Last Thursday, I circled Terminal 2 parking at San Diego International for 25 minutes trying to find a spot. My flight was boarding in 40 minutes, sweat dripping down my neck as I passed "FULL" signs for the third time. That nightmare made me realize how badly we need a no-nonsense guide to Terminal 2 parking. Whether you're a stressed-out business traveler or a family hauling car seats, this is the stuff they don't tell you on the airport website.
Where Exactly is Terminal 2 Parking?
Terminal 2 parking sits directly opposite the Terminal 2 departure gates. If you're coming from I-5:
- Take the North Harbor Drive exit
- Follow signs for Terminal 2
- Look for the massive blue "P2" signs before the terminal curve
The entrance is easy to miss if you're distracted – learned that when I sailed past it during Thanksgiving traffic and had to loop back from Terminal 1. Total walking time to TSA? About 4-7 minutes depending on your parking floor.
Parking Structure Layout (From Fastest to Farthest)
| Section | Walking Time to Terminal | Elevator Locations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza Level | 2-3 minutes | Near Columns 3A, 7B | Short stays, heavy luggage |
| Levels 2-3 | 4-5 minutes | All corners | Business travelers |
| Levels 4-6 | 6-7 minutes | Center only | Long-term parking |
Pro tip: Sections near skybridges have surveillance cameras. I always park near those after my coworker's catalytic converter got stolen last year.
Terminal 2 Parking Rates (What They Don't Highlight)
Parking at San Diego Airport Terminal 2 isn't cheap – let's be real. But knowing the pricing tiers helps avoid wallet shock:
| Duration | Hourly Rate | Daily Max | Weekly Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| First hour | $4 | $28 | $196 |
| 1-2 hours | $8 | ||
| Each add'l 30 min | $2 | ||
| Overnight (24hr) | $28 flat | - | |
Real Talk: That $28 daily max adds up fast. If you're gone over 5 days, offsite lots like "Aladdin Airport Parking" save you 40-60% with free shuttles. But their shuttles run every 15-20 mins versus walking straight to terminal.
Payment Options That Actually Work
- Credit Cards: All major cards accepted (Visa, MC, Amex)
- Cash: Only at exit booths – ticket machines are card-only
- Mobile Pay: Apple/Google Pay at machines (spotted this new upgrade last month)
- Pre-Booking: Through San Diego Airport's website for 10% discount
Forgot where you parked? Download the "SD Parking" app – lets you pin your stall number and get walking directions. Lifesaver when I returned jet-lagged at midnight.
Real-Time Parking Availability Tricks
Nothing worse than seeing "LOT FULL" when you're late. Here's how to game the system:
Peak Times When Terminal 2 Parking Fills Up
- Monday mornings 5-8 AM (business flights)
- Friday afternoons 1-4 PM (weekend getaways)
- Holiday eves (Thanksgiving Wednesday is chaos)
San Diego Airport's Twitter account updates parking status hourly during crunches. Text "PARKING T2" to 41411 for live capacity alerts.
Secret Overflow Options
When Terminal 2 parking hits 100% capacity:
- Terminal 1 Garage: $28/day with free shuttle every 10 mins (adds 15-20 mins travel time)
- Rental Car Overflow Lot: $18/day but shuttle runs only hourly after 10 PM
Personally, I'd rather pay extra for Terminal 1 garage than use third-party lots with spotty shuttles. Missed a flight that way once.
Accessibility and Special Needs
Terminal 2 parking accessibility features:
- Disabled Parking: 150+ ADA spots on every level near elevators
- Oversized Vehicles: Height clearance: 8'2" on Levels 1-3, 6'8" on upper floors
- EV Charging: 12 stations on Level 3 (free while parked, $0.30/kWh after 4 hours)
They've got free wheelchairs near elevator banks – just press the assistance button. My mom used this post-knee surgery and said attendants arrived in under 3 minutes.
Security: Is Terminal 2 Parking Safe?
After dark, some areas feel sketchy. Here's what security actually looks like:
| Security Feature | Availability | Notes from Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Patrols | Yes | Guards drive through every 90 mins (timed it) |
| Surveillance Cameras | All elevator areas | Blind spots near stairwells on Level 6 |
| Emergency Call Boxes | Every parking level | Yellow boxes with blue lights |
My rule: Park under lights near pillars with cameras. Avoid dim corners far from elevators – saw a break-in there last winter.
Off-Site Parking Alternatives Near Terminal 2
If Terminal 2 parking prices make you gasp, consider these nearby options:
| Lot Name | Distance to Terminal | Daily Rate | Shuttle Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aladdin Airport Parking | 1.2 miles | $14.99 | Every 15 mins |
| Park N Fly | 0.8 miles | $16.95 | Every 20 mins |
| WallyPark San Diego | 2.3 miles | $12.75 | Every 25 mins |
Used Park N Fly twice – shuttle drivers expect tips ($2/bag is excessive if you ask me). Their covered parking saved my Audi's paint during hail season though.
Terminal 2 Parking Hacks From Regulars
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free for pickups (max 2 hours) at 3350 Admiral Boland Way
- Reservation Guarantee: Book online 72+ hours ahead for reserved spots
- Luggage Carts: Available near elevators ($6 rental)
- Return Timing: Arrive 40 mins early for international flights (exit lines back up)
Photograph your parking spot number AND nearby pillar marker. I once spent 45 minutes hunting for my Jeep because I remembered wrong.
Electric Vehicle Charging at Terminal 2
12 ChargePoint stations on Level 3:
- First 4 hours free with parking validation
- Level 2 charging (not super-fast)
- $0.30/kWh after free period
Got ICE'd twice by gas cars blocking chargers. Report them to parking attendants via intercom – they ticket within 20 minutes.
What If You Lose Your Parking Ticket?
Happened to me after a red-eye flight. Here's the drill:
- Go to Parking Office in Terminal Plaza
- Show ID and flight details
- Pay $35 penalty + actual parking fee
Total cost for 3 days: $119 instead of $84. Still bitter about that.
San Diego Airport Parking Terminal 2 FAQ
How early should I arrive for Terminal 2 parking?
For domestic flights: 90 mins early during peak times (add 30 mins if checking bags). Garage walk + TSA averages 25 minutes.
Can I sleep overnight in my car at Terminal 2 parking?
Officially no – security will knock after 2 AM. Hotels like Sheraton Harbor Island offer "park and sleep" packages cheaper than 5 days' parking.
Are there any discounts for veterans or seniors?
Negative. San Diego Airport parking offers no special discounts – military ID gets you nada here. Offsite lots sometimes do 10% military discounts.
Is curbside pickup allowed at Terminal 2?
Only active loading/unloading – max 3 minutes. Cops ticket aggressively. Better to use the free cell phone lot until passengers text "landed."
What's the max vehicle height for Terminal 2 garage?
Levels 1-3: 8'2", Levels 4-6: 6'8". Oversized vehicles get directed to the Terminal 1 surface lot ($35/day).
Can I reserve a parking spot in advance?
Yes! Through the airport website – reserves specific spots near elevators for 10% extra. Worth it during Comic-Con or December holidays.
Is there free parking anywhere near Terminal 2?
Nope. Cheapest is street parking on Nimitz Blvd (1.3 miles away) with 2-hour limit. Not worth the risk/towing fees.
How often do shuttles run from offsite lots?
Every 15-25 minutes depending on provider. Always confirm last shuttle times when parking late – some stop at 1 AM.
Final Reality Check
San Diego Airport Terminal 2 parking is about convenience, not savings. If you value walking straight to check-in, it's unbeatable despite the cost. But for trips over 4 days? Honestly, Uber/Lyft often costs less than parking + gas. Ran the numbers for my 6-day Chicago trip: $196 parking fee vs $135 round-trip Lyft. Food for thought.
Bottom line: Know the layout, monitor capacity before arriving, and snap that parking location photo. Safe travels!