Getting Around San Diego
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
San Diego International Airport Information
San Diego International Airport (SAN), located just three miles from Downtown, is renowned as one of the most conveniently located airports in the U.S. Passengers can reach hotels, the San Diego Convention Center, or meetings within minutes of stepping off their flight. The airport continues to expand its facilities, offering upgraded terminals, local dining options, and new amenities that enhance the traveler experience. A multi-billion-dollar redevelopment project is currently underway to replace and expand Terminal 1 with modern facilities, more gates, and advanced passenger services.
Distance to Downtown: ~10 minutes (3 miles)
Annual Traffic: Over 25 million passengers served per year
Recent Upgrades: Terminal 2 expansion with new lounges, dining, and international gates
Upcoming Project: $3 billion Terminal 1 modernization with 30 new gates (completion by mid-2030s)
Ground Transport: Taxis ($15–20 to Downtown), Uber/Lyft, rental cars, shuttles, and MTS bus Route 992
Distance to Downtown: ~10 minutes (3 miles)
Annual Traffic: Over 25 million passengers served per year
Recent Upgrades: Terminal 2 expansion with new lounges, dining, and international gates
Upcoming Project: $3 billion Terminal 1 modernization with 30 new gates (completion by mid-2030s)
Ground Transport: Taxis ($15–20 to Downtown), Uber/Lyft, rental cars, shuttles, and MTS bus Route 992
San Diego - Cross Boarder Xpress (CBX)
Cross Border Xpress (CBX) – Tijuana Airport Access
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a unique bi-national passenger terminal in Otay Mesa, directly connecting travelers to Tijuana Airport (TIJ) via a secure 390-foot pedestrian bridge. This allows visitors to conveniently access more affordable flights to Mexico and Latin America, while still clearing U.S. customs and immigration on the American side. The CBX terminal is just 20 minutes from Downtown San Diego, making it a smart option for international travelers.
Location: Otay Mesa, ~20 minutes from Downtown San Diego
Partner Airport: Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) with 30+ destinations in Mexico & beyond
Process: U.S. immigration & customs clearance completed at the CBX terminal
Accessibility: Open 24/7, connected via highway, shuttles, rideshare, and car rentals
Ideal For: Affordable Mexican domestic flights and extended international connectivity
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a unique bi-national passenger terminal in Otay Mesa, directly connecting travelers to Tijuana Airport (TIJ) via a secure 390-foot pedestrian bridge. This allows visitors to conveniently access more affordable flights to Mexico and Latin America, while still clearing U.S. customs and immigration on the American side. The CBX terminal is just 20 minutes from Downtown San Diego, making it a smart option for international travelers.
Location: Otay Mesa, ~20 minutes from Downtown San Diego
Partner Airport: Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) with 30+ destinations in Mexico & beyond
Process: U.S. immigration & customs clearance completed at the CBX terminal
Accessibility: Open 24/7, connected via highway, shuttles, rideshare, and car rentals
Ideal For: Affordable Mexican domestic flights and extended international connectivity
San Diego Trolley (MTS)
San Diego’s iconic bright red trolley system is a fast, affordable way to explore the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. With routes crisscrossing Downtown, the trolley makes it easy for Convention Center attendees to access key destinations like Old Town, Fashion Valley, UC San Diego, and the U.S.-Mexico border. The Mid-Coast Extension, launched in 2021, expanded service northward, connecting Old Town to University City and several new stations.
Coverage: 4 trolley lines (Blue, Orange, Green, Silver) with nearly 70 miles of service
Popular Stops: San Diego Convention Center, Old Town, Fashion Valley, Barrio Logan, UC San Diego, border crossing at San Ysidro
Mid-Coast Extension: Adds 8 stations including University Town Center and UC San Diego
Fares: $2.50 per ride; Day Pass $6; Compass Card & mobile ticketing available
Connection: Links with MTS buses and regional services for citywide transit
Coverage: 4 trolley lines (Blue, Orange, Green, Silver) with nearly 70 miles of service
Popular Stops: San Diego Convention Center, Old Town, Fashion Valley, Barrio Logan, UC San Diego, border crossing at San Ysidro
Mid-Coast Extension: Adds 8 stations including University Town Center and UC San Diego
Fares: $2.50 per ride; Day Pass $6; Compass Card & mobile ticketing available
Connection: Links with MTS buses and regional services for citywide transit
San Diego AMTRAK
The Santa Fe Depot, a historic rail station in Downtown San Diego, provides Amtrak and regional rail access along the scenic Southern California coastline. From San Diego, travelers can head north toward Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and beyond while enjoying coastal views from the train. The station also connects passengers to the Coaster commuter rail, which links San Diego with North County beach towns.
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo)
Scenic Advantage: Travels directly along California’s coast – ideal for sightseeing travel
Commuter Option: North County Coaster links Downtown to coastal cities like Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside
Transit Links: Steps from San Diego Trolley & MTS buses for easy transfers
Location: Central Downtown – short walk or cab ride from Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter
Amtrak Route: Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo)
Scenic Advantage: Travels directly along California’s coast – ideal for sightseeing travel
Commuter Option: North County Coaster links Downtown to coastal cities like Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside
Transit Links: Steps from San Diego Trolley & MTS buses for easy transfers
Location: Central Downtown – short walk or cab ride from Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter
