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SANSan Diego·San Diego International Lindbergh Fld·San Diego, United States
How long is your layover?
30 min45 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
Recommended minimum50 minutes
Quick Stats
Concourses
2
Terminal 1, Terminal 2 (East/West)
Max Transit
20m
via shuttle bus
Avg. Security
15m
~8m with PreCheck
Primary Hub
—
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
90min
International → International
75min
San Diego skylinePhoto by Stephen Leonardi on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Getting Between Concourses
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked only by a free curbside shuttle bus (the 'Airport Loop' service) that runs every few minutes outside the secure zone, since there is no airside walkway or train connecting them. Passengers changing terminals must exit security, board the shuttle for a roughly 10-15 minute ride depending on traffic and waiting, then queue through screening again on the other side.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Key Facts
No airside link between terminals
Shuttle bus required for terminal changes
Small international customs facility
Fast when staying in one terminal
Common Questions
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at SAN?

Below the airport's realistic minimum connect time, especially if any terminal change is involved. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at SAN?

Matches the domestic-domestic minimum connect time but leaves no cushion for delays or a terminal switch. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at SAN?

Meets the domestic-international minimum and is workable for most cross-terminal transfers via the shuttle. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at SAN?

Solid buffer even if a shuttle ride and second security screening are required. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at SAN?

Matches the international-domestic minimum, covering customs clearance plus a terminal change if needed. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at SAN?

Very comfortable margin, well above SAN's most demanding connection scenario. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at SAN?

More than enough time even accounting for shuttle delays or a slow international arrivals process. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at SAN?

Generous layover that comfortably absorbs any SAN-specific friction points. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at SAN?

Far beyond what's needed at a compact two-terminal airport like SAN, leaving time to explore nearby San Diego if desired. See full 4 hr guide →

Other Airport Guides
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AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER