San Diego International Airport (SAN) is gearing up for a busy Independence Day holiday travel period, expecting to see as many as 700,000 passengers arriving and departing from Sunday, June 29 through Monday, July 7, 2025. With construction on the new Terminal 1 (New T1) nearing completion for its opening this September, the airport encourages travelers and those picking up and dropping off to plan ahead.
“Summer travel season has definitely started at SAN,” said Kimberly Becker, President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “So far, our passenger volumes for this year are similar to 2024, which was a record-breaking year. We typically see an increase in the number of travelers during the July 4th travel period, and this year we anticipate an average of 80,000 people at the airport each day.”
The busiest days during the nine-day holiday travel period are expected to be Sunday and Monday before and after Independence Day on Friday, July 4. The single busiest travel day is expected to be Sunday, July 6, 2025. Passenger volumes are anticipated to increase to approximately 85,000 on the busiest days during the nine-day travel period.
Below are suggested tips for travelers coming through SAN during the summer months:
Check your flight status. Before coming to the airport, be sure to check with your airline to confirm your flight time.
Arrive early - Don’t cut it close. Expect traffic congestion due to construction in front of Terminal 1 and along the roadways near the entrance to the airport at Terminal 1 and 2. Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport before your flight departs. Busiest times at the curbside are 4:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thank you for your patience during construction. Good things are coming soon.
Make parking reservations – secure your spot. More than 8,000 parking spaces are now available at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Parking Plazas. Anyone planning to park at the airport should make reservations in advance. Reservations can be made for both Parking Plazas and curbside valet. Make reservations here.
Traveling around SAN. If you need transportation between Terminal 1 and 2, passengers can ride the Terminal Loop Shuttle between the two terminals at no cost.
Free electric shuttle. The San Diego Flyer is a free shuttle bus service between the Old Town Transit Station and SAN. The electric shuttle buses operate seven days a week, with an average arrival time of every 20 to 30 minutes. The first pick up is at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:30 a.m.
Get dropped off or use a ride-share. Have friends or family drop off or pick up. Lyft, Uber, or other rideshare options are also good alternatives.
Follow the signs. Whether dropping off or picking up passengers, please follow construction signage and stay within marked lanes. Be alert and ensure car doors and personal belongings are not blocking other drivers and passengers. Lastly, follow the directions of Airport Traffic Officers – they are there to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport.
Skip the traffic. Picking up? Avoid circling! The Cell Phone Lot in the Terminal 2 West Parking Lot on McCain Road is the perfect place to wait for your party. The lot is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Once at the airport, sit back and shop, dine, and relax. Shops and restaurants inside the terminals are open to provide travel necessities, meals, snacks, and more. Visit san.org/Shop-Dine-Relax for hours and locations of SAN concessionaires.
To learn more about construction impacts, transit options, and more, visit newt1.com.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1’s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.
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