How to Use Public Transport in San Diego
Using public transport in San Diego is easier than many visitors expect, especially if you understand how the Trolley, MTS buses, PRONTO card, Route 992 airport bus, San Diego Flyer shuttle and COASTER rail service work together. San Diego does not have a traditional subway system, but it has a useful light rail and bus network that can connect visitors with Downtown San Diego, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, San Ysidro, Little Italy, the waterfront, Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter and several regional transit hubs.
For most visitors, the most important public transport system is the San Diego Trolley. The Trolley is a light rail network operated by MTS and connects Downtown San Diego with key areas such as Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, East County, South Bay and the San Ysidro border area. It is especially useful for visitors staying near Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley or a Trolley station.
The second key system is the MTS bus network. Buses are essential for destinations not directly served by the Trolley, including San Diego International Airport, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, beaches, some La Jolla areas, Pacific Beach, Coronado connections and many local neighborhoods. The most important bus route for arriving visitors is Route 992, which connects San Diego Airport with Downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot.
The third major element is PRONTO, San Diego’s regional fare payment system. PRONTO can be used as a physical card or mobile app and allows riders to pay as they go while earning fare caps on eligible services. Visitors can also use contactless payment for simple one-way adult fares, but contactless payment does not provide the same day pass fare capping as PRONTO.
If you are arriving by air, start with our San Diego Airport to City Center guide. That page explains Route 992, the free San Diego Flyer, Old Town Transit Center, Santa Fe Depot, Downtown San Diego, taxi, Uber, Lyft and private transfer options. If your main question is which ticket, fare or payment method to use, read our San Diego Transport Tickets and PRONTO Card Guide.
This complete guide explains how to use public transport in San Diego, including the Trolley, MTS buses, PRONTO card, PRONTO app, contactless payment, Route 992, San Diego Flyer, COASTER, SPRINTER, Old Town Transit Center, Santa Fe Depot, Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, La Jolla, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, San Ysidro and the best strategies for visitors without a car.
Quick answer: how should tourists use public transport in San Diego?
- Best system to learn first: San Diego Trolley
- Best airport route to Downtown: MTS Route 992
- Best free airport transit connection: San Diego Flyer to Old Town Transit Center
- Best payment method for several rides: PRONTO card or PRONTO app
- Best payment method for one or two rides: contactless credit card, debit card or mobile wallet
- Best downtown transit hubs: Santa Fe Depot, America Plaza and 12th & Imperial
- Best hub for Old Town / Mission Valley / UC San Diego connections: Old Town Transit Center
- Best for Gaslamp and Convention Center: Trolley, walking or short rideshare depending on hotel location
- Best for La Jolla: Trolley to UC San Diego plus bus or rideshare depending on exact destination
- Main mistake to avoid: assuming the Trolley goes directly to every beach and tourist attraction
How San Diego public transport works
San Diego public transport is best understood as a regional network made of several layers. MTS operates most of the local bus and Trolley services used by visitors in the central and southern parts of the county. NCTD operates several North County services, including COASTER, SPRINTER and BREEZE. PRONTO is the regional fare system used across many of these services.
The San Diego Trolley is the backbone of rail travel. It is useful for moving between Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, SDSU, East County, South Bay and San Ysidro. It is not a full metro system that covers every beach, zoo entrance or hotel district, but it is very useful on its corridors.
Buses provide the local reach. They connect the airport, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, beach districts, neighborhoods, employment areas and Trolley stations. For many tourist routes, the best public transport trip is not just “take the Trolley.” It is often “take the Trolley to the right hub, then use a bus, walk or short rideshare for the final segment.”
The most important visitor idea is this: use rail for the long segment and buses or walking for the final piece. Use the Trolley for Trolley-served corridors, Route 992 for the airport to Downtown, the San Diego Flyer for a free airport connection to Old Town, and COASTER for coastal North County trips.
San Diego public transport modes compared
| Transport mode | Best for | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Trolley | Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, SDSU, San Ysidro, East County | Easy light rail network with useful visitor corridors | Does not directly serve the airport terminal, Balboa Park or most beaches |
| MTS buses | Airport, Balboa Park, beaches, neighborhoods and final connections | Wide local coverage beyond Trolley stations | Requires checking route direction and schedules |
| Route 992 | Airport to Downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot | Direct low-cost airport bus to central transit hubs | Not door-to-door and not ideal for every hotel |
| San Diego Flyer | Airport to Old Town Transit Center | Free shuttle to a major Trolley, COASTER and Amtrak hub | Does not go directly to Downtown San Diego |
| COASTER | North County coastal trips, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside | Best rail option for longer coastal trips north of San Diego | Different fares and schedules from normal MTS Trolley and bus services |
| Taxi / rideshare | Luggage, late nights, beaches, La Jolla Cove, Coronado, door-to-door trips | Fast and convenient when transit is indirect | Costs more and can surge during events or peak demand |
San Diego Trolley: the main system visitors should understand
The San Diego Trolley is the main light rail system in the city. It is the easiest public transport mode for many visitors because stations are fixed, routes are color-coded and the system connects several important areas.
The Trolley is especially useful for Downtown San Diego, Santa Fe Depot, America Plaza, Gaslamp Quarter, Convention Center, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, SDSU, East County and San Ysidro. It also connects with buses, COASTER and Amtrak at major hubs.
Visitors should not expect the Trolley to work like a complete subway network. It does not stop directly at the airport terminals, most beach hotels, Balboa Park or La Jolla Cove. For those trips, you may need Route 992, a bus connection, San Diego Flyer, COASTER, taxi or rideshare.
Use the Trolley for:
- Downtown San Diego,
- Gaslamp Quarter and Convention Center areas,
- Santa Fe Depot and America Plaza,
- Old Town Transit Center,
- Mission Valley,
- UC San Diego and UTC area,
- SDSU and East County,
- San Ysidro and the Mexico border,
- connections to COASTER, Amtrak and MTS buses.
How to ride the San Diego Trolley
- Use a trip planner or Trolley map to find the correct line and station.
- Check whether you need the UC San Diego Blue Line, Green Line, Orange Line or another service.
- Before boarding, tap your PRONTO card, scan the PRONTO app or tap a contactless payment method at the validator.
- Check the direction of the train before boarding.
- Board the Trolley and keep luggage or bags clear of doors.
- Watch station announcements or follow your route on a map app.
- Exit at the correct station and continue by walking, bus, COASTER, Amtrak, taxi or rideshare if needed.
The most important rule is to pay before boarding. Trolley stations use proof-of-payment style validation. You need to tap or scan before getting on the train. Fare inspection may occur.
San Diego Trolley lines explained
UC San Diego Blue Line
The UC San Diego Blue Line is one of the most important Trolley lines for visitors. It connects San Ysidro in the south with Downtown San Diego, Old Town, UC San Diego and UTC. It is especially useful for Downtown, Little Italy, Old Town, university areas and trips toward the border.
This line is very useful if you are staying downtown and want to reach UC San Diego or Old Town without driving. It is also important for visitors planning to travel toward San Ysidro.
Green Line
The Green Line is useful for Old Town, Mission Valley, SDSU and East County. Visitors staying in Mission Valley hotels often use the Green Line to reach Downtown, Old Town or other Trolley connections.
If your hotel is in Mission Valley, the Green Line can be a practical alternative to rideshare for many trips. However, Mission Valley is spread out, so hotel-to-station walking distance matters.
Orange Line
The Orange Line serves parts of Downtown, southeastern San Diego and East County. It may be useful for specific local trips, but many visitors rely more heavily on the Blue and Green Lines.
The Orange Line can still be useful if your destination lies on its corridor or if an event or connection makes it the best route at the time.
