Riding Buses In San Diego: A Beginner's Guide

San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers a comprehensive network of over 100 bus routes, providing affordable and reliable transportation across the city and its nearby communities. The MTS operates 94 fixed bus routes with 797 buses, covering local, urban, express, and rural routes. Visitors can easily navigate the MTS with a little planning and by following a few simple steps. This guide will provide an introduction to riding the bus in San Diego, covering topics such as fare options, transfer policies, and tips for a smooth journey.

Fares and payment methods

Fares

The standard adult fare for riding the bus in San Diego is $2.50 one-way. Senior citizens, disabled persons, and Medicare riders pay a reduced fare of $1.25 one-way. Youth riders aged 18 and under can ride for free with a Youth PRONTO card as part of the Youth Opportunity Pass (YOP) program.

Payment methods

You can pay your fare using the PRONTO app, a PRONTO card, or cash. The PRONTO app is available for download on the Apple and Google Play stores. You can load money or purchase month passes directly from your phone.

The PRONTO card is available for purchase at ticket machines, the MTS Transit Store, NCTD customer service centers, and retail outlets. The card costs $2 (a one-time fee) and requires a minimum load of $3 at ticket machines, $3 at the MTS Transit Store, and $5 at retail outlets. You can load money onto your PRONTO card through the app, online at RidePRONTO.com, over the phone, at ticket machines, and in-person at retail locations, the MTS Transit Store, or NCTD customer service centers.

You can also pay your fare in cash. Bus fare boxes accept pennies (bus only), nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins (all except Eisenhower dollars). They also accept $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20 bills but do not give change.

Boarding the bus

To board the bus in San Diego, you'll be using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which operates 94 fixed bus routes with a fleet of 797 buses. These buses operate within the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City, Lemon Grove, Poway and Santee, as well as the County of San Diego.

First, you'll need to plan your trip and arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before the time listed on the schedule. You can find printed maps of the bus routes at the Transit Store and at over 100 places around town. If you're paying with a PRONTO card, make sure to load money onto it before boarding. You can also add money to your PRONTO account as you go, and the appropriate one-way fare will be deducted from your balance each time you tap to board a bus. You can also purchase a day pass with your PRONTO card, which ensures you won't be charged more than a certain amount in a given day, no matter how many rides you take.

When you see the bus coming, stand at the stop so the operator can see you, and confirm that the signs on the front and side of the bus show the correct line or route number. When you board, pay your fare and tap or scan your PRONTO Card in the designated area. If you're paying with cash, you must have the exact fare ready, as bus drivers cannot make change. You can also purchase a day pass with cash on the bus.

Once you're on the bus, you can sit anywhere you like, or stand holding one of the available bars or handholds. Please reserve the seats and spaces marked for senior and disabled riders. If you need to stand, move towards the back of the bus to keep the aisle clear for other passengers.

Finding your route

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 94 fixed bus routes in the San Diego area with a fleet of 797 buses. Local, urban, express, premium express, and rural routes are all included in the fixed-route bus service. MTS buses operate within the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City, Lemon Grove, Poway, and Santee, as well as the County of San Diego.

MTS bus routes also connect with the North County Transit District (NCTD) bus and rail routes, as well as the San Diego Trolley, which provides easy and affordable access to 20 cities and suburbs. The trolley operates along three routes that originate in downtown San Diego, with lines running every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to late in the evening.

The Blue Line runs from Old Town and downtown to the Mexican border. The Green Line operates through Mission Valley from Old Town to La Mesa, El Cajon, and Santee, with stations at Fashion Valley, Hazard Center, Qualcomm Stadium, Alvarado Medical Center, and San Diego State University (SDSU). The Orange Line from El Cajon serves stations along Harbor Drive, including Seaport Village, the San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, and PETCO Park.

If you're staying in downtown San Diego, the trolley provides convenient services to popular destinations, including the Santa Fe Depot, San Diego Convention Center, Old Town, Mission Valley, El Cajon, and San Ysidro on the Mexican border. The recently added UC San Diego Blue Line expanded service north to Clairemont and the UCSD/La Jolla area.

The North County Transit District's COASTER trains connect downtown and Old Town with coastal communities throughout the county, from Encinitas to Oceanside. The east-west SPRINTER light rail connects Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, running every 30 minutes along Highway 78 and serving 15 stations.

You can also take a bus to and from the San Diego International Airport. From downtown San Diego, board MTS Route 992, which stops at Terminals 1 and 2 and operates between 5:00 a.m. and midnight, every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays.

Trolley and bus connections

The San Diego Trolley offers an affordable and easy way to travel to and from 20 cities and suburbs. The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Trolley can be boarded at American Plaza (Kettner Boulevard and C Street) in downtown San Diego, or at stations throughout the region. The bright red electric trolleys operate along three routes that originate in downtown San Diego.

The Blue Line runs from Old Town to downtown and the Mexican border, with a convenient stop at the San Diego VA Medical Center. The Green Line operates through Mission Valley, from Old Town to La Mesa, El Cajon, and Santee, with stations at Fashion Valley, Hazard Center, Alvarado Medical Center, and San Diego State University (SDSU). The Orange Line from El Cajon serves stations along Harbor Drive, including Seaport Village, the San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, and PETCO Park. All lines operate every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. until late evening.

Day passes can be purchased for unlimited rides on most MTS bus and trolley routes (excluding Premium Express, Rural, Access, and special services). These can be bought from ticket vending machines, the Transit Store, or on the bus. Regional Day Passes are $5, and RegionPlus Day Passes are $12, which include premium bus services and the COASTER.

To pay for your trip on the trolley, you can tap your PRONTO Card on a validator or purchase a pass at a ticket vending machine. If you're using the PRONTO app, be sure to show your activated fare to fare inspectors when asked.

For bus connections, you can pay your fare and tap or scan your PRONTO Card when boarding. Bus operators will ask riders to do this, and Code Compliance Inspectors will also make fare checks.

Rules and regulations

When riding a bus in San Diego, there are several rules and regulations that you should be aware of to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for yourself and your fellow passengers.

Firstly, it is important to plan your trip in advance. Check the schedules and bus routes beforehand, and arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early. When the bus arrives, stand where the operator can see you and confirm the correct line or route number. If you are using a PRONTO card, make sure you have loaded money onto it before boarding.

Once on board, you are required to pay your fare and tap or scan your PRONTO card. You can sit anywhere you like, but please reserve the seats and spaces marked for senior citizens and passengers with disabilities. If you need to stand, move towards the back to keep the aisle clear. Please be considerate of others by refraining from loud conversations and disruptive behaviour. Eating is not allowed on the bus, and beverages must be in spill-proof or screw-top containers.

When bringing personal belongings onto the bus, ensure they are small enough to fit on your lap, at your feet, or in the overhead storage. Keep your belongings with you at all times and do not leave them unattended.

If you are travelling with a stroller or cart, there are specific guidelines to follow. These items must not block the aisle, doorways, or emergency exits, and they should not be left unattended. Only strollers with children are allowed on board, and once the bus is moving, it is recommended that parents sit with the child on their lap for safety.

Additionally, only service animals assisting riders with disabilities are permitted. These animals must be under your control at all times, and you may be asked about the tasks the animal has been trained to perform. Non-service animals must be transported in an enclosed carrier that you can hold on your lap.

Finally, for your safety and the safety of others, certain items are prohibited on board, including firearms, knives, and hoverboards (which must be carried in the "off" position). Smoking is not allowed, and earphones must be used when listening to music.

Frequently asked questions