Airports Near San Diego
Looking for the nearest airport to San Diego? San Diego is served by several airports located in different directions around the city. With three airports within a 50-mile radius, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here's a quick guide to help you find the one that best suits your travel plans.
What Is the Closest Airport to San Diego?
The closest airport to San Diego is San Diego International Airport (SAN), a large airport located approximately 1.9 miles (3.1 km) northwest of the city center. The driving distance is about 2.8 miles (4.6 km), which typically takes around 6 minutes by car.
For better flight options, consider Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which offers more connections. It's located 111.1 miles (178.7 km) northwest of San Diego. The driving distance is approximately 124.9 miles (200.9 km), with a typical drive time of 2 hours and 29 minutes.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Direct Distance 📏
1.9 miles
3.1 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
2.8 miles
4.6 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
6 min
Direction ➤
Northwest
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Located 16.6 miles (26.6 km) southeast of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
16.6 miles
26.6 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
21.7 miles
35 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
28 min
Direction ➤
Southeast
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Located 29.3 miles (47.1 km) north of the city.
Direct Distance 📏
29.3 miles
47.1 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
33.3 miles
53.6 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
43 min
Direction ➤
North
Nearby airports to San Diego
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego International Airport | SAN | San Diego | 1.9 mi (3.1 km) | 2.8 mi (4.6 km) | 6 min | Large |
| Tijuana International Airport | TIJ | Tijuana | 16.6 mi (26.6 km) | 21.7 mi (35 km) | 28 min | Large |
| McClellan-Palomar Airport | CLD | Carlsbad | 29.3 mi (47.1 km) | 33.3 mi (53.6 km) | 43 min | Medium-sized |
| Orange County John Wayne Airport | SNA | Santa Ana | 77.8 mi (125.2 km) | 86.2 mi (138.7 km) | 1 h 43 min | Large |
| Palm Springs International Airport | PSP | Palm Springs | 85.8 mi (138.1 km) | 125.9 mi (202.6 km) | 2 h 35 min | Medium-sized |
| Imperial County Airport | IPL | Imperial | 92.8 mi (149.3 km) | 116.1 mi (186.9 km) | 2 h 14 min | Medium-sized |
| Long Beach Airport | LGB | Long Beach | 95.1 mi (153.1 km) | 106.1 mi (170.7 km) | 2 h 5 min | Medium-sized |
| San Bernardino International Airport | SBD | San Bernardino | 95.4 mi (153.6 km) | 108.5 mi (174.5 km) | 2 h 10 min | Medium-sized |
| Ontario International Airport | ONT | Ontario | 96 mi (154.4 km) | 111.2 mi (179 km) | 2 h 8 min | Large |
| Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport | HHR | Hawthorne | 107.3 mi (172.7 km) | 120.2 mi (193.4 km) | 2 h 23 min | Medium-sized |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | Los Angeles | 111.1 mi (178.7 km) | 124.9 mi (200.9 km) | 2 h 29 min | Large |
| Mexicali International Airport | MXL | Mexicali | 112 mi (180.2 km) | 139.4 mi (224.3 km) | 2 h 40 min | Medium-sized |
| Hollywood Burbank Airport | BUR | Burbank | 123.6 mi (198.8 km) | 133.5 mi (214.8 km) | 2 h 39 min | Medium-sized |
| Palmdale Regional Airport | PMD | Palmdale | 142.4 mi (229.2 km) | 174.5 mi (280.8 km) | 3 h 38 min | Medium-sized |
| Yuma International Airport | YUM | Yuma | 148.9 mi (239.6 km) | 174.9 mi (281.4 km) | 3 h 19 min | Medium-sized |
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to San Diego, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.