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You won't need a car if you plan to remain downtown or stay put in a beach resort. But if you plan to see the sites, driving is the best way. San Diego is not a centralized city, but a merging of many communities, so the attractions tend to be spread out. You can get to almost all of them by public transportation, but it can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you choose to drive, get a good map that denotes the traffic direction for one-way streets and spend time studying it. Traffic on the highways and freeways moves at high speeds and local drivers tend to be impatient and unforgiving. Avoid rush hours if possible. If you roadtrip to Tijuana, be sure to buy short-term Mexican car insurance before crossing the border -- your American policy means virtually nothing there should you become involved in an accident. Many rental agency policies stipulate that cars cannot be driven into Mexico.
| Public Transport |
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 San Diego Rapid Transit Map
Bus: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) runs over a hundred bus lines in the San Diego area. Most buses run every half hour. Local fare is $1.75 to $2.25, express buses are more. Exact change is required. A $5 Day Tripper pass allows unlimited rides for one day. A four-day pass is also available for $15. Transfers are free and must be used within 90 minutes. The Transit Store at 449 Broadway (619-234-1060) sells tokens and passes, and provides maps, timetables, and brochures. The store is open 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Call the Transit Information Line (619-233-3004) between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM (7 AM to 7 PM weekends) for information on getting to any destination. Trolley: MTS runs a trolley from downtown to within 100 feet of the Mexican border and another between downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley. Trolleys run about every 15 minutes from 5 AM to 9 PM, then every 30 minutes until 1 AM. Fare within the city costs $1.50 to $2.50; to the border is $3. The Day Tripper pass is valid on the trolley. (619-233-3004) Ferry: A ferry runs between San Diego and Coronado Island leaving from Broadway Pier on the hour and returning on the half hour, 9 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and to 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday. The fare is $2.25 each way. Day Tripper passes are accepted. (619-234-4111) Rail: The double-decker Coaster express train links San Diego to Oceanside, stopping in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, and Old Town. (800-COASTER) Taxi: Taxis don't have fixed rates. Cabs can be hailed from the street, but you'll seldom find one. Better to call. Try American Cab (619-234-1111), Orange Cab (619-291-3333), Yellow Cab (619-234-6161), San Diego Cab (619-226-TAXI), Coronado Cab (935-435-6211), or La Jolla Cab (858-453-4222).
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 San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN), locally called Lindbergh Field, is located only three miles from downtown. (619-231-2100) Transportation from the airport to downtown San Diego: Bus: San Diego Transit bus #992 takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach downtown. It departs every 10 minutes from approximately 5 AM to 1 AM. Buses leave from the East, West, and Shuttle Terminals. Shuttle: Shuttles depart from the Transportation Plazas across from Terminals 1 and 2, and curbside at the Commuter Terminal. Options include Cloud 9 (800-974-8885), Sea Breeze (619-297-7463), and others. Taxi:Taxis may be found at the cab stand near Terminals 1 and 2. Tell the taxi supervisor your destination and he will assign a cab. Fares downtown will run about $12; to the beach will cost $22-$25.
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San Diego Rapid Transit Map
San Diego International Airport