Discounted transit passes available on the PRONTO app
Extra Trolley, COASTER service to keep fans moving all weekend long
San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) are teaming up to help San Diego Comic-Con fans get to and around downtown with fast, affordable and hassle-free transit options by adding extra service and discounted multi-day passes to help fans skip the traffic and avoid parking battles.
With more than 135,000 fans expected at Comic-Con this year, and hundreds of thousands more heading downtown throughout the weekend, MTS and NCTD are making it easier for fans to navigate their next side quest.
"Comic-Con transforms downtown San Diego into the ultimate fan experience and one of the best people-watching events of the year. For an easy, convenient way to get right into the action, take the Trolley," said Steve Goble, MTS Board Vice Chair and El Cajon City Councilmember. "With more frequent Trolley service and discounted transit passes, eventgoers can skip the traffic and avoid expensive parking all weekend long. Whether you're one of the lucky ones heading inside the Convention Center or exploring the countless activations throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, public transit is the easiest way to get around. And who knows? You might find yourself rubbing elbows with a superhero."
MTS will operate expanded Trolley service to the Convention Center through the Magic: The Gathering Event Line, made possible through a partnership with the premier trading card game. Riders can save time and money with discounted Comic-Con PRONTO passes available in the app. MTS is offering two-, three-, four- and five-day transit passes starting at just $10. Riders arriving from North County can take advantage of NCTD's COASTER 5-Pack, a ticket package which offers five days of train travel for the price of three, a 40% discount valid for a full month from purchase.
"Comic-Con attendees should be focusing on which panel they'll be attending or what exclusive merchandise they'll be purchasing, not how much traffic they will face or where to park," said NCTD Board Member Jewel Edson. "NCTD gives riders the freedom to hop on the COASTER and shift their attention to more enjoyable activities like taking photos or making finishing touches on their costumes!"
Where to Catch the Comic-Con Action:
The Trolley offers convenient access right to the heart of Comic-Con. Key stations near the Convention Center include:
- Convention Center Station – Served by Green Line and Magic: The Gathering Event Line
- Gaslamp Quarter Station – Served by Green Line and Magic: The Gathering Event Line
- 12th & Imperial Transit Center – Served by Green Line, Orange Line, UC San Diego Blue Line and Magic: The Gathering Event Line
Across all Trolley lines that service the downtown San Diego area, MTS will increase service across its network, with Trolleys running every 15 minutes or better and late-night departures through the busiest days of the convention. Riders can see the full schedule, service information and maps on the MTS Comic-Con webpage.
Train Service Highlights:
- Magic: The Gathering Event Line (12th & Imperial Transit Center ↔ Balboa Ave Transit Center):
- 15-minute service all day; last trip departs from downtown at 10:35 p.m. (Thurs–Sat) and 7:05 p.m. (Sun)
- Green Line (12th & Imperial Transit Center ↔ El Cajon Transit Center):
- 15-minute service most of the day; last trip departs from downtown at 1:08 a.m. (Thurs–Sat) and 11:38 p.m. (Sun)
- Orange Line (Courthouse Station ↔ El Cajon Transit Center):
- 15-minute service most of the day; last trip departs from downtown at 12:26 a.m. (Thurs–Sat) and at 11:56 p.m. (Sun)
- UC San Diego Blue Line – South (San Ysidro ↔ America Plaza):
- 7.5-minute service most of the day; last trip departs from downtown at 12:07 a.m. (Thurs–Sun)
- UC San Diego Blue Line – North (America Plaza ↔ UTC):
- 15-minute service most of the day; last trip departs from downtown at 1:23 a.m. (Thurs–Sat) and at 11:08 p.m. (Sun)
- COASTER
- North County residents can ride the COASTER from seven coastal stations, with trains running nearly every hour. Transfer at Santa Fe Depot to the MTS Green Line or Special Event Line for a seamless ride to the Convention Center.
Transit Tips for Comic-Con Riders:
Safety First: With large crowds expected, safety is a top priority. Riders can find helpful safety tips on the MTS Comic-Con webpage, including best practices for riding in costume and using public transit safely.
Park & Ride Options: Avoid downtown traffic by using one of MTS' free Park & Ride lots throughout the county. Parking is also free at every COASTER station. A full list of Park & Ride lots is available on the MTS website. Top locations include:
- Old Town Transit Center (Blue Line North, Green Line & Magic: The Gathering Line – 400+ spots)
- Overflow parking option available across the street at Caltrans District 11 – After 5 p.m. weekdays & all weekends only (4050 Taylor St., San Diego, CA, 92110, 300+ additional free parking spots)
- Clairemont Drive (Blue Line North – 145 spots) *New for 2026
- Balboa Ave Transit Center (Blue Line North & Magic: The Gathering Event Line – 227 spots)
- Tecolote Road (Blue Line North & Magic: The Gathering Event Line – 279 spots)
- El Cajon Transit Center (Green Line & Orange Line – 469 spots)
- Amaya Drive (Green Line and Orange Line – 236 spots)
- Grossmont Transit Center (Green Line & Orange Line – 220 spots)
- Spring Street (Orange Line – 324 spots)
- E Street (Blue Line South – 267 spots)
- H Street (Blue Line South – 295 spots)
On Thursday and Friday, July 23 and 24, Snapdragon Stadium will offer paid parking in the Yellow Lot with direct access to the Green Line. Parking passes will be $18 if purchased at the entrance, or $15 if purchased in advance.
- No Comic-Con parking on Saturday or Sunday due to soccer matches
- Lots open at 8 a.m., no new entries after 4 p.m. (exit anytime)
Paying for Fares: Convention goers should download the PRONTO app in advance and load their Comic-Con pass, or at least $5 on the virtual card, which covers one round-trip fare for adults. Riders must tap or scan their PRONTO card/app before boarding to ensure a smooth and speedy ride.
Contactless Payment: Comic-Con fans also have the option to simply tap a credit card or other contactless payment options, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, on any station validator to pay for a one-way ride ($2.50 for Trolley and bus and $6.50 for COASTER, valid for two hours). This allows attendees to bypass the ticket vending machine and speed up wait times. Each rider must have their own PRONTO card or app or other payment method; fares cannot be shared across devices or payment methods.
Families Ride for Less: On Saturdays and Sundays, up to two children ages 12 and under can ride free on the MTS Trolley and bus with each paying adult — no additional ticket needed. Youth ages 18 and under can also ride free with a registered Youth PRONTO card or app through the Youth Opportunity Pass program (must have a valid Youth PRONTO card before boarding). Children ages 5 and under ride free all day, any day, with no pass required.
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 2025, 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 NCTD
The North County Transit – San Diego Railroad is a public transportation agency providing critical multi-modal services throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD is designated as a rail common carrier by the Surface Transportation Board based on the movement of interstate commerce on the tracks and the Railroad of Record by the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for safety over the entire San Diego portion of the LOSSAN corridor, the nation's second largest passenger rail network. NCTD's system includes BREEZE buses (with FLEX service), COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER hybrid rail trains, LIFT paratransit service and NCTD+ On-Demand, and is one of only three public transit agencies in the nation to operate heavy rail, hybrid rail and bus service. For more information visit: www.GoNCTD.com.
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