San Diego Public Transportation Guide for Visitors

San Diego Public Bus

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus, and Trolley (Light Rail) services in the San Diego area.

Public Bus in San Diego :

An inexpensive way to travel around in San Diego is by Public Bus operated by MTS.

MTS Bus covers the San Diego area extensively with many lines and routes.

You can find out about Bus routes by going Online to MTS “Online Trip Planner”.

Enter your origination and destination information to get Bus Number, Route and Fare information. 

You can also call 619-233-3004 or 511, and an MTS operator will help you in San Diego.

Every Public bus in San Diego has its route number at the top front of the bus and on the side window.

If you’re not sure about your stop, just ask the driver.

If you're paying by cash, you must pay the exact fare.

Links for route numbers to popular tourist destinations are available on the MTS website

Compass Pass (Smart Reloadable Card) San Diego :

Another way to save money and pay fare is a Day Pass or 30-day pass.

All passes in San Diego are basically a Compass Card (Smart Reloadable Card) with a $2 Purchase Fee.

Compass Pass can be purchased at :

1). Ticket Vending Machines (Adult Only)

2). Transit Stores

3). NCTD customer service locations

4). Third-party retail outlets like Albertsons and Vons

The Pass or Compass Card gives you unlimited riding on the day (or days) specified on the pass.

Simply show your Day Pass to the driver and tap it on the reader when you board the Bus.

You can purchase passes online or at their transit stores.

The Trolley - Light Rail Service in San Diego :

Light Rail Service in San Diego is called "The Trolley".

The Trolley Operated 3 lines daily designed by their Color :

1). Blue Line - Operates between San Ysidro and Downtown San Diego

2). Orange Line - Connects suburbs like El Cajon and La Mesa to Downtown San Diego

3). Green Line - Operated between Santee and Downtown San Diego

The 4th Trolley line Heritage Streetcar "Silver Line" operates on "Downtown Loop" during selected days on mid-day.

Note :

On Weekends (Saturday & Sunday), with a fare-paying adult (age 18 or older), two Kids (under Age 12) can ride free on all MTS Buses.

A Friend can travel FREE with a fare-paying Adult on all MTS routes on below Public Holidays :

1). On New Year's Day (observed),

2). Memorial Day,

3). Independence Day,

4). Labor Day,

5). Thanksgiving Day, and

6). Christmas Day

Waterfront Shuttle in San Diego

Waterfront Shuttle San Diego :

San Diego Waterfront shuttle runs seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Waterfront Shuttle provides easy hop-on hop-off and US$3 all-day pass to travel between harbor front attractions and big Hotels.

The Waterfront Shuffle in San Diego makes eight stops along Harbor Drive :

1). Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

2). Maritime Museum of San Diego

3). Marriott Springhill Suites/Residence Inn Bayfront

4). USS Midway Museum

5). Seaport Village

6). Manchester Grand Hyatt

7). San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina

8). Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge

San Diego Waterfront Shuttle Hours : (Runs regularly every 15-20 mins)

10:00 AM to 8:00 PM - Sunday – Thursday

10:00 AM to 10:00 PM - Friday and Saturday

If you would prefer other Hop on Hop off alternative, the 2 days Hop off Hop on Trolley by Old Town Trolley is available.

Hop-on Hop-off trolley Tours is included in the Go San Diego Card offered by Smart Destinations