All You Wanted to Know About San Diego Airport Parking

The San Diego Airport in Southern California acts as an essential regional hub in Southwestern United States. With nearly 25 million passengers passing through every year, SAN Airport has seen increasing traffic because of its prime location. San Diego’s business and financial districts depend on the world-class connectivity provided by it. In fact, it is the busiest single-runway airport in the world!  

However, all of this comes at a cost. Finding cheap San Diego airport parking is usually a challenging task, with most passengers having to drive around the extensive on-site lots looking for a convenient SAN parking spot. Even if you do manage to get a spot, chances are you will have to pay through your nose for it. The chances of getting a parking spot become slim especially during high-demand seasons like the holidays and summer breaks, when most people prefer to travel. What can you do to ensure you don’t end up with a light wallet while  

We’ve got the lowdown on everything you might need to know about cheap San Diego airport parking. Just read on, and once you’re done, you’ll be able to beat out the competition and know precisely where to go to get the best SAN parking spots. 

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Where can I find SAN parking? 

There are five official San Diego Airport parking lots to choose from: Terminal 1 lot, Terminal 2 lot, Terminal 2 parking plaza, Long-term lot, and Curbside Valet Terminals 1 and 2. The rates at each lot differ slightly depending on where you choose to park. The hourly rates start at $6, while the daily rates can go up to $32. 

How can I find short-term San Diego airport parking? 

If you intend to park for just a few hours (ideally any period below 24 hours), short-term parking is a good option. Short-term parking is available at the T1, T2, and T2 parking plaza lots. All these lots start at $2.50 for 0-30 minutes, with $6 for 30-60 minutes, and an additional $2 for every 30 minutes after that. 

If you feel these rates are expensive, you can find cheap short-term lots at an off-site location through websites like Way.com. It will save you up to 60% over on-site rates. 

How can I find long-term San Diego airport parking? 

Long-term SAN parking rates are best for trips longer than a day. They are also slightly less expensive than hourly parking rates. Long-term parking is available at the T1, T2, and T2 Parking Plaza lots at a flat daily rate of $32/day. There is also a special offer at the T2 Plaza lot, where you can book a prepaid parking lot for $21/day. 

But when you leave your car at a long-term parking lot, you run the risk of it being scratched, nicked, or dented by careless drivers. You can also book a safer, off-site parking lot through websites like Way.com if you prefer. 

Is reserved parking available at San Diego Airport? 

Yes, there is a Reserved Parking option at the San Diego airport that guarantees you a SAN parking spot. This is a good option for those of you who feel that finding an impromptu parking spot is too difficult. You can reserve a spot in advance by visiting the San Diego Airport website, selecting your preferred lot, and paying the transaction fee. You just need to have the email or QR code ready when you reach the airport parking lot. However, there will be an additional charge to reserve your spot. 

Is there cheaper off-site San Diego airport parking? 

You’ve probably noticed that the cheapest on-site SAN parking costs at least $21 per day (prepaid booking). What if we told you that you could find a nearby off-site lot for as little as $7 per day, with a free shuttle and round-the-clock security? Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Sites like Way.com and the Way app can help you find great deals. Most of these parking lots belong to nearby airport hotels that are only a few minutes’ walk from San Francisco International Airport. The ones that are further away have a free shuttle service, making your life a lot easier. Several parking lots also offer additional services such as car washes, oil changes, and professional services. 

How do I find cheap off-site SAN parking? 

Sites or apps like Way make it simple to find low-cost San Diego Airport parking. If you go to the Way website or download the Way app, you’ll receive SAN parking coupons that can help you save up to 60% on your parking costs. 

Does San Diego airport have EV charging stations? 

Yes, there are 16 electric vehicle charging stations located in the T2 Parking Plaza. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are free of charge. 

Is there free parking at San Diego airport? 

Yes, there is a Cell Phone Lot where you can avail free San Diego airport parking. You can park your vehicle here while you wait to pick-up any passengers. The vehicles should not be left running and should have a driver at all times. 

How early should I leave for San Diego Airport? 

The distance between downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just over 3 and a half miles, which takes about 15 minutes to cover at an average speed. This does not include time spent stuck in traffic during rush hour or detours due to highway construction. It’s best to arrive at the airport at least a half-hour before your scheduled check-in time. This will allow you to prevent any unforeseen delays. 

Other tips for San Diego Airport Parking 
  • The address of San Diego Airport is as follows: 3225 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA. 
  • Parking coupons are often available for SAN parking and can be availed through sites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Ebates. 
  • Wheelchair-accessible disabled parking is available at all the lots. 
  • In case of any parking issues such as security oversights or vehicle lock-out, you can contact Ace Parking 24 hours a day at 619-291-2087. 

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