SAN DIEGO AIRPORT UNVEILS NEW PARKING PLAZA AS PART OF TERMINAL 1 RENOVATION
SAN DIEGO, CA (September 1, 2022) – Travelers flying in and out of the San Diego International Airport will soon have a new and improved parking option as the first phase of the Terminal 1 renovation project nears completion. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is set to open its doors on Tuesday, offering an additional 2,834 parking spaces for airport patrons. This development comes just in time for the busy Labor Day weekend, providing much-needed relief for those navigating the airport’s parking congestion.
Enhanced Parking Facilities
The state-of-the-art Terminal 1 Parking Plaza not only increases the available parking capacity but also introduces several innovative features to enhance the overall parking experience. In addition to the general parking spaces, the garage will offer designated spots for “clean vehicles” and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, catering to the growing trend of environmentally-conscious travel. Furthermore, a number of short-duration parking stalls will be available for quick drop-offs or pickups, ensuring convenience for all types of airport visitors.
According to airport officials, pricing for the new parking facility is set at $2.50 for 15 minutes in one-hour spots, with a daily rate of $38. To accommodate accidental entries or brief stops, a 10-minute payment grace period will be in place. For travelers seeking a guaranteed parking spot, online reservations will be available to streamline the process and provide peace of mind during peak travel times.
Planning Ahead for Smooth Travel
While the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza promises to improve parking accessibility at the airport, travelers are advised to plan their trips strategically to avoid peak traffic hours. The airport authority highlights specific timeframes, including early mornings from 4 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., mid-mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and evenings from 8 p.m. to midnight, as periods of heightened congestion. By being mindful of these peak hours and adjusting their travel schedules accordingly, passengers can navigate the airport more efficiently and minimize delays.
To access the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza, drivers should head west on North Harbor Drive and follow signage directing them to the designated parking area. Upon approaching the airport, motorists are advised to stay in the right lane to access the terminal before veering left when the road splits towards parking and curbside drop-off areas. These navigational tips aim to facilitate a smooth and hassle-free parking experience for airport patrons.
Future Phases of Terminal 1 Renovation
While the opening of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza marks a significant milestone in the airport’s modernization efforts, construction activities for the parking structure are far from over. The project will now transition to its second phase, which involves the addition of 2,396 more parking spaces, over 100 EV charging ports, and numerous bicycle parking facilities. Additionally, more “Clean Vehicle” spaces will be designated to accommodate the evolving needs of environmentally-conscious travelers.
Simultaneously, work on the first phase of the Terminal 1 building, which includes the inauguration of 19 new gates, is set to be completed by late summer 2025. The comprehensive renovation of Terminal 1, encompassing various improvements and upgrades, is expected to continue until at least mid-2028. The total cost of the renovation project, including the new parking structure, is estimated to exceed $3.8 billion, with funding sourced from federal grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and airline operating agreements.
As the San Diego International Airport embarks on this ambitious transformation journey, passengers can look forward to a more modern, efficient, and sustainable travel experience. The Terminal 1 renovation project exemplifies the airport’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of travelers while prioritizing sustainability and innovation in its infrastructure development. With the introduction of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza and upcoming enhancements, the San Diego Airport is poised to elevate the passenger experience and redefine the standards of airport operations in the region.