Getting Around in San Diego

Buses

The public bus service in San Diego is one of the most economical ways of getting around the city. Most buses run seven days a week, with extra services during weekdays and peak traffic times. There are dozens of bus routes that comprehensively cover the inner city and surrounding areas, including rural routes.  

There is also a rapid transit bus service of nine lines, with two additional rapid transit lines operational during peak hours.

Light rail

The San Diego Trolley is the city's light rail system and is one of the most recognisable forms of transport in the city. Also known as the Red Trolley, the service consists of more than 50 stations on three main lines that cover around 54 miles (87km) of track.

There is also a vintage trolley service that runs on a single line in downtown San Diego on weekends, select weekdays and during major events. Primarily a tourist attraction, the vintage streetcar Silver Line service is a good way for new arrivals to get to know the city.

Taxis in San Diego

MTS is responsible for licensing and regulating taxis in San Diego, as well as ensuring that they adhere to safety standards. Rates vary between companies, but a starting cost (known as a 'flag drop fare') plus a per-mile fee is standard. Cabs in San Diego can either be called in advance, hailed from the street or found at a taxi stand.

Several ride-hailing applications also have a presence in San Diego, including Lyft and Uber. These allow users to summon a cab directly to their location and gives an estimated price for the trip upfront.

Cycling in San Diego

The city actively encourages residents to cycle and is constantly expanding existing infrastructure as part of the San Diego Regional Bicycle Plan.

Given the favourable weather conditions and support from local government and the private sector, commuting by bicycle in San Diego is becoming more popular. The city is constantly expanding its network of bicycle paths and lanes.

Driving in San Diego

Given the spread-out nature of the wider region, a car is the most convenient way of travelling outside the city, and most expats moving to San Diego are likely to purchase one.

Expats with valid driver's licences from foreign countries are able to drive in the state of California, but once expats become residents of the state they will need to get a local licence. Some countries have agreements with the state of California, meaning that their citizens can transfer their driver's licence without needing to retake a driver's test. Other expats must take a written traffic law test as well as a practical in order to get a local licence.