A rideshare or taxi to the Gaslamp Quarter takes about 10 minutes and costs roughly $15–20 — the most practical way to step into San Diego on a longer layover.
Things to do at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International AirportSAN
At the airport
Things to do in San Diego International Airport
San Diego International Airport is conveniently close to downtown San Diego — the Gaslamp Quarter, the Embarcadero, and Balboa Park are all within 10–20 minutes by cab or rideshare. Terminal 2 is the larger, better-equipped terminal. There's no direct rail connection, but the airport's proximity to the city means a cab or rideshare is fast and reasonably affordable.
Insider intel
Top Tips for San Diego International Airport
- Terminal 2 is the main hub with better dining and the MBCo lounge. Check which terminal your flight departs from before settling in.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at SAN
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at San Diego International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestAspire Lounge
The Aspire Lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN) is conveniently located airside in Terminal 2, making it an easy stop for travel through San Diego, United States once you’ve cleared security. After passing the Terminal 2 east security checkpoint, take an immediate left and continue walking in the direction of gate 33. Staying on the airside concourse, follow the flow of passengers toward the gates and you’ll find this airport lounge along the way, positioned to be accessible before you head to your departure gate. This location is ideal for travelers who want to relax in Terminal 2 without needing to exit and re-clear security, especially if your flight departs from the gate 33 area.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.