San Diego offers many modes of public transportation, providing travelers with economical and eco-friendly options to explore the region. Youll walk around 2 blocks down the path. While there are other guided services in the city, Old Town Trolley Tours offers the only hop-on, hop-off option . More than 20 trains run on weekdays, with additional service on weekends. The wait is a bit shorter if youre able to use the ready lane. Someone may approach and try to sell you something. Simply follow the path and the crowd. There are three trolley lines (Blue, Orange and Green) that service the downtown San Diego communities and beyond, covering 65 miles of double-track railway and 62 stations total. When boarding the trolley with your bike, look for a car with a floor that is flush with the ground. Be sure to check schedules and plan your routes in advance. General Information: Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen, reference check and background check. Top 5 Things To Know About Old Town Trolley's Hop-on Hop-off Tour Full-Day Pass: Get ready to enjoy a whole day of fun with Old Town Trolley's Hop-on Hop-off tour! There arent any currency exchanges near the border on the Tijuana side. If youre planning on transferring to Tijuana airport, check out my guide to the Cross Border Xpress. Bringing your bike gives you free transportation once you arrive in Tijuana. Dozens of old San Diego trolley cars are getting a new life in South America, helping to expand rail service more than 6,000 miles away from their original home. The trolley ride from downtown San Diego to the border takes around 40 minutes. It only takes 15 minutes to get to/from Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego, which connects with all major transit options, including three Trolley lines