Getting around San Diego, CA
Planning to travel in San Diego? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your San Diego experience. Travel from San Diego International Airport to popular hotels like The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around San Diego
Walking
San Diego offers a pedestrian-friendly environment with a focus on active transportation infrastructure. The city has invested in pedestrian-scale lighting, high-visibility crosswalks, and widened sidewalks, making walking a convenient option in many areas. The mild climate further enhances the appeal of walking, allowing for comfortable strolls year-round. However, the city’s sprawling layout means that some destinations may be too distant for walking alone, necessitating the use of other transportation modes for longer journeys. Overall, walking is a practical choice for exploring local neighborhoods and accessing nearby amenities.
Biking
San Diego offers a pleasant biking experience with its extensive network of bike lanes and paths. The city has added numerous miles of bike lanes and separated bikeways, making it easier to reach various destinations by bike. The mild weather throughout the year is ideal for biking, and the city’s efforts to improve biking infrastructure support this mode of transport. While some areas may have longer distances, the overall infrastructure supports biking as a practical option for getting around.
Car
San Diego offers a car-friendly environment with a well-developed road network, making it easy to reach various attractions and neighborhoods. The city’s infrastructure supports driving, with ample parking available in many areas. However, traffic congestion can be an issue during peak hours, particularly on major highways. The mild weather generally provides favorable driving conditions year-round. While a car is convenient for exploring the city’s diverse landscapes, including beaches and parks, it’s important to consider potential traffic delays when planning travel times.
Public Transit
The city features a variety of public transportation options, making it relatively easy to navigate the city without a car. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides extensive bus routes and trolley lines, including the Blue, Green, Orange, and Copper Lines, which connect key areas and popular destinations like the San Diego Zoo and Petco Park. The Rapid Bus Service offers faster travel on select routes. The city’s infrastructure supports these services well, and the mild weather generally makes waiting for transit comfortable. Public transit is a practical choice for getting around San Diego.
Train
Trains in San Diego offer a good travel option across the city, with multiple routes available. The trolley system includes lines that connect key areas such as downtown, Old Town, and various neighborhoods, making it easy to reach popular destinations. Trains generally run on a regular schedule, providing frequent service throughout the day. The infrastructure supports smooth travel, although the distance between some areas might require additional planning. Overall, trains are a practical option for getting around San Diego, especially for those looking to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Ferry
Ferries in San Diego offer a scenic and efficient way to travel between downtown and Coronado. The ferry service runs daily, with departures from Broadway Pier on the hour and from the San Diego Convention Center on the half hour. The ride takes about 15 minutes, providing a quick and smooth journey across the bay. Ferries are pedestrian and bike-friendly, allowing passengers to bring bicycles at no extra charge. While cars are not accommodated, the ferry is a great option for those exploring on foot or bike. The calm waters of San Diego Bay make for a pleasant ride, and the ferry’s accessibility to key locations enhances its appeal as a transportation choice.
Reserve a ride in San Diego with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in San Diego. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to San Diego International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in San Diego, California
Getting around San Diego without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride from San Diego International Airport to Carmel Valley or head to another destination with the app. If you’re planning to travel in San Diego with a large group, request BLACK to enjoy a comfortable ride.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring San Diego.
San Diego-area airport car service
When your travel in San Diego takes you to an airport from Carmel Valley, Carmel Mountain or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Popular destinations in San Diego, CA
Uber makes San Diego travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around San Diego request rides to San Diego Convention Center more than any other spot.
Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Destination | Average price with UberX* |
|---|---|
San Diego Convention Center | $16 |
San Diego Zoo | $16 |
Parque Petco | $22 |
San Ysidro Transit Center MTS Trolley Station | $25 |
Old Town TRANSIT Center | $17 |
San Diego taxis and other ride options
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when you need to get around San Diego. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Whether you’re requesting a ride from the airport or to help you discover somewhere new, sign in online or open the app and enter a destination in San Diego.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in San Diego?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around San Diego anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in San Diego?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in San Diego. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around San Diego without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in San Diego, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other San Diego transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in San Diego?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in San Diego or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in San Diego help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in San Diego is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in San Diego?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in San Diego from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.
In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you will have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
About
Explore San Diego
Cities near me
SAN airport
Popular routes