New T1 Construction Impacts
The New T1 will be here before you know it. Until then, leave extra time to get to the airport due to construction. Our goal is to make your travel experience and airport access as seamless as possible. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
What You Need to Know
Construction of the New T1 has increased significantly at San Diego International Airport (SAN). There will be ongoing impacts to vehicle and pedestrian access near airport roadways.
Travelers should prepare for traffic congestion and delays when traveling to SAN, especially from 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to midnight, which are the busiest times curbside. We recommend arriving earlier than usual and using caution when traveling through the work area.
Please be advised of the following changes at San Diego International Airport:
From April 1 to April 30, the Terminal 1 recirculation route will close for construction. Vehicles looking to return to Terminal 1 will need to use the Downtown exit to N. Harbor Drive, make a U-turn at Crosswind Way, and follow detour signs to return to the terminal.
During the same period, the Terminal 1 Harbor Island Drive exit road will close to allow crews to construct new roadways. Vehicles will need to exit to N. Harbor Drive and U-turn at Crosswind Way to access Harbor Island Drive. The entrance to Terminal 1 from Harbor Island Drive will remain open.
A Few Words About Safety
Safety is our priority—for our passengers, employees, and everyone who visits the airport. Here’s how you can stay safe while traveling through the airport during New T1 construction.
- Allow extra travel time – Plan to arrive curbside earlier than usual and expect traffic.
- Slow down – Follow speed limit signs around the airport and drive slower in designated work areas.
- Follow directions – Directional signs and airport staff are in place to help you navigate roadway impacts.
- Be aware of work zones – Keep an eye out for nearby workers and their equipment.
- Practice patience – Take a deep breath; you will get where you need to be in time.
- Minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the road.
Parking at the Airport
Planning to park at the airport? Reserve your spot ahead of time and save!
TERMINAL 1 LOT: The Terminal 1 Parking Lot is permanently closed to allow for the construction of the New T1 Parking Plaza, which is expected to open this summer.
TERMINAL 2 LOT: The Terminal 2 West Parking Lot is no longer available to passengers (except those using the Cell Phone Lot). The only available parking is in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza.
CURBSIDE VALET: Passengers may also use our convenient Curbside Valet at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Leave your car with one of our fully-insured, professional valet staff and walk straight through to check-in!
Make A Parking Reservation
CELL PHONE LOT: The Cell Phone Lot is located at the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road. To pick up passengers in front of Baggage Claim, follow the signs to the exit, exit left onto Spruance Road, turn left on McCain Road, and then turn left at the light onto North Harbor Drive to head south back to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
NEW SHORT-TERM PARKING OPTION: Three-hour, short-term parking is now available in the surface lot next to the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza. The new parking section is ideal for anyone picking up or dropping off passengers such as older adults, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied minors, who need help getting to or from their gate. (Please coordinate wheelchair or electric cart service directly with airlines.) To access the designated 3-Hour Parking Zone, enter the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza and turn right toward the open side of the structure and uncovered surface lot. Follow signs to 3-hour parking spaces.
CURRENT PRICING:
Daily rate: $38
Hourly Rate: $2.50 for every 15 min
Vehicles in the spaces after 3 hours will be cited. If vehicles are not moved by the 4th hour in the space, they will be towed at the owner’s expense.
OFF-AIRPORT PARKING RESOURCES:
- Aladdin Airport Parking – 2548 Kettner Blvd.
- Laurel Travel Center-Jazz Parking – 1025 W. Laurel St.
- Wally Park – 3298 Kettner Blvd.
- San Diego’s Park, Shuttle Fly – 3405 Pacific Hwy.
- San Diego Airport Parking Co. – 2771 Kurtz St.
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (“SDCRAA”) is providing this list of permitted parking operators as a courtesy in light of current space constraints at the airport. SDCRAA, its Board of Directors, and employees are not responsible or liable for loss or damage of any kind incurred as the result of your use of services provided by these third-party parking operators.
Parking Tips
ARRIVE EARLY: Plan to be at their airport at least two hours before your flight departure.
MAKE A RESERVATION: Reserve a Terminal 2 Parking Plaza parking space here. Please note, the Terminal 1 lot is now closed. The New T1 Parking Plaza is expected to open summer 2024.
TRY OUR VALET: Passengers may also use our convenient Curbside Valet at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Valet reservations are strongly recommended and can be made here.
Getting To & From the Airport
There are more ways than ever to get to and from the airport with public transit, shuttles, taxis, or rideshare.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: There are several worry-free ways to get to and from SAN on public transit including COASTER trains, trolley service including the new Mid-Coast Trolley, and the MTS 992 and 923 bus routes.
SAN DIEGO FLYER: Try the free San Diego Flyer, an all-electric shuttle service between the Old Town Transit Center and SAN, and a convenient last-mile connection for passengers and airport employees using public transit.
LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE DRIVING: There are many affordable, airport-permitted commercial transportation options including taxi, black car or van, rideshare, or CBX Shuttle. All of these drivers are very familiar with airport roadways and the latest construction impacts and can get you to and from the airport safely and efficiently.
Visit san.org/to-from for all of the available ways to get to and from the airport.
Getting Around the Airport
RIDE THE NEW TERMINAL LOOP SHUTTLE: If you are flying out of Terminal 1 but parking in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, the Terminal Loop Shuttle can transport you back and forth. The shuttles operate every 10 minutes and pick-up areas are curbside at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, directly in front of Baggage Claim.
