If you’ve got a layover in San Diego, don’t let it go to waste sitting at SAN. The city, in United States, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by MTS Route 992 Bus. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before heading into San Diego, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United States vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: San Diego is roughly 60 minutes from SAN via MTS Route 992 Bus. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Getting to San Diego from the Airport
You have two main options for getting from San Diego International Airport into town:
- MTS Route 992 Bus: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for San Diego:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in San Diego, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to San Diego, we’d suggest Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SAN, you can spend time at United Club or try Airport Art Program & Views. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into San Diego: Mister A’s and Hodad’s Downtown. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for PGA TOUR Grill or Craft & Draft. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage is available at No public lockers available at the airport. Third-party luggage storage services may be found in downtown San Diego.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in San Diego.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SAN, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in San Diego itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for United States that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at SAN, 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
A layover in San Diego doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from SAN, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.