Getting to San Diego

San Diegos status as one of the west coasts major cities makes it easy to reach by a number of means. The most convenient access is by air through San Diego International Airport, located just three kilometres northwest of the city centre. San Diego is also connected by Amtraks train network, and long-distance Greyhound buses provide extensive access to almost every town in America. If you are driving, San Diego lies at the southern end of several major interstate highways.

By car

Interstate 5 runs along the Pacific coast all the way from Canada to the Mexican border, bisecting San Diego along the way. From cities to the east, I-8 provides easy access to the city. Drivers from Nevada can catch I-15, which will help them to avoid some of the constant traffic on I-5.

By rail

Amtrak (tel: +1 800 872 7245) runs daily trains to and from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. From these cities, connecting services are available to Oakland, Seattle, Chicago, Texas and even Florida. The Coaster Line runs between Oceanside and San Diego every 30 minutes during rush hour on weekdays. There are three train stations in the San Diego area: the downtown Santa Fe Depot, Oceanside Station and Solana Beach Station.

By bus

Greyhound operates 26 buses each day between San Diego and Los Angeles, where you can connect with buses to every other major US city. The central bus station is located downtown.

By air

All air traffic into San Diego is handled by San Diego International Airport, which is located just three kilometres from the city centre. Major airlines depart and arrive at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a red shuttle bus ferrying passengers between the terminals. Coastal fog often delays flights, so check with your airline before heading to the airport. All of the major US carriers serve San Diego. British Airways, Air Canada and AeroMexico are the only international carriers servicing the city. Most international flights require a connection, usually in Los Angeles.

San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport is close to the city, offering the easiest access. The beautifully modern and efficient airport has three terminals which serve different purposes. The terminals are connected by an efficient courtesy shuttle which runs throughout the day.

Most travellers will arrive at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, which handle the major airlines. Both terminals have all the usual facilities which a traveller might need. ATMs, banks and currency exchange offices can be found in the main concourse as well as restaurants, news stands and gift shops. An information desk can be found in the Arrivals Hall of both terminals (tel: +1 619 231 7361).

San Diego airport transportation

Transport options between the airport and the city include shuttle vans, buses and taxis. All of these services can be found in front of each of the terminals. The cheapest and most convenient option is the San Diego Transit shuttle, which cruises the three terminals at 10 minute intervals between 05:00 and 01:00. These buses will drop you at any of the downtown hotels.

If you rent a car, then simply take the Harbor drive exit, which leads directly downtown. Limousines and taxis are also available for hire, and they charge regulated fares to destinations in the city.