Most useful Trolley stations for visitors
| Station | Best for | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Depot | Amtrak, COASTER, Route 992 airport bus, waterfront, Little Italy | One of the best downtown transit hubs for visitors |
| America Plaza | Downtown, Trolley connections, airport bus connection nearby | Useful when connecting between Route 992 and Trolley services |
| Old Town Transit Center | San Diego Flyer, Trolley, COASTER, Amtrak, Mission Valley, UC San Diego | Best free airport shuttle connection point |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Nightlife, restaurants, hotels, Convention Center access | Convenient for central entertainment areas |
| Convention Center | San Diego Convention Center, waterfront events, Comic-Con area | Very useful during conferences and major events |
| 12th & Imperial | Trolley transfers, East Village, Petco Park area | Important transfer station for multiple Trolley services |
| UC San Diego Central Campus | UC San Diego campus and university visits | Useful for university visitors and students |
| San Ysidro | U.S.-Mexico border access | Plan extra time for border-related travel |
MTS buses: how visitors should use them
MTS buses are essential for San Diego because the Trolley does not go everywhere. Buses connect the airport, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, beaches, neighborhoods, shopping areas and Trolley stations.
The most important bus for visitors is Route 992, which connects the airport with Downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot. Other bus routes may be useful for Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla connections and local neighborhoods.
Visitors should use a live journey planner for bus trips. Bus stop direction matters, and service frequency can vary by route and time of day.
Buses are useful for:
- San Diego Airport via Route 992,
- Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo,
- beach areas not directly served by Trolley,
- Pacific Beach and Mission Beach connections,
- La Jolla final connections,
- neighborhood restaurants and hotels,
- short trips where Trolley would be indirect.
How to ride MTS buses
- Use a trip planner to find the correct bus route and stop.
- Check the direction carefully before waiting.
- Arrive a few minutes early, especially outside Downtown.
- Board through the front door unless signs indicate otherwise.
- Tap PRONTO, scan the PRONTO app, tap contactless payment or pay with accepted fare method.
- Move away from the front if the bus is crowded.
- Follow your route on your phone or listen for stop announcements.
- Request your stop before arrival.
- Exit and continue by walking, Trolley or another bus if needed.
Public transport from San Diego Airport
San Diego has two main public transport options from the airport: Route 992 and the San Diego Flyer. Route 992 goes to Downtown San Diego and Santa Fe Depot. The San Diego Flyer goes to Old Town Transit Center.
If your destination is Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, waterfront, Convention Center or Santa Fe Depot, Route 992 is usually the best public transport option. If your destination is Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, La Jolla transit connections or COASTER/Amtrak northbound service, the San Diego Flyer may be better.
For full airport route planning, see our San Diego Airport to City Center guide.
How to use Route 992
- After baggage claim, follow airport signs for public transportation or Route 992.
- Go to the stop serving your terminal.
- Tap PRONTO, scan the PRONTO app, tap contactless payment or use another accepted fare method.
- Board Route 992 toward Downtown San Diego.
- Get off at Santa Fe Depot, America Plaza, Broadway or the downtown stop closest to your destination.
- Continue by Trolley, bus, walking, taxi or rideshare if needed.
How to use the San Diego Flyer
- After baggage claim, follow signs for shuttle transportation or the San Diego Flyer.
- Board the free shuttle at the designated airport pickup area.
- Ride to Old Town Transit Center.
- Transfer to Trolley, bus, COASTER or Amtrak depending on your destination.
- Use PRONTO, contactless payment or the correct ticket for your next paid service.
The San Diego Flyer is a great option, but it is not a downtown shuttle. If you are going to a downtown hotel, Route 992 is usually more direct.
PRONTO and public transport payment
PRONTO is the main fare system for San Diego MTS and many regional services. You can use a PRONTO card or PRONTO app to ride Trolley and buses. PRONTO is best if you plan several rides because fare capping can help you avoid overpaying.
Contactless payment is best for one or two rides. It is very easy, but does not give the same daily fare cap as PRONTO. If you plan a transit-heavy day, use PRONTO rather than contactless.
For a full payment guide, including PRONTO, contactless payment, day caps, youth fare rules and COASTER differences, read our San Diego Transport Tickets and PRONTO Card Guide.
COASTER: when visitors should use it
COASTER is the coastal rail service connecting San Diego with North County destinations such as Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. It is useful for longer coastal trips, but it is not the same as the Trolley.
