San Diego International Airport will open a new three-lane, signal-free entrance roadway on August 1, 2025, aiming to ease congestion for the 45,000 daily drivers who use the airport. This major upgrade, located on North Harbor Drive just west of West Laurel Street, is expected to improve travel times and make access to Terminals 1 and 2 much smoother.
The new San Diego Airport entrance is part of the larger New Terminal 1 redevelopment project, which will open its first phase in September 2025. The entrance is designed to let vehicles flow without stopping at traffic lights or intersections, removing old bottlenecks and helping drivers reach their flights faster. According to Kimberly Becker, CEO and President of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, “We are thrilled to open this new entrance roadway to the airport. This is a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and making travel to SAN more efficient.”
For the 45,000 daily drivers, the new entrance means less time stuck in traffic, especially during busy hours like early mornings, midday, and late evenings. Local residents will also benefit, as the new route will keep airport-bound cars off neighborhood streets, making those areas safer and less crowded. Airport operations, including taxis, rideshares, and shuttles, will see smoother drop-offs and pick-ups.
Here’s how drivers can use the new entrance:
– From West Laurel Street: Bear right to merge directly onto the new on-airport roadway for direct access to Terminals 1 and 2.
– To reach westbound North Harbor Drive: Stay left on West Laurel Street and turn right at the intersection with North Harbor Drive.
– Follow posted signs for curbside access, parking, and ground transportation. During the first few weeks, allow extra time as everyone gets used to the new setup.
Supporting the new entrance, the New Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is now open, adding over 5,200 parking spaces. There’s also a new Ground Transportation Center, which opened July 16, 2025, making it easier for shuttles, taxis, and rideshares to pick up and drop off passengers. Pedestrian and bicycle paths connect the airport to nearby communities, and there are plans for future public transit connections.
Sustainability is a focus, with drought-tolerant landscaping, electric vehicle charging stations, and room for future transit. Transportation planners and agencies like SANDAG see the new entrance as a key step toward better airport access and less car use, with studies underway for possible rail or bus links.
Travelers and local businesses expect more reliable trips and fewer delays, especially as airport passenger numbers keep rising. The first phase of the New Terminal 1 opens in September 2025, bringing more space and better amenities. Long-term transit options are still being studied, and construction will continue, so travelers should check the San Diego International Airport’s official website for updates.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a big improvement for both travelers and the community. For questions, contact Nicole Hall at [email protected] or the Airport Communications Center at 619.400.2710.
Learn Today
San Diego International Airport → Major airport serving San Diego area, undergoing significant upgrades including new entrances and terminals.
Signal-free entrance → A roadway design that allows vehicles to flow without stopping at traffic lights or intersections.
New Terminal 1 → A redevelopment project at San Diego Airport scheduled to open its first phase in September 2025.
Ground Transportation Center → Facility designed for efficient taxi, rideshare, shuttle, and bus passenger pickups and drop-offs.
Drought-tolerant landscaping → Planting method using plants adapted to low water conditions to promote sustainability.
This Article in a Nutshell
San Diego International Airport unveils a new entrance roadway on August 1, 2025, to reduce traffic for 45,000 daily drivers, improving access to Terminals 1 and 2 ahead of New Terminal 1’s phased opening in September 2025, including expanded parking and ground transportation upgrades.
— By VisaVerge.com
