Transportation

From the San Diego International Airport (SAN)

• Free shuttle to/from San Diego Airport and the Old Town Transit Center
  
  • Be sure to check out the newest extension of San Diego's MTS trolley line (the Blue Line) that takes passengers directly into La Jolla and the UC San Diego campus as well. Getting to campus on public transportation has never been easier! 
• Bus 
  • Route 992 stops at the airport - you will need to transfer to/from your home or campus
  • Search the bus schedule
  • Ride free with your Triton U-Pass or there is a $5 one-day MTS pass
• Ride Share
  • Take advantage of our campus partnership with Lyft
• Taxi
  • Allow about $50+ from airport to UCSD La Jolla campus
• Private shuttle service
  • About $20 each way between SAN airport and UCSD La Jolla campus

From the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Shuttle Services between San Diego and LAX:
  • LAXLINQ*
    • *Provider with whom we have a trusted relationship
  • reLAXsan
• Buses
  • Greyhound Bus
  • Flixbus
  • Certain routes stop at UC San Diego
  • Use a nearby bus line or taxi to/from the Greyhound or Flixbus station
• Train: Amtrak
  • Departs from LA Union Station
  • Find schedules on Amtrak's website
  • The closest station to the La Jolla campus is the Solana Beach station
  • Hop on the 101 Breeze bus between the station and campus, or use another bus line or taxi to/from the Amtrak station
  • Amtrak offers students 15% off the best-available rail faires for travel on Pacific Sunliner and other California Amtrak routes. Read the terms and conditions, then place your reservation.

UC San Diego offers different programs that provide discounted bus, shuttle, trolley car, rail, and more access for faculty, staff, students, and affiliates. To view the different options, eligibility, and prices visit UC San Diego's public transportation page. 

MTS (Metropolitan Transit System)

• MTS has a Trip Planner option which allows you to enter your trip plans to receive public transportation options (city buses, rail, trolley, and train). Real time public transportation schedules can be found on the MTS website. 

City Buses

• For a complete list of bus routes visit the Bus Route timetable.
• FRED - operates in downtown San Diego area during select hours free of charge (tips appreciated)

Rail/Train

• The "Coaster" rail line runs from Oceanside to San Diego, with stops in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, and Old Town.

Trolley

• The BLUE LINE has two stops at UC San Diego. 
  • From the San Diego Airport you can take the FLYER Shuttle (free/no charge) to Old Town Transit Center then Trolley Blue Line to campus.
• For information regarding current trolley stops visit the Trolley timetable.

Carpool and Vanpools: These are great options to commute to work, where people ride together and split the costs. The costs vary depending on vehicle size, type, monthly mileage and number of riders. UC San Diego has many carpools and vanpools coming from various locations.

Guaranteed Ride Home: The regional Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program provides an emergency ride home to commuters who carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, or use transit to get to work at least 3 times per week. To be eligible, you must register with Ride Link by completing and signing an application form prior to needing the service. Don’t wait until you have an emergency to enroll! 

UC San Diego Transportation Services offers a wealth of information and resources for getting to and around campus.

Commute to Campus: Refer to the Commute to Campus page for additional information about commuting to campus, alternative transportation (public transit, ride-sharing, cycling) and more.

Get Around Campus: Refer to the Get Around Campus page for additional information about Triton transit, shared bikes and scooters, car sharing, and more. Campus Map (printable) and (interactive)

Parking on Campus: Refer to the Commute to Campus section for information about parking, including permits, the Park Mobile parking app, and more. Please note: Parking Payment Required 7 Days a Week

Parking Citations: If you receive a parking citation please refer to the Parking Citations page for information on how to pay.

Motorist Assistance Program: The Free UC San Diego Motorist Assistance Program on campus assists drivers requiring battery jump, low tire inflation, gasoline. Available only at Campus/UC San Diego Health – La Jolla and UC San Diego Health – Hillcrest.

If driving is the best option for you, here are some helpful tips and information to make your drive smooth and safe:

• Apply for a Driver's License
• California and San Diego Driving Facts (PDF)
• California Department of Motor Vehicles
• City of San Diego Parking Tips (PDF)
• Campus Parking Information
• Guide to Fines for Cellphone Usage While Driving

The State of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not recognize international drivers’ licenses. The State of California, however, does recognize your national driver license as long as it is valid and translated to English. Although the law is ambiguous when dealing with international visitors, we recommend that you get a California driver’s license if you are in California over 2 months.