Which airport should I fly into for National City?

For long-haul and international flights, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the main gateway near National City. The closest airport, San Diego International Airport (SAN), is the most convenient for transfers — weigh proximity against the breadth of flight connections.

How far is the airport from National City?

The nearest is about 7 mi (11 km) away. The table above shows the distance and an estimated transfer time for each airport within about 300 km.

How do I get from the airport into National City?

Most airports offer taxis and ride-hailing, and many add a rail, metro or bus link into the city. Tap any airport above for a full guide with ground-transport options, lounges and transit details.

Airports Near National City

The closest airports to National City, California: IATA codes, names and distances, each with a full airport guide covering terminals, lounges and transit.

The nearest airport to National City, California is San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 7 mi (11 km) away — roughly 23 min by road. It also serves as the area's main international gateway.

Code	Airport	Distance	Transfer	Type
SAN	San Diego International AirportSan Diego, United States	7 mi / 11 km	23 min	International
NRS	Imperial Beach Nolf (Ream Fld) AirportImperial Beach, United States	7 mi / 12 km	25 min	Regional
MYF	Montgomery FieldSan Diego, United States	10 mi / 16 km	34 min	Regional
SDM	Brown Field Municipal AirportSan Diego, United States	10 mi / 16 km	34 min	Regional
TIJ	General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International AirportTijuana, Mexico	12 mi / 19 km	40 min	International
SEE	Gillespie FieldSan Diego/El Cajon, United States	12 mi / 20 km	42 min	Regional
NKX	Miramar Marine Corps Air StationSan Diego, United States	14 mi / 22 km	26 min	Regional
CLD	Mc Clellan-Palomar AirportCarlsbad, United States	33 mi / 53 km	59 min	Regional

Distances are straight-line; transfer times are road estimates. "Type" flags major/international gateways.

Which airport is best?

For the shortest transfer, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most convenient at about 7 mi out. Larger airports a little farther out can offer more connections, so it's worth comparing fares before booking.

Getting to and from the airport

Taxis and ride-hailing serve every airport here, and the larger ones usually add a rail, metro or bus link into National City. Allow extra time in peak traffic. For exact routes, times and fares, open the airport guide — start with SAN.

Hotels near the airport

For early departures or late arrivals, a hotel near SAN saves a stressful morning transfer.

Search hotels near SAN All hotels near National City

Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Other cities these airports serve

Travel tips

Compare the total door-to-door time, not just the airfare — a cheaper flight into a distant airport can cost more once you add the transfer. Check whether your airport has a direct train or metro before defaulting to a taxi, and for international arrivals, confirm any visa or transit rules in advance.

Frequently asked questions

The nearest airport to National City is San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 7 mi (11 km) away — roughly 23 min by road.