A layover in San Diego is one of those happy accidents of air travel. North Island Naval Air Station-Halsey Field sits just 60 minutes from the city center by local transport, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
Before You Step Outside NZY
Three things to verify before you walk out of NZY:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Transport from North Island Naval Air Station-Halsey Field to Downtown
From NZY, the local transport gets you to San Diego in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Money & Budget Tips
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in San Diego, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Cards are increasingly accepted in San Diego, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
How to Spend Your Time in San Diego
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In San Diego, two standouts are:
- USS Midway Museum — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
- Gaslamp Quarter — Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside NZY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- NEX North Island
- MWR Liberty Center (North Island)
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: The Fish Market (San Diego) and Hodad’s Downtown are both worth a visit if you’re exploring San Diego.
- At the airport: Coronado Galley and Oasis Snack Bar (NEX Food Court) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at NZY can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in San Diego for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and NZY is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into San Diego and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at NZY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in San Diego exploring the streets or relaxing at NZY, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.