Your next trip out of town (or in to San Diego) doesn't have to start with a dent in your wallet from long-term parking or a pricy rideshare. Getting to and from the San Diego Airport on public transportation can be easy, affordable, and convenient— why not travel smarter?
Why Transit Is the Smart Way to/from the Airport
Ridesharing and long-term parking at the airport can both add up to extra costs before (or after) your trip!
How Much Does Ridesharing to the Airport Really Cost?
According to Uber’s website, the average price of a ride to the airport in San Diego is $28! (For comparison, that’s about 5 days worth of public transit passes.)
Airport Parking Prices Might Suprise You
SpotHero estimates that long-term parking can cost anywhere from $8-$19 a day, costing you a pretty penny depending on how long your trip is.
Only $2.50 For Public Transit?!
On the other hand, the fare on MTS bus an Trolley services is only $2.50 one way (which includes transfers for two hours). And, if you’re connecting to the San Diego Flyer shuttle at Old Town, there’s no charge to use that service.
| Option | One-Way Cost | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option | Public Transit | One-Way Cost | $2.50 | Notes | Most affordable |
| Option | Rideshare (avg.) | One-Way Cost | $28.00 | Notes | Price varies with demand |
| Option | Long-Term Parking (daily) | One-Way Cost | $8-$19/day | Notes | Adds up quickly for long trips |
How Do I Get to the Airport?
By Trolley + Bus
- Santa Fe Depot + Route 992: Take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line to Santa Fe Depot. Disembark from the Trolley and walk about one block to Broadway & Kettner to catch Route 992 to the Airport. The 992 stops at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and is less than 15 minutes from the Trolley connection in downtown. Service runs every 15 minutes from about 4 a.m. until midnight, daily. (You can also catch Route 992 from City College in downtown, via the UC San Diego Blue or Orange Lines.)
- Old Town + San Diego Flyer: The San Diego Flyer is a free airport shuttle for transit riders from the Old Town Transit Center. Board the shuttle from the east side of the transit center next to the bus bays on Congress Street. The San Diego Flyer operates approximately every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week. Please note that there is NO OVERNIGHT PARKING at the Old Town Transit Center.
- Middletown + Rental Car Shuttle: If you don’t have a lot of luggage and/or don’t mind getting some steps in before your flight, you can take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line to Middletown Station. Walk across the street towards Pacific Highway to the Rental Car Center. Use the Rental Car shuttle to travel to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Use the Airport’s real-time shuttle tracker to view where the shuttle is currently at.
By Train
- Coming from North County on the coast? Take the COASTER to Santa Fe Depot to easily connect with Route 992 to the Airport. The bus stop is located about one block away at Broadway & Kettner.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Download the PRONTO App for fare payments, trip planning and real-time information
- Just visiting or an infrequent rider? Use our Contactless Payment options on board buses and at Trolley stations (debit or credit card, mobile wallet or wearable device, Apple Pay and more). You can pay for a one-way fare ($2.50 with two hours of transfers) as needed (please note: no daily fare capping with contactless payments).
- Check out our Alerts & Detours page for any service impact information
Getting to the airport doesn’t have to cost a fortune or stress you out before your flight even takes off. With multiple affordable and convenient transit options—from Trolley connections and the bus to the San Diego Flyer shuttle—getting to San Diego International Airport is easier (and cheaper) than you think.
So next time you're planning a trip, skip the parking fees and rideshare surge pricing — take transit, save money, and start your adventure the smart way!
Ready to save? Plan your trip to the airport now with the PRONTO App, or check out our Trip Planner to find the fastest route from your location!
