Getting to San Diego

Conveniently located just ten minutes from downtown San Diego and serviced by 22 major and commuter airlines including non-stop flights from Mexico, Canada, Japan and the UK, San Diego International Airport is managed by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and receives more than 16 million passengers a year.

Flying into San Diego, passengers get a bird's eye view of Balboa Park, downtown and the San Diego Bay on their descent to San Diego International Airport, aka Lindbergh Field. The airport terminals are easy to navigate and offer gourmet food and drink from local restaurants. 

You can travel to virtually any city in the world from San Diego. Nearly 500 daily flights provide nonstop and connecting services to major domestic destinations and across the globe. Explore your travel options from San Diego here, with more than 60 nonstop markets in the US and abroad.

Transportation

Rental Cars

Exploring San Diego by car is the most convenient way of getting around to all corners of the region. The freeway system is easy to navigate and the traffic is manageable other than typical work-day morning and evening rush hours.

The Rental Car Center at San Diego International Airport provides visitors with an easy, reliable, and comfortable experience for renting a vehicle. The Center is home to most of the rental car companies including national brands, local companies, and independent businesses in one central location.

Many of the car rental companies also provide convenient pick-up services at many of the San Diego hotels. Just be sure to make reservations and arrangements ahead of time. Many hotel concierge services can also offer these services, so check with your hotel on what they can provide for you.

Trains and Trolleys

The iconic Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bright red trolley is a fun, easy and convenient way to get around. The Trolley provides convenient services from key locations including the Santa Fe Depot and the San Diego Convention Center, crisscrossing through downtown and out to Old Town, Mission Valley, El Cajon and Santee.

There are four trolley lines (UC San Diego Blue, Orange, Sycuan Green and SDG&E Silver) that service the Downtown San Diego communities and beyond, covering 53 miles of double-track railway, and 53 stations total. Trolleys run an average of every 15 minutes, 7 minutes during peak and 30 minutes during off-peak hours. For maps and trip planning, visit sdmts.com or call (619) 233-3004.

Public Transportation

San Diego offers many modes of public transportation providing travelers with economical and eco-friendly options to explore the region. Get your transit pass loaded onto your Compass Card at any trolley station ticket machine, or download Compass Cloud, the free mobile ticketing app where you can purchase 1-day and 30-day passes from your smartphone for immediate use anytime, anywhere.

Just for Fun

Other options for exploring San Diego include renting a bike, Segway or GoCar (GPS-guided storytelling car).

Weather

San Diego boasts year-round average temperatures of 72 degrees. Check the forecast and surf report here.