilt Terminal 1 that is still adding gates in phases, and Terminal 2.
With a pre-booked private transfer, the fixed US-dollar fare is shown before you book and covers tolls and the airport fee. We follow your flight, set the pickup to the actual landing time, and send the driver's name and phone number before you land.
Most transfers from SAN go to the Gaslamp Quarter, the Convention Center, Little Italy, Mission Bay, La Jolla, Coronado, the downtown cruise terminal and North County towns such as Carlsbad.
Terminals
- Terminal 1New terminal used by Southwest and several other airlines; more gates are opening in phases
- Terminal 2Domestic and international flights on the remaining airlines
Terminal assignments at SAN are in flux: several airlines have moved from Terminal 2 into the new Terminal 1, and more moves are planned as gates open. Check your airline before flying.
Fixed fares from SAN
| To | Miles | Sedan | Minivan | Sprinter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaslamp Quarter | 3 | $95 | $120 | $185 |
| La Jolla | 12 | $95 | $120 | $185 |
| Coronado | 8 | $95 | $120 | $185 |
| Mission Bay | 7 | $95 | $120 | $185 |
One way, per vehicle, including tolls and the airport fee. Any other address is priced instantly when you book.
Getting from SAN to San Diego
MTS Route 992 stops at both terminals every 15 minutes from 4:15 a.m. to midnight and connects downtown with the Trolley, COASTER and Amtrak. The free San Diego Flyer shuttle runs to the Old Town Transit Center. Rideshare pickup is at the Transportation Plaza across from baggage claim. A pre-booked car is simplest for La Jolla, Coronado, North County or a cruise departure with luggage.
Arrival tips
- Rideshare passengers cross from baggage claim to the Transportation Plaza; follow airport signs and your app's directions for your terminal.
- Hotel shuttles stop at the Transportation Islands outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, reached by the pedestrian crosswalks.
- Terminal 1 was rebuilt recently and is still expanding, so confirm your airline's terminal close to departure.
- Your confirmation gives the meeting point for your terminal, and we send the driver's name and phone number before you land.
- Taking the Trolley? The San Diego Flyer also stops at Admiral Boland Way, a block from Middletown Station.
SAN transfer questions
How long is the drive from San Diego airport to downtown?
The airport is about 3 miles from downtown, so the ride is short, but the exact time depends on traffic, events at the Convention Center or Petco Park, and the hotel's location. We do not quote a fixed number. Trips to La Jolla, Coronado or North County take noticeably longer in peak hours.
Which terminal does my airline use at SAN?
Southwest flies from the new Terminal 1, and several other airlines have moved there too, while Terminal 2 handles the remaining carriers, including international flights. Because further moves are planned as new gates open, check your airline's app or san.org shortly before you fly rather than relying on an older booking email.
Is there public transit from SAN to downtown San Diego?
Yes. MTS Route 992 serves both terminals every 15 minutes from 4:15 a.m. to midnight. Overnight, Route 910 links downtown and the border every 30 minutes. The free San Diego Flyer goes to Old Town Transit Center. A private car avoids transfers if you're carrying cruise luggage.
Can a group or family book one vehicle from SAN?
Yes. A Minivan suits six travelers with six bags, a Sprinter Van takes groups of up to 14, and a Sedan fits three people with three bags. Child seats can be arranged if you ask when booking. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before pickup, San Diego local time.