More evening and late-night trips, 15-minute frequency all day beginning Sunday, September 6
Media invited to experience enhanced airport transit connection on Friday, September 4
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San Diego – Getting to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN) by transit will become even easier beginning Sunday, September 6, as the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) launches service enhancements on Route 992 that will provide more frequent service and additional evening and late-night trips.
Funded by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) through its Airport Transit Connection project, the improvements are designed to provide travelers, airport employees and residents with a more convenient alternative to driving, helping reduce traffic congestion while improving access to one of the region's busiest destinations.
"As more San Diegans look for alternatives to driving, Route 992 is proving that transit can be a reliable and convenient way to reach the airport," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. "The route's remarkable growth shows the demand for better airport transit. By increasing frequency and expanding evening and late-night service, we're making it easier for more people to choose transit."
Starting Sunday, September 6, just in time for Labor Day weekend and the busy holiday travel season, Route 992 will operate every 15 minutes until the end of service, offering a more reliable and seamless connection between Downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport. Additional evening and late-night trips will better accommodate travelers arriving on later flights and airport employees traveling during nontraditional hours.
"Creating better connections between the airport and our regional transit system is a priority for SANDAG, MTS, and the San Diego International Airport," said SANDAG Chair and Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner. "The enhancement of the 992 is a great example of a solution we can deliver now, while also continuing our work on what a long-term connection could look like in the future."
"We are pleased to see expanded public transportation options for travelers and employees accessing San Diego International Airport," said Atif Saeed, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "We appreciate our regional partners' continued commitment to improving transit access to SAN and providing a more convenient travel experience for our customers."
Experience Enhanced Airport Transit Connections Friday, September 4
MTS, SANDAG and San Diego International Airport will host a media availability on Friday, September 4, to showcase the Route 992 service enhancements and discuss ongoing efforts to improve access to the airport through transit.
Media representatives will have the opportunity to ride the 992 between America Plaza Station and Terminal 1, observe the passenger experience firsthand, and interview agency representatives and transit riders.
- WHAT: Media availability and Route 992 ride
- WHO: MTS, SANDAG and SAN
- WHEN: Friday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to noon
- WHERE: America Plaza Station, corner of Broadway & Kettner Blvd. (At MTS bus bays)
- A dedicated media shuttle ride will operate between America Plaza Station and San Diego International Airport Terminal 1, following the Route 992 corridor.
- Departing from America Plaza Station at 10:30 a.m.
- Returning to America Plaza Station at 11:50 a.m.
- INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: MTS officials, transit riders using airport services
- RSVP REQUIRED: Media planning to attend must RSVP no later than Thursday, Sept. 3, at noon. Please include:
- News outlet
- Reporter name(s)
- Photographer/videographer name(s)
- Total number of attendees (including crew members)
- Mobile contact number for onsite coordination
- RSVP to: Hector Zermeño, Hector.Zermeno@sdmts.com, 619-398-9599
- PARKING: Limited paid parking is available near America Plaza. Media are encouraged to use the underground parking garage at the San Diego County Administration Center, located a couple of blocks from the station. Standard parking rates apply.
Route 992 Details and Transit Options for SAN
Route 992 has experienced significant ridership growth in recent years as more travelers and airport employees choose transit for airport trips. Annual ridership has increased from 165,908 passenger trips in Fiscal Year 2021 to 398,790 passenger trips in Fiscal Year 2026, an increase of more than 140%. Route 992 operates from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily. The continued growth highlights increasing demand for reliable transit connections to San Diego International Airport and reinforces the need for expanded service.
The Route 992 enhancements are part of SANDAG's Airport Transit Connection project, which is focused on creating a direct link between San Diego International Airport and our transit system.
In addition to Route 992 service, travelers can connect to the airport using the free San Diego Flyer shuttle service operated by San Diego International Airport. The all-electric shuttle provides service between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center, where riders can connect to MTS Trolley and buses, NCTD's COASTER, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner.
Together, Route 992 and the San Diego Flyer offer convenient transit connections from across the region, helping travelers avoid traffic and parking costs while providing reliable access to airport terminals.
More information about getting to the airport can be found at sdmts.com/getting-around/airport and at san.org/before-you-go-travel-tips/public-transportation/.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2026, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
About SANDAG
SANDAG is the regional agency that connects people, places, and innovative ideas by implementing solutions with our unique and perse communities. We are committed to creating a San Diego region where every person who visits, works, and lives can thrive.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)
Owned and operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the region's most important civic assets, serving more than 25 million passengers each year as the community's gateway to the world and contributing nearly $12 billion annually to the local economy. Conveniently located minutes from Downtown San Diego, SAN is the busiest single-runway airport in North America and the third-largest airport in California, with service to nearly 90 destinations around the globe, including 11 nonstops to Europe, Latin America, Canada, and Asia. In 2025, the Authority opened the first phase of the new Terminal 1, a more efficient facility recently recognized as one of the most beautiful airport terminals in the world. When the new Terminal 1 is fully completed in 2028, it will have generated more than $4.5 billion for San Diego's economy and created more than 25,000 jobs, paying a total of $2 billion in wages to local workers. The Authority's continued investment in the airport experience strengthens San Diego's global competitiveness while delivering lasting value for the community.
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