How to get from San Diego Airport to San Diego City Centre

Kathryn Shaw

May 9, 2024

San Diego, a diverse mix of culture, cuisine and natural beauty, is California’s second-largest city. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, over 110 km of shoreline and a wide selection of beaches, San Diego is an ideal holiday destination for all.

So when travelling to the sunny city, you will be landing at San Diego International Airport (SAN), and you have 2 different transportation options to get downtown; you can take a taxi or private transfer, or you can take the public bus. Taking a San Diego airport taxi or private transfer from San Diego airport to downtown is the easiest and most comfortable way to travel. Not only are cabs available 24/7, but they also provide door-to-door services. Nonetheless, if you are looking for a cost-savvy alternative, you can take the airport bus number 992.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Diego at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€72	15min	24/7
Taxi	€21.20	15min	24/7
Bus	€4.40	20min	05:00–22:30

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown by taxi

Taking a San Diego airport taxi to downtown San Diego is a great way to travel. Taxis are a quick and easy way to get to your destination, avoiding the hassle of San Diego public transportation. Moreover, taxis are available 24/7 and take a quick 15 minutes to reach your San Diego hotel.

Taxi fare from San Diego airport to downtown

Taxis in San Diego calculate their fare using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. A trip from San Diego airport to downtown San Diego costs around $24 (€21.20), traffic dependant.

However, if you wish to travel at a fixed rate fare, with no hidden fees, it is recommended to pre-book your San Diego airport taxi with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$24 (€21.20)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Rates may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Diego International Airport

Where do I get it from?

You can find the official SAN airport taxi rank at the Transportation Plazas outside of each terminal. Once there, you will be allocated a taxi.

Convenience

Taking a San Diego cab from SAN to downtown is a great travel option. Taxis provide safe, reliable door-to-door services in the comfort of a private vehicle, whilst taking care of you, your travel partners and your belongings.

Editor’s Note

It is good to know that there is no price difference for day, night or weekend taxi trips in San Diego.

Useful Tips

Please note that it is customary to leave a 15% to 20% tip.

All taxi drivers accept credit card payments. However, it is always advised to ask your San Diego cab driver before starting your trip.

Make sure that your San Diego cab driver resets their taximeter before starting your trip.

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown by bus

Taking the San Diego airport bus line 992 to San Diego city centre is a great cost-savvy travel alternative to a taxi. The bus provides direct transportation, taking only 20 minutes to reach the downtown bus station.

How much is a bus ticket from San Diego airport to downtown?

A one-way bus ticket on bus No. 992 from San Diego airport to downtown costs $2.50 (€2.20). Alternatively, you can buy a day pass which costs $6 (€5.30).

You can purchase your tickets from any ticket machine found near the information booths in both airport terminals, or you can download the free mobile ticketing app to purchase your 1-day or 30-day pass.

Cost

$2.50 (€2.20)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

The airport bus No. 992 runs every 15 to 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The airport bus No. 992 is available daily from 05:30 to 22:30.

Where do I get it from?

Bus line 992 offers curbside drop-off and pick-up services right outside the SAN airport baggage claims at both Terminals 1 and 2.

Convenience

For travellers on a budget, taking the airport bus No.992 is a great way to get to downtown San Diego. The bus runs frequently 7 days a week, provides luggage storage and is direct to the city centre.

However, if you arrive late at night you will have to find an alternative solution to get into the city, which can be challenging if you are travelling with children and heavy luggage.

Timetables

Metropolitan Transit System Website

Editor’s Note

The airport bus vehicles are equipped with luggage racks, making it easy for you to store your baggage.

Useful Tips

Day passes provide unlimited rides on the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) - buses and trolleys during your entire journey.

The airport buses are very easy to spot as the vehicles are bright red and white, with “Airport” written on the side of each vehicle.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San diego. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€55.0

NIGHTTIME

€66.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Diego airport to city centre?

SAN airport is a close 6 km away from downtown; it takes around 15 minutes to reach by car or taxi.

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown?

There are two transportation options to get from San Diego airport to the city centre; you can either take a taxi or private transfer, or you can take the public airport bus No. 992.

How much is a cab from San Diego airport to downtown?

A trip from San Diego airport to downtown costs around $24 (€21.20), depending on traffic conditions.

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in San Diego

High-end transfer service at the same price as a regular taxi. Available in 562 destinations.

Learn more

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown by taxi

Taxi fare from San Diego airport to downtown

Cost

$24 (€21.20)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Diego International Airport

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown by bus

How much is a bus ticket from San Diego airport to downtown?

Cost

$2.50 (€2.20)

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The airport bus No. 992 is available daily from 05:30 to 22:30.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Timetables

Metropolitan Transit System Website

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How far is San Diego airport to city centre?

How to get from San Diego airport to downtown?

How much is a cab from San Diego airport to downtown?

Was this helpful?

The best way to arrive in San Diego

Save the article for later or share it with friends

The link is copied

Transfer Options in San Diego

San Diego Airport Taxi Rates: Compare All Taxi Options | Welcome

FromSan Diego International Airport (SAN)

ToLegoland

FromSan Diego International Airport (SAN)

ToLa Jolla

FromSan Diego International Airport (SAN)

ToCarlsbad

San Diego Taxi - Prices and Useful Tips for Taxis in San Diego

306 Destinations Worldwide

Pre-book online→