COASTER fares and rules are different. If you use PRONTO on COASTER, tapping on and tapping off is important. COASTER is best for planned day trips rather than spontaneous short city rides.
Use COASTER for:
- Oceanside,
- Carlsbad,
- Encinitas,
- Solana Beach,
- North County coastal trips,
- connections with Amtrak or SPRINTER,
- long-distance coastal travel from San Diego.
Best public transport routes for San Diego attractions
| Destination | Best public transport option | Visitor advice |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Diego | Trolley, buses, Route 992, walking | Many central areas are walkable once you arrive |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Trolley or walking from Downtown stops | Good for restaurants, nightlife and hotels |
| Convention Center | Trolley to Convention Center or Gaslamp area | Best during conferences and major events |
| Little Italy | Trolley, Route 992 or walking from Santa Fe Depot | Very close to airport and Downtown transit |
| Old Town | Trolley or San Diego Flyer from airport | Major transfer hub and historic district |
| Mission Valley | Green Line Trolley | Check hotel distance from station carefully |
| UC San Diego | UC San Diego Blue Line | One of the best Trolley-served destinations north of Downtown |
| La Jolla Cove | Trolley + bus or rideshare | Not directly on the Trolley; final connection matters |
| Balboa Park / San Diego Zoo | Bus, walk from nearby areas or rideshare | Not directly served by Trolley at the entrance |
| San Ysidro border | UC San Diego Blue Line | Plan extra time for border travel and return service |
Best neighborhood strategy by public transport
Downtown San Diego
Downtown is the easiest area to explore by public transport. It has Trolley stations, bus routes, Route 992 connections, Santa Fe Depot, America Plaza and walkable districts. If you stay Downtown, you may not need a rental car.
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter is well suited to walking and Trolley access. It is one of the best areas for visitors who want restaurants, nightlife, hotels and Convention Center access. Route 992 plus walking or Trolley can work from the airport.
Little Italy
Little Italy is close to the airport and Santa Fe Depot. It is one of the easiest visitor neighborhoods for public transport, restaurant access and airport convenience. Route 992, Trolley and walking all work well here.
Old Town
Old Town is a major transit hub and a useful base if you plan to use the Trolley, COASTER or San Diego Flyer. It is especially convenient for airport-to-transit connections and Mission Valley routes.
Mission Valley
Mission Valley is transit-friendly if your hotel is near a Trolley station. If not, you may need rideshare for the final segment. The Green Line is the most important route for this area.
UC San Diego and UTC
UC San Diego and UTC are much easier by public transport than they used to be because of the Blue Line extension. This makes Trolley a strong option for university visitors, students and some La Jolla-area trips.
La Jolla
La Jolla is mixed for public transport. UC San Diego is well connected by Trolley, but La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores and beach hotels often need bus or rideshare connections. Check the exact destination before relying on transit.
Beach areas
Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and Coronado are not directly served by the Trolley in the way Downtown or Old Town are. Public transport can work, but buses or rideshare are often required.
Best public transport strategy by trip length
One day in San Diego
If you only have one day, stay focused. Use Route 992 from the airport if needed, explore Downtown, Little Italy, waterfront and Gaslamp on foot, and use the Trolley only if you are going to Old Town, Mission Valley or another rail-served area.
Two days in San Diego
Use one day for Downtown, waterfront and Gaslamp, and another day for Old Town, Balboa Park, UC San Diego or a beach area. PRONTO becomes useful if you take several rides.
Three to four days in San Diego
For three or four days, use PRONTO as your main transit payment method. Combine Trolley, buses, Route 992, San Diego Flyer and occasional rideshare. Add La Jolla, Mission Valley, Balboa Park or San Ysidro depending on your itinerary.
One week in San Diego
For one week, choose accommodation carefully. Downtown, Little Italy, Old Town, Mission Valley near Trolley and UCSD-area hotels can work well without a car. Beach-heavy itineraries may require more rideshare or rental car use.
Best public transport strategy by traveler type
First-time visitor
Stay Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp or near a Trolley station. Use Route 992 from the airport to Downtown or the San Diego Flyer to Old Town. Learn the Trolley next, then use buses only when needed.
