Getting Around

Getting around San Diego is relatively easy without a car, as three types of public transport service the city. Buses and the San Diego Trolley light rail cover the city, but service generally stops around midnight. The trolley is the best way to get to the border with Mexico for trips to Tijuana. Passes are available from the Transit Store for both bus and trolley fares; it also provides timetables and route information. The Coronado Ferry, as well as a water taxi service, shuttle passengers between the city and Coronado Island (also connected to the mainland by bridge).

Privately owned Old Town Trolley Tours offers hop-on, hop-off narrated tours of places of interest for tourists, though this option is a bit more expensive than the public trolley. Taxis must be ordered by phone and waiting times can be long. Ride-hailing taxi services, such as Uber, are also available. Cycling is a popular way to get around San Diego, and there are numerous bike hire shops and many designated bicycle lanes. Some bus routes, the trolleys, and the Coronado Ferry offer free passage of bicycles, allowing people to get to an area by public transport and then explore from there. Although it's possible to get around using public transport, many people prefer to rent a car in San Diego, as some areas are easier and quicker to get to by car.

Airports

San Diego International Airport

The airport is situated two miles (3km) northwest of San Diego.

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Location

The airport is situated two miles (3km) northwest of San Diego.

Getting to the city

Amtrak and Coaster community train services connect San Diego International Airport to the city centre as well as neighbouring cities. City Bus Public transit number 992 leaves the airport for the city centre every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends between 5am and 11.30pm. It goes directly to the airport, and also connects with train services. A host of shuttle and taxi companies are available for rides into downtown; shared shuttle vans offer door-to-door services and are usually a cheaper alternative to taxis.

Time

GMT -8 (GMT -7 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Car rental

All car rental pick-ups and drop-offs take place at the Car Rental Center. A free shuttle travels between the Car Rental Center and all of the terminals.

Airport Taxis

A variety of taxi companies service San Diego Airport, departing from the Transportation Plazas, which are indicated by signs in the airport.

Transfer between terminals

A free Airport Loop shuttle service operates between the terminals at frequent intervals.

Facilities

Lifts, bathrooms and telephones cater for the disabled. Currency exchange and ATMs are available. Other facilities include bars and restaurants, ATMs, shoeshine services, shops, several airport club rooms and lounges, spas, tourist information and bicycle lockers.

Parking

Travellers can choose between different parking options; shuttles are available from all lots to the airport.

www.san.org