San Diego Transportation Options

Here you'll find the resources you need to make your San Diego transportation arrangements, whether by air, sea, train, trolley, bus or auto.

By Air

Find cheap flights to San Diego.

The San Diego International Airport is located right in the middle of everything off of the Interstate 5 freeway. For that reason, traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, so allow plenty of time to get there for your return flight. Eighteen commercial airlines service this hub.

Click here for information specific to San Diego airport transportation.

By Car
San Diego is reached by the Interstate 5 Freeway from the north and south, and Interstate 8 from the east, and Interstate 15 from the northeast. The I-5 and I-8 intersect right near Sea World. When planning your beach vacation, keep in mind rush hour traffic, as it can be very heavy in San Diego.

By Bus
Greyhound Bus has service to downtown San Diego. The terminal is located at 120 W. Broadway. Their phone number is (619) 239-3266. You can find schedules and fares on the Greyhound website.

By Rail
For a relaxing, scenic ride to San Diego, there are at least two San Diego train options.

The Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train goes from Santa Barbara to San Diego’s downtown station, the Santa Fe Depot, via Los Angeles Union Station. For fares and schedules, see Amtrak's website. They can also be reached at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

The Coaster train has a short but scenic route from Oceanside down to San Diego. Their schedule and fares can be found at www.gonctd.com. It stops in Old Town as well. Their number is
1-800-COASTER.

Metrolink has an Orange County Line which offers service from Los Angeles down as far as Oceanside, where you can switch to the Coaster. For more information, see the Metrolink website.

The Trolley
The San Diego Trolley is another San Diego transportation option for getting around the area. The Blue Line goes from Old Town all the way down to the Mexican Border, where you can spend an afternoon in colorful Tijuana. The Orange Line circles the downtown San Diego area, then heads out through La Mesa and El Cajon. The Green Line goes from Old Town east through Mission Valley. For more information, see the Metropolitan Transit System’s website at www.sdcommute.com

By Sea
Care to cruise in by ocean liner? San Diego’s cruise ship terminal is right downtown at the San Diego Bay waterfront on Harbor Drive. Cruise ships primarily come in from Mexico, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.

If sailing in by private yacht, public guest slips are available at the south end of Shelter Island courtesy of the Harbor Police. Call 619-686-6272 for availability.

Also, if you get a permit from the mooring office, the San Diego Port has a Cruiser’s Anchorage near downtown, but only for vessels registered outside of San Diego County.

Alternatively, there are many private marinas in the harbor (most at Harbor Island) which offer guest slips.

Click here to return to leave the San Diego transportation page and return to the San Diego Beach page.

Click here to go to the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page.