San Diego Airport Opens New Parking Plaza Boosting Spots
Thousands of Parking Spots Added for Travelers
San Diego, June 13, 2025 – The San Diego International Airport unveiled a substantial expansion of its parking capacity on Friday, adding a considerable number of spaces for travelers. The new T1 Parking Plaza offers a much-needed boost for drivers.
- The airport has added 2,400 parking spots.
- The new parking plaza is part of a $3.8 billion remodel.
- Costs range from $2.50 for 15 minutes to $38 per day.
- Features include license plate readers and electric vehicle spaces.
Planning a trip out of San Diego International Airport? You’re in luck! The airport recently opened a new parking plaza, significantly increasing the available parking spots for travelers. This expansion comes as part of the airport’s ongoing $3.8 billion remodel, designed to improve the overall travel experience.
New Parking Plaza Details
The airport completed the second phase of its new five-story T1 Parking Plaza, which opened over Labor Day Weekend in late August. The total number of spots at the plaza is 5,200. Combined with existing parking, the airport now has approximately 8,500 parking spots.
The parking plaza represents the initial public benefit of the airport’s substantial renovation, which began in November 2021. The first phase of the new Terminal 1 is scheduled to open around late September, with the entire project slated for completion by 2028.
Parking Fees and Features
The cost to park at the new plaza is $2.50 for every 15 minutes in the one-hour parking spots, adding up to $10 for the full hour. Daily parking costs $38. If you plan to park for longer periods, the maximum stay is 60 days, totaling $2,280. There is a 10-minute grace period if you accidentally enter the parking plaza.
Travelers can pay for parking at the plaza or reserve spots online in advance. One of the notable features is the inclusion of license plate readers, allowing drivers to enter their plate information online and enter the garage without further action. The online form stores payment details, automatically charging visitors upon exit.
New signage is available throughout the roads and airport to assist travelers in locating the parking plaza. For those heading west on North Harbor Drive (from downtown), stay in the right lane and follow the Terminal 1 signs. Then, follow the road until you see the signs guiding vehicles to the left for the parking plaza and to the right for arrivals and departures.
If traveling east on North Harbor Drive, get into the left lane when you see the Terminal 1 sign, and follow the signs for parking. The new parking plaza is conveniently located near both terminals. Passengers, particularly those with only carry-on luggage, may find a shuttle unnecessary. Even if parked in the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza and needing to reach Terminal 2, the distance is only about 400 feet. However, the free Terminal Loop Shuttle operates daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Additional Plaza Highlights
The new parking plaza offers unique features compared to standard parking garages. Electronic arrows indicate available spots, and express lanes on the exterior of the garage eliminate the need to circle for parking or exiting. The structure also incorporates a rainwater collection system, wave-like pillars, and landscaping with olive trees.
The airport has also designated 185 spaces for electric vehicle parking, 20 one-hour spots, and 1,023 spaces for “clean vehicles,” including hybrid, electric, and hydrogen-powered cars.
“We have a significant demand for onsite parking at” the airport, said Regional Airport Authority CEO Kimberly Becker in a news release, “and the opening of stage 2 allows us to better provide that for our customers.”
Originally Published: June 13, 2025 at 12:52 PM PDT
san Diego Airport Parking Guide: Your Ultimate Guide
Navigating the San Diego International Airport (SAN) can be a breeze with the right parking data! This guide provides everything you need to know about parking options, prices, and helpful tips for a smooth travel experience.
Understanding Your Parking Options
San Diego International Airport offers several parking choices to suit different needs and budgets. These options include terminal parking, short-term parking, long-term parking, and valet services.
Parking Prices and Options
Parking costs at the San Diego airport fluctuate based on the type of parking you choose. For instance, pricing can range from $2 in the terminal parking to $38 per day for valet parking [[1]]. There are also specific short-term parking areas.
- Terminal Parking: Offers convenient access to the terminals, ideal for fast drop-offs and pick-ups.
- Short-Term Parking: Perfect for those needing a few hours, such as picking up arriving passengers or dropping off those with special needs. The surface lot near Terminal 2 offers three-hour parking [[2]].
- Long-Term Parking: Provides a more affordable option for extended trips, with shuttle services to the terminals.
- Valet Parking: Offers premium convenience with services like car washing or detailing.
Practical Tips for Parking at SAN
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the parking experience:
- Check for reservations: Consider making a parking reservation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to guarantee a spot.
- Know the Terminal: Determine which terminal you need to access to choose the closest parking option.
- consider the time: Assess how long you’ll need parking to decide if short-term or long-term is more cost-effective.
- Review the signage: pay attention to the signs directing you to the different parking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about parking at the San Diego International Airport.
What are the costs for parking at the airport?
Parking at San Diego Airport varies, with costs starting from $2 at terminal parking and up to $38 per day for valet services [[1]].
Where can I park for a short time at the airport?
There is short-term parking available in the surface lot next to Terminal 2, where passengers can park for up to three hours.This area suits passenger pick-ups and drop-offs [[2]].
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