How to navigate San Diego and the surrounding areas
Bags are packed, plane tickets are booked and the trip to San Diego is official. And with the amount of options available, getting around the city is just as easy as getting into it. Whether you just need a ride from the airport to your hotel or are looking to get in, out and around the city for the week, there are a number of cheap and convenient options to make your trip a good one.
Rental Car
Located just a few minutes from the airport in Little Italy, National Car Rental provides rental car services with excellent prices, dependent on the type of car being rented. Reservations can be made online in advance or at the counters.
Ride Sharing
UBER and Lyft are reliable ways to travel, as well as affordable. Once in San Diego, you can pull up each APP and wait at a designated area at San Diego's Airport for service.
Public Transportation
Renting a car is not the only option to getting around San Diego. The Metropolitan Transit System has bus and trolley routes that service nearly all parts of the county. The San Diego trolley has 53 stations and runs on three lines (the Orange, Blue and Green). It hits many of popular places around San Diego such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Convention Center, Seaport Village and Old Town. While the trolley doesn’t run to the airport, the bus does. There are 89 fixed MTS bus routes, including two that run to the airport and others that also stop at the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Old Town and nearly any other popular destination. One way fare runs at $2.25 for the bus and $2.50 for the trolley, but day passes can be purchased for $5. The Coaster, a rail commuter system, runs from downtown San Diego to North County (including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Solona Beach & Encinitas). Route maps, time schedules and a list of points of interest can all be found on the MTS website.
Metropolitan Transit System
Top 5 Things To Know About Metropolitan Transit System
- Metropolitan Transit System helps visitors and locals get around San Diego in an economical and environmental fashion.
- Tickets for public buses and trolley are available through Metropolitan Transit System and visitors can buy Coaster passes at the Transit Store.
- For all riding related questions, check the San Diego MTS website for a "how to ride" guide.
- Exact fare in cash is expected to ride all buses through MTS San Diego.
- Bicycles are allowed on buses through San Diego MTS.
Metropolitan Transit System San Diego goes above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of while getting around town. This is an easy and cheap way to travel around town. If you are biking around town, buses can accommodate your bicycle and also accommodate persons with disabilities. The buses have either a lift or ramp to ensure wheelchair accessibility.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has great day and month passes to make it super easy to get around. If you aren't one to carry cash on you or have exact change, buy a day pass instead! Make a day of it, head from downtown to east county or mission valley for a fun day without the worries of traffic or parking. The trolley is also a great way to get to and from your San Diego hotel room or head to PETCO Park for a Padres game! The convenience of public transportation means you don't have to worry about having a beer or hassling with parking when you go out for a fun time with your friends in San Diego.
- Do Bring Your Bike: Metropolitan Transit System is great for people who love to bike around town. Take the bus up to north count or downtown and bring your bike along for a fun day biking around town.
- Don't Forget Your Cash: Unless you have a pass, the bus requires exact change to ride so make sure you have cash when using Metropolitan Transit System.
Private Transportation
Super Shuttle is conveniently located at the airport and reservations can be made in advance. Shuttle prices are often low since you share the van with other passengers headed in the same direction. Reservations are recommended but not necessary. If you really want to shell out for some luxury, or have a large group to accommodate, San Diego has its fair share of limo service companies running to and from the airport, and also rent out luxury sedans and SUVs. If you need reliable bus service around San Diego, consider Champion Charter Bus San Diego. Their fleet of mini and charter buses are ideal transportation for plans to the San Diego Convention Center, school field trips and even for wedding parties. There are other excellent bus or private transportation companies around the city and we recommend GOGO Charters San Diego or San Diego Charter Bus Company. If you are visiting our scenic Balboa Park or soaking up the sun near Mission Beach, check out our friends at National Charter Bus San Diego. Their team is dedicated to handling your groups transportation needs.
