Getting around in San Diego is fairly easy, regardless of whether you're driving or using public transport. New arrivals will likely not need to buy a car thanks to the city's comprehensive public transport infrastructure. Be that as it may, newcomers who will be hauling children around and those who would like to explore further afield may benefit from purchasing a personal vehicle.
Public transportation in San Diego is administered by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which operates buses and the San Diego Trolley system. There are more than 100 bus routes in the city and surrounding areas, as well as four light-rail lines.
Public transport in San Diego
Single tickets for public transport are readily available at stations and are relatively affordable. The most cost-effective option for new arrivals intending to make frequent use of public transport in San Diego is to purchase a PRONTO Card. PRONTO utilises a fare capping system, meaning you'll never pay more than a fixed amount over a certain period, regardless of how many trips you make.
Buses
The public bus service in San Diego is one of the most economical ways of getting around the city. Most buses run seven days a week, with extra services during weekdays and peak traffic times. There are dozens of bus routes that comprehensively cover the inner city and surrounding areas, including rural routes. There is also a rapid transit bus service with nine lines.
Light rail
The San Diego Trolley is the city's light rail system and is one of the most recognisable forms of transport in the city. Also known as the Red Trolley, the light rail service consists of more than 60 stations on four main lines that cover around 65 miles (105km) of track.
A vintage trolley service runs on a single line in downtown San Diego on weekends, select weekdays and during major events. Primarily a tourist attraction, the vintage streetcar Silver Line service is a good way for new arrivals to get to know the city.
COASTER
New arrivals looking to explore the nearby coastal towns, such as Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and Oceanside, can use the scenic COASTER commuter trains. The trains serve eight stations between downtown San Diego and Oceanside, and with 20 or more daily trips, it's the perfect mode of transport for a quick weekend getaway.
Useful links
Taxis in San Diego
MTS is responsible for licensing and regulating taxis in San Diego, as well as ensuring that they adhere to safety standards. Rates vary between companies, but a starting cost (known as a 'flag drop fare') plus a per-mile fee is standard. Cabs in San Diego can either be called in advance, hailed from the street or found at a taxi stand.
Several ride-hailing applications, including Lyft and Uber, also have a presence in San Diego. These allow users to summon a cab directly to their location and get an estimated price for the trip upfront.
Useful links
Driving in San Diego
Given the spread-out nature of the wider region, a car is the most convenient way of travelling outside the city, and most expats moving to San Diego are likely to purchase a personal vehicle. Costs associated with car ownership can be high, though; fuel and insurance are significant expenses for anyone driving on a regular basis. Dense traffic and scarce parking are additional challenges drivers face, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of driving in San Diego when considering buying a car.
Driver's licences
Expats with valid driver's licences from foreign countries can drive in the state of California, but once they become residents of the state, they will need to get a local licence. Some countries have agreements with the state of California, meaning that their citizens can transfer their driver's licence without needing to retake a driver's test. If you're moving from a country with no specific transfer agreement, you'll need to take a written test on the rules of the road as well as a practical driving test to get a local licence.
Transport and Driving in the USA
Useful links
Cycling and walking in San Diego
Given the favourable weather conditions and support from local government and the private sector, commuting by bicycle or on foot in San Diego is becoming more popular. The city is constantly expanding its network of bicycle paths and lanes. San Diego also has several bike rental companies that offer e-bikes and e-scooters for those looking to explore the city on two wheels.