Budget traveler
Use Route 992 instead of rideshare for Downtown. Use the free San Diego Flyer for Old Town connections. Use PRONTO to avoid overpaying on multi-ride days.
Family traveler
Families should check Youth Opportunity Pass rules for riders 18 and under. Trolley and buses can work, but taxi or rideshare may be easier with strollers, beach gear or multiple bags.
Business traveler
Business travelers can use Route 992, Trolley and walking for Downtown and Convention Center trips. Use rideshare for tight schedules, late arrivals or business locations away from transit.
Convention visitor
Convention visitors staying near the Convention Center can use Trolley, Route 992 and walking. During major events, allow extra time and expect crowded trains and stations.
Beach traveler
Beach travelers should plan carefully. Public transport reaches some beach areas but often requires bus transfers. For beach hotels with luggage, rideshare or rental car may be easier.
Cross-border traveler
Use the Blue Line to San Ysidro if travelling toward the border. Allow extra time and check return travel timing before making evening plans.
Using public transport with luggage
San Diego public transport is manageable with luggage when the route is simple. Route 992 is good for travelers with one suitcase going Downtown. The San Diego Flyer is good for travelers connecting to Old Town. Trolley is manageable with luggage when stations are close to hotels.
Luggage becomes harder when trips require bus transfers, long walks, beach destinations or late-night service. If you have multiple suitcases, children or a hotel far from a stop, taxi or rideshare may be worth the extra cost.
Safety and comfort on San Diego public transport
San Diego public transport is used by commuters, students, airport travelers, visitors and event crowds. As in any city, keep valuables secure, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid leaving bags unattended.
During the day and early evening, Trolley and major bus routes are generally practical for visitors. Late at night, the best choice depends on route frequency, station location and final walking distance. Rideshare may be better for beach areas, unfamiliar neighborhoods or indirect routes.
During major events such as Comic-Con, baseball games, concerts and conventions, Trolley services and downtown stations can be crowded. Build extra time into your plan and use PRONTO or contactless payment before boarding.
Accessibility on San Diego public transport
Many MTS Trolley stations, buses and transit hubs include accessibility features, but exact conditions vary by station, route, elevator status and construction. Travelers who need step-free access should check current service information before traveling.
Airport routes are generally manageable, but final destination access matters. A Trolley station may be accessible, while the final walk to a hotel or beach may involve slopes, traffic or longer distances. Plan the entire door-to-door journey, not just the transit leg.
Common mistakes when using San Diego public transport
- Assuming the Trolley stops at the airport: use Route 992 or San Diego Flyer for airport connections.
- Assuming the San Diego Flyer goes downtown: it goes to Old Town Transit Center.
- Using contactless all day and expecting fare capping: use PRONTO for day cap value.
- Not tapping before boarding the Trolley: proof of payment matters.
- Confusing COASTER with Trolley: COASTER has different fare rules and schedules.
- Forgetting to tap off on COASTER: this can lead to incorrect higher charges.
- Assuming all beaches are easy by Trolley: many beach areas need bus or rideshare connections.
- Choosing a hotel far from transit: this increases rideshare costs and travel time.
- Not checking late-night service: rideshare may be easier after events or delayed flights.
- Not planning around major events: Convention Center and Gaslamp areas can get very crowded.
Final recommendation
For most visitors, the best way to use public transport in San Diego is simple. Use Route 992 from the airport to Downtown, or the free San Diego Flyer if you need Old Town Transit Center. Use the Trolley for Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego and San Ysidro. Use buses for Balboa Park, beaches and final connections. Use PRONTO if you plan several rides, and use contactless payment only for simple one-way or occasional trips.
If you are still planning your arrival, read our San Diego Airport to City Center guide. If you need fare, PRONTO, day cap, contactless, youth fare or COASTER payment guidance, continue with our San Diego Transport Tickets and PRONTO Card Guide.
San Diego can be explored without a car if you stay in Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp, Old Town, Mission Valley near a Trolley station or UCSD/UTC areas. For La Jolla Cove, Coronado, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or multiple beach days, combine transit with rideshare or consider whether a rental car makes sense.
