San Diego – The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is back this weekend, June 4 and 5! With over 20,000 runners and more than 100,000 spectators, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is encouraging attendees to take the Trolley to avoid traffic congestion. Several viewing locations will be accessible and close to Trolley stations along both marathon courses.
Before the Race: Head to the San Diego Convention Center (using the Green Line) to check out the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday. Don’t be Late to the Start Line! Trolley lines begin running between 4-5 a.m. Visit the MTS website to see full morning schedule. There will be no shuttle bus service to the Start Line this year.
- Orange Line: Fifth Avenue Station; walk approximately one 1.4 miles/30 minutes up Sixth Ave/Quince St. Orange Line trains depart each station every 30 minutes beginning at 5:15 a.m. from El Cajon, transitioning to every 15 minutes mid-morning.
- UC San Diego Blue Line: City College Station or Fifth Avenue Station; walk approximately 1.5 miles/30 minutes (west on C Street, then right on Sixth Ave). Blue Line trains depart each station every 15 minutes throughout the day beginning at 4:34 a.m. from San Ysidro, and 5:03 from UTC.
Spectate Like a Pro! The best viewing locations for the full marathon are along the Trolley’s Green Line at Old Town, Morena/Linda Vista and Fashion Valley. Spectators may park there for free, watch their runner then hop on a Trolley and beat them to the finish line!
Celebration Time! For those gathering at the finish line, the County Center/Little Italy Station (Green Line) is next to all the festivities at the Waterfront Park.
Plan ahead! The race is causing detours for 19 MTS bus routes. Check MTS’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon webpage for impacted routes and stops.
Buying your fare: Load money on your smartphone before your trip with PRONTO!
MTS operates more than 100 bus routes and three Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. Frequencies and spans have been restored to near-pre-COVID-19 levels. Updated schedules can be accessed on the MTS website.
