General Rules
Parking here is free (for a limited duration).
Maximum wait time is 60 minutes.
Vehicles must be turned off (i.e. engine off) while waiting.
Vehicles must be attended at all times (i.e. the driver cannot leave the vehicle).
The lot is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.
The lot has roughly 70 parking spaces (some sources) or up to ~100 (older/other media) reported capacity.
The current location is at 2311 McCain Road, on the west side of the airport.
The lot was relocated from its former position on North Harbor Drive
Once your passenger is ready (after contacting you), you should exit the lot and proceed to the terminal for pickup.
Location and Accessibility
SAN Cell Phone Lot — Location & Access
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Current Location / Address | At 2311 McCain Road, accessible from McCain Road at SAN. |
| Position relative to terminals | It is located in the Terminal 2 Parking Lot area (or adjacent to it) with direct access from McCain Road. |
| Operation / hours | Open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. |
| Number of spaces / capacity | Approximately 70 parking spaces |
Complaints and Problems
🚗 SAN Cell Phone Lot – Problems & Solutions
| Problem / Complaint | Solution | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance signage confusing; easy to miss McCain Rd turn. | Use 2311 McCain Rd, enter right after Terminal 2; keep to the right lane. | Avoids missed entry and circling back. |
| Lot entrance moved; many still turn left by habit. | Continue straight, use the first lot on the right. | Matches new layout and reduces confusion. |
| Lot full during busy arrivals. | Wait at Spanish Landing or Liberty Station until passenger confirms pickup. | Avoids congestion and idling fines. |
| Drivers circle terminals waiting for text. | Stay parked until the passenger texts “ready.” | Reduces terminal gridlock. |
| Confusion with rideshare staging area. | Private pickups only; TNC drivers must use the TNC lot. | Prevents mix-ups and enforcement issues. |
| Small capacity. | Time arrival, coordinate “ready” text, use paid short-term lot if needed. | Keeps wait times short and legal. |
| Drivers leave vehicles or idle engines. | Stay inside vehicle, engine off, max 60 minutes. | Complies with SAN rules and avoids tickets. |
| Lot closed after 12:30 a.m. | Use Spanish Landing for late-night waits. | Prevents being turned away after hours. |
| Traffic bottlenecks near Terminal 2 merges. | Enter calmly via Harbor Dr → McCain Rd; avoid last-minute lane changes. | Smoother flow and safer merges. |
| First-time visitors unsure where to wait if full. | Use overflow areas with restrooms (Liberty Station). | Keeps waiting comfortable and legal. |
| Curbside waiting causes backups. | Arrive only once bags are in hand; loop or re-stage if needed. | Keeps pickup zone flowing. |
| Old maps and habits cause navigation errors. | Check the latest airport advisory before heading out. | Ensures directions match current layout. |
ℹ️ Note: Free up to 60 minutes, drivers must remain with vehicle, engines off, open 5:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m. daily.
Tips for parking / waiting
SAN Airport Parking & Waiting — Practical Tips Cell Lot • Hourly • Long-Term
⏱️ Time your pickup
Ask your rider to text only when they’re curbside with bags. Roll in then. This avoids terminal loops and keeps curb pickups smooth.
🅿️ Use the Cell Phone Lot first
Free for short waits. Stay with your vehicle, engine off, and respect posted time limits to avoid citations.
🧭 Missed the entrance?
If you overshoot the lot, don’t stop on Harbor Dr. Circle back calmly and re-enter; sudden lane changes create bottlenecks.
🎯 Overflow staging options
When the Cell Lot is packed, stage a few minutes away (e.g., park areas on Harbor Island) and move in once your rider confirms.
💵 Short stay = Hourly garages
For meet-and-greet inside the terminal, hourly parking saves stress versus circling. It’s paid, but faster for quick handoffs.
🧳 Know your terminal flow
Pickups are busiest during evening bank arrivals. If possible, shift your approach by 10–15 minutes to miss the rush wave.
🔌 EV & accessibility
Charge before arriving; stalls may be occupied during peaks. Check floor signage for ADA spaces closest to elevators/bridges.
🚫 No curbside camping
Security may move you along if you wait at the curb. If your rider is delayed, re-stage at the Cell Lot instead of idling curbside.
🧠 Rideshare vs personal
Personal pickups: Cell Lot. Drivers for TNCs must use their staging area. Mixing them can get you routed away or fined.
🗺️ Follow current signs
Road patterns near Terminal 2 change occasionally. Trust on-site signs over old habits to avoid last-second lane moves.
👀 Spot the stall quickly
In garages, photograph your level/row marker. Share it with your passenger for a faster link-up if you’re meeting inside.
🔄 One smooth loop
If curb space is jammed, make one loop and re-try rather than stopping in a travel lane. It keeps traffic moving and reduces stress.
Quick rules recap: stay with your vehicle in the Cell Phone Lot, engine off, respect posted time limits, and approach terminals only when your rider is truly ready.
On-Airport / Official SAN Parking Options
🏢 SAN On-Airport / Official Parking Options (with Rates & Addresses)
| Facility | Address | Rates (Approx.) | Best For / Use Case | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | 2311 McCain Road, San Diego, CA 92101 | Free (max 60 minutes) | Waiting for arriving passengers | Free short-term parking; stay with vehicle; engines off; open 5:00 a.m.–12:30 a.m. daily. |
| Terminal 1 Parking Lot | 3225 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | $8 / hour · $32 / day | Picking up or dropping off passengers at Terminal 1 | Close to Terminal 1; pedestrian bridge; hourly & daily rates; payment via card. |
| Terminal 2 Parking Plaza | 3835 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 | $8 / hour · $32 / day | Terminal 2 arrivals and departures | Modern multi-level structure; EV charging; hourly, daily, and online reservations available. |
| Long-Term / Economy Parking Lot | 3275 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101 | $18 / day | Extended trips or multi-day parking | Shuttle to Terminals 1 & 2 every 10–15 minutes; cost-effective long-stay option. |
| Premium / Reserved Parking (Online Only) | Available via SAN Parking Portal (assigned spaces near terminals) | + $9–$12 surcharge above daily rate | Travelers seeking guaranteed close-in space | Pre-booked; limited capacity; closest proximity to terminal walkways. |
💡 Tip: Reserve online in advance for guaranteed spots during holidays. Rates are approximate and may change; always verify current pricing at the official SAN parking page or on posted lot signage.
Off-Airport / SAN Parking Options
🏪 Off-Airport / Private Parking Near SAN (with Rates & Addresses)
| Parking Facility | Address | Rates (Approx.) | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anza Parking San Diego | 615 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA 94010 | $20–$25 per day | 24/7 shuttle to SAN every 10 minutes; fenced & secured lot; loyalty discounts. | Travelers seeking reliable long-term parking with quick terminal shuttles. |
| Park ‘N Fly San Diego | 2535 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 | $18–$24 per day | Continuous shuttles; luggage assistance; optional car wash & detailing services. | Convenient for business travelers needing easy shuttle access. |
| WallyPark Premier Airport Parking | 3298 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 | $20–$27 per day | Covered self or valet; 24-hour shuttles; rewards program; complimentary bottled water. | Frequent flyers wanting covered, high-end parking near SAN. |
| Aladdin Airport Parking | 2548 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 | $16–$20 per day | Indoor & outdoor parking; 24-hour shuttle; free car wash; valet service available. | Short-to-mid-term stays with premium indoor protection. |
| Park Shuttle & Fly Lot | 3405 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 | $15–$19 per day | Secured fenced lot; free 24/7 shuttle service; contactless payment; easy terminal access. | Budget travelers wanting 24-hour shuttle access. |
| San Diego’s Park & Go Lot | 3265 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 | $14–$18 per day | Outdoor lot; frequent shuttles; phone-based booking & payment. | Casual travelers needing quick, affordable parking close to SAN. |
💡 Tip: Most off-airport lots offer online discounts for advance booking. Always confirm shuttle hours (some close around midnight). Rates may vary by season and reservation platform.
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