FAQ – How to Use Public Transport in San Diego
Is San Diego public transport good for tourists?
Yes. San Diego public transport is useful for tourists, especially for Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego, San Ysidro, airport routes and Trolley-connected areas.
What is the easiest public transport in San Diego?
The San Diego Trolley is the easiest system for most visitors because it uses fixed rail routes and serves many important areas.
Does the San Diego Trolley go to the airport?
No. The Trolley does not stop directly at San Diego Airport. Use Route 992 to Downtown or the San Diego Flyer to Old Town Transit Center.
How do I get from San Diego Airport to Downtown by public transport?
Take MTS Route 992 from the airport to Downtown San Diego, Santa Fe Depot or America Plaza.
What is the San Diego Flyer?
The San Diego Flyer is a free shuttle between San Diego International Airport and Old Town Transit Center.
Does the San Diego Flyer go to Downtown?
No. The San Diego Flyer goes to Old Town Transit Center. For Downtown San Diego, use Route 992.
Do I need a PRONTO card in San Diego?
You do not need PRONTO for one or two rides, because contactless payment may be easier. PRONTO is recommended if you plan several rides and want fare capping.
Can I use contactless payment on San Diego public transport?
Yes. Contactless payment is available on many MTS services for adult one-way fares, but it does not provide the same fare capping as PRONTO.
How do I use the Trolley?
Find your station, tap PRONTO or contactless payment before boarding, check the line and direction, board the train and exit at your destination.
What Trolley line should tourists learn first?
The UC San Diego Blue Line is very important because it connects Downtown, Old Town, UC San Diego and San Ysidro. The Green Line is also useful for Mission Valley.
How do I get to Gaslamp Quarter by public transport?
Use the Trolley to Gaslamp Quarter or nearby downtown stations, or use Route 992 from the airport to Downtown and walk or connect locally.
How do I get to San Diego Convention Center by public transport?
Use the Trolley to Convention Center or Gaslamp-area stations. From the airport, take Route 992 to Downtown and connect if needed.
How do I get to Old Town by public transport?
Use the Trolley or the free San Diego Flyer from the airport to Old Town Transit Center.
How do I get to Mission Valley by public transport?
Use the Green Line Trolley. If arriving from the airport, take the San Diego Flyer to Old Town, then transfer to the Trolley.
How do I get to UC San Diego by public transport?
Use the UC San Diego Blue Line. From the airport, the San Diego Flyer to Old Town followed by the Blue Line is often a useful route.
Can I get to La Jolla by public transport?
Yes, but it depends on the exact destination. UC San Diego is well served by Trolley, while La Jolla Cove or beach hotels may need bus or rideshare connections.
How do I get to Balboa Park by public transport?
Use local bus routes, walking from nearby areas or a short rideshare. The Trolley does not stop directly at the main zoo and museum entrances.
How do I get to San Diego Zoo by public transport?
Use a bus from Downtown or a short rideshare. Public transport is possible, but the final route depends on where you are starting.
Can I use public transport to reach beaches?
Yes, but many beach areas require bus transfers or rideshare. The Trolley is more useful for Downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley and UC San Diego than for beach hotels.
What is COASTER?
COASTER is a regional rail service connecting San Diego with North County coastal destinations such as Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Can I use PRONTO on COASTER?
Yes, but COASTER has different fare rules. Riders using PRONTO should tap on and tap off to avoid incorrect charges.
Can I visit San Diego without a car?
Yes. You can visit Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp, Old Town, Mission Valley, UC San Diego and many attractions without a car. Beach-heavy itineraries may require rideshare or car rental.
Should I rent a car in San Diego?
You do not need a car for Downtown, Little Italy, Gaslamp or Trolley-connected areas. A car is more useful for beaches, La Jolla, North County, Coronado or regional road trips.
What is the biggest mistake tourists make with San Diego public transport?
The biggest mistake is assuming the Trolley goes everywhere. San Diego public transport works best when you combine Trolley, buses, Route 992, San Diego Flyer, COASTER and occasional rideshare.