1. Home
  3. Traveling to and around San Diego

Traveling to and around San Diego

Traveling to and around San Diego

Air Travel - Major airports

San Diego International Airport (SAN) www.san.org

  • Located 3 miles from the convention center
  • 10-15 minute drive from the airport to hotels supporting the convention center
  • NEW: Non-stop service to Austin, Munich, Montreal, Toronto and Oakland

TIP: Some hotels offer shuttles from SAN to the hotel. Check with your hotel to see if they offer this service and the times the service is available.

  • Note: From June 2022 through 2024, the airport will be constructing a new, modern Terminal 1 to replace the outdated terminal. Travelers are encouraged to give themselves extra time when going to the airport.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) (Santa Ana, Orange County) www.ocair.com

  • Located 88 miles North from the convention center
  • 1 hour and 25 minute drive down the I-5 to the convention center
  • Select non-stop destinations include: Atlanta, Cabo San Lucas (MX), Dallas, Puerto Vallarta (MX), Seattle and Vancouver (CAN)

TIP: No need to rent a car or Uber. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is an option too!

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

  • Located 125 miles North from the convention center
  • 2 hour drive if you take the 405 to the I-5 to the convention center (Note: this route has tolls)
  • Select non-stop destinations include: Atlanta, Cabo San Lucas (MX), Dallas, Puerto Vallarta (MX), Seattle and Vancouver (CAN)

TIP: No need to rent a car or Uber. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is an option too!

Train Travel

Amtrak – Santa Fe Depot (San Diego) www.amtrak.com/stations/san

  • Located 1 mile from the convention center
  • From the depot, you can walk, Uber or take the trolly

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner www.pacificsurfliner.com

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner

  • Ride along 351 miles of pacific coastline 
  • Stops from San Diego, going up the coast include: 
    • San Diego (Santa Fe Depot)
    • Solana Beach
    • San Juan Capistrano
    • Santa Ana
    • Anaheim
    • Los Angeles
    • Ventura
    • Santa Barbara
    •  San Luis Obispo

TIP: Pay the nominal fee to upgrade to Business Class. This is a commuter train and can get busy at certain times. Business Class guarantees a seat. The train has WiFi and Business Class gets you drinks and snacks. In the afternoon you can chose a soda or a glass of wine! Sooooo Californian!

PRO TIP: If you can travel at the end of the day, do so and take Business Class. Sit on the second level on the side of the Pacific Ocean. If you timed it right, you'll have a glass of California wine or craft brew while watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

North County Transit District (NCTD) www.gonctd.com/maps-schedules/schedules

  • The Coaster line offers scenic rides to Santa Fe Depot from Solana Beach, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
  • The Coaster line runs North-South within the county whereas the Sprinter line runs East-West in the Northern county area

Transportation Within San Diego

Walk 😊

  • The temperature in San Diego averages 62-83°F (17-28°C) and about 3 days of rain in June.
  • <<insert picture of San Diego>>

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolly www.sdmts.com/transit-services/trolley

Trolly green line

  • Trolly has 2 stops at the convention center
  • Attendees from SDSU and UCSD take the Green Line to the convention center
  • Cost is about $2.50 one way or $6 for a day pass

 

FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) Shuttle www.ridecircuit.com/fred  

Free Ride Everywhere Downtown Shuttle

  • Yes! It is FREE! Funded by the city of San Diego and advertisers.
  • On-demand transportation via the app
  • FRED's ultimate goal is to reduce congestion and its harmful effects on the environment and our quality of life. They do this by getting people out of their cars for short trips, encouraging visitors to park once, and by making connections to existing mass transit hubs. FRED offers electric shuttles that make mobility easier, smarter, and fun.
  • Download the Ride Circuit app to request a ride. www.ridecircuit.com Hours of operation can be found at ridecircuit.com/fred

Dockless Scooters, Taxis and Ride Share options

  • The city allows scooter companies Lime, Lyft, Link and Spin
  • Ride share options include Lyft, Super Shuttle, and Uber

TIP: For a zero-emissions, environmentally friendly ride, select Uber Electric Comfort or Uber Green.