How to Get to San Diego. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Essentials

Serving San Diego

Your gateway to Southern California begins with these airports.

Air Hubs

San Diego International Airport (SAN) – Lindbergh Field.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 120 miles north.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) – 90 miles north in Orange County.

Routes & Carriers

San Diego International Airport maintains many airlines, connecting to major hubs across the U.S. And several international destinations.

Airline Services

Major U.S. Airlines: Alaska, Southwest, Delta, United, American.
Foreign Carriers: Air Canada, Ba, Japan Airlines.
Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts, Skyscanner for comparisons.

SAN Facilities

San Diego International Airport maintains a range of services for travelers.

Terminal Offerings

Enjoy free Wi-Fi, various dining options, retail shops, ATMs, and currency exchange.

Arrival Transfers

Several options exist for reaching your accommodation from San Diego International Airport.

Airport Transfer Choices

Private & Ride-Share

Private shuttle companies (e.g., SuperShuttle).
Uber and Lyft readily available from designated pick-up zones.
Taxis at designated stands.
Rental cars at consolidated center (shuttle access).

Public Transit

MTS Route 992 (Flyer) bus connects SAN to downtown.
Connect to MTS Trolley or other bus routes from Santa Fe Depot.
PRONTO card is recommended for public transit fares.
Convenient and cost-effective travel ininto the city's core.

Global Connections

Direct from Europe

London (British Airways), Munich (Lufthansa, seasonal), Zurich (Edelweiss Air, seasonal).

Direct from Asia & Canada

Tokyo (Japan Airlines), Vancouver (Air Canada, WestJet), Toronto (Air Canada).

Price Fluctuations

High season (summer, major holidays) prices are higher. Book ahead of time for the best rates.

Land Travel Options

Rail & Road Journeys

Traveling to and from San Diego overland offers various convenient options, especially within California and to Mexico.

Train Services

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: Scenic coastal route from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
Coaster: Commuter rail service connects downtown San Diego north to Oceanside.
Santa Fe Depot: Transfer point for Amtrak, Coaster, and MTS Trolley.

Intercity Bus Travel

Reliable bus services connect San Diego to various cities.

Major Bus Lines

Greyhound: Connections to towns across the U.S. And Mexico from downtown station.
FlixBus: Provides intercity bus travel to various California cities and beyond.
San Diego Greyhound Station (downtown) is the main hub.

Driving in San Diego

Familiarity with driving laws and conditions promotes a smooth journey.

Road Rules & Conditions

A valid driver's license is needed. International Permit for non-English licenses.
Roads generally good. Heavy traffic common on freeways during peak hours.
Parking challenging and expensive in popular areas.

Navigating Local Roads

San Diego has a well-maintained freeway system. Traffic can be heavy during peak commute hours (6-9 AM, 3-6 PM). Parking can be challenging and expensive in popular areas.

Important Driving Notes

Driving under the influence strictly enforced.
California laws specify hands-free cell phone use only.
Be aware of speed limits and traffic laws.

San Ysidro Land Port of Entry

Busiest land border crossing in Western Hemisphere.
Valid passport and FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist permit for Mexico.
Walk across (PedWest or PedEast) or drive (expect long waits).

Cross Border Xpress (CBX) connects Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to San Diego terminal.
Requires valid TIJ boarding pass and CBX ticket.
Useful for travelers flying from Tijuana.

Sea Arrivals & Departure

Maritime Connections

San Diego's natural harbor makes it a destination for cruise ships and ferry services.

Port Details

Port of San Diego (B Street Pier & Broadway Pier) serves major cruise ship operators.
Coronado Ferry connects downtown San Diego to Coronado Island.
No significant options for travel on the river.

Arrival Procedures

Immigration procedures for international arrivals by sea are similar to those for air travel. Passengers must clear U.S. Border control.

Onward Connections

Cruise terminals located downtown for simple entry to taxis.
Ride-shares and public transportation (MTS buses and trolley) readily available.
Coronado Ferry Landing offers additional transit links.

Seamless Departure

Prepare for your departure from San Diego with these helpful details.

Exit Formalities

No specific "exit fees" or taxes for departing from the U.S. For tourists. Airline tickets usually include all relevant taxes.

Departure Day Guide

For international flights, arrive 2.5-3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic, 1.5-2 hours. San Diego International Airport offers various dining, retail, and lounge options.

Pre-Travel Confirmations

Always confirm flight timetables and airport security wait times with your airline or airport website before you go out. Unexpected delays occur.

How to Get to San Diego