San Diego Airport (SAN) Parking Guide - Rates, Tips & Best Options

San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers several on-site parking options, including the Terminal 1 Plaza, Terminal 2 Plaza, and curbside valet services. For long-term travelers, the SAN economy lot and off-airport parking providers offer budget-friendly alternatives.

SAN On-Site Parking Options and Rates

Terminal 1 Parking Plaza

Best for: Southwest, Alaska, Frontier travelers
Location: Directly across from T1, steps from check-in
Why choose it: New, convenient, close walking distance, EV charging available.

Terminal 2 Parking Plaza

Best for: Delta, United, JetBlue, International flights
Location: Connected to Terminal 2 via pedestrian walkway
Extras: Covered parking, EV chargers, extremely short walk to domestic and international gates.

Curbside Valet Parking (T1 & T2)

Best for: Business travelers & anyone running late
Simply pull up at the valet stand outside either terminal - no searching for a space or walking with luggage.

Long-Term Parking Options at SAN

SAN Long-Term Lot (Economy Option)

Ideal for extended trips and anyone wanting to avoid terminal-garage prices.

Rates:
- $20/day (pre-booked)
- $22/day (drive-up)
Features:
- Free shuttle every 10-15 minutes
- Large open-air lot
- Budget-friendly alternative to Terminal Plazas

Off-Airport Parking Options Near SAN

Off-site parking lots and airport-adjacent hotels offer the lowest long-term rates around San Diego Airport.

Typical Rates: $6-$14/day depending on lot and season
Benefits:
- Free shuttle service
- Luggage assistance
- Valet options
- Lower long-term pricing
- Mobile reservations & discounts available

Example: Some independent lots start around $14/day for standard vehicles, with slightly higher rates for oversized cars and SUVs.

EV Charging at SAN

Available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking plazas
Limited availability-arrive early if you need a charging spot
Level 2 chargers; fees may apply depending on provider

Tips for Stress-Free Parking at San Diego Airport

Reserve ahead to guarantee your space.
Arrive early-traffic on Harbor Drive can be heavy.
Traveling 4+ days? Use the long-term or off-airport lots.
Check real-time availability through SAN's live parking counts.
Take a photo of your parking spot-lots fill quickly.

Which SAN Parking Option Is Best for You?

Traveler Type	Best Option	Why
Short trips	Terminal 1 or 2 Plaza	Quickest access to terminals
Business travelers	Valet	Fastest drop-off & pickup
Long vacations	Economy Long-Term Lot	Best savings for 4+ day stays
Budget-focused travelers	Off-airport lots	Lowest overall daily rates
EV drivers	Terminal 1 or 2 Plazas	Guaranteed charging stations

SAN On-Site Parking Options

Parking Option	Daily Rate	Best For	Distance to Terminal	Key Features
Terminal 1 Parking Plaza	$38/day	Southwest, Alaska, Frontier	Steps from T1	Covered parking, EV charging
Terminal 2 Parking Plaza	$38/day	Delta, United, JetBlue, International flights	Short walk	EV chargers, covered parking
Curbside Valet (T1 & T2)	$60/day	Business travelers, late arrivals	Curbside drop-off	Easiest, fastest option

Long-Term & Off-Airport Parking

Parking Type	Daily Rate	Shuttle	Best For	Notes
SAN Economy Long-Term Lot	$20 (pre-book) / $22 (drive-up)	Yes	4+ day trips	Most affordable on-site option
Independent Off-Airport Lots	$6-$14/day	Yes	Budget travelers	Lowest prices; check shuttle frequency
Hotel Parking w/ Shuttle	$8-$16/day	Varies	Overnight & long vacations	Good for early or late flights

SAN Parking Based on Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Recommended Option	Why
Business Travelers	Valet	Fastest arrival & departure
Short Weekend Trips	Terminal 1 or 2 Plaza	Closest to terminals
Long Vacations	Economy Long-Term Lot	Best on-site savings
Lowest-Cost Parking	Off-airport lots	Cheapest per day
EV Drivers	Terminal 1 & 2 Plazas	Dedicated EV chargers

Bottom Line

San Diego Airport offers flexible parking options for every budget and travel style - from ultra-convenient terminal garages to cost-saving long-term lots and cheap off-airport alternatives. With updated competitive rates and more spaces available thanks to the expanded T1 Plaza, parking at SAN is now easier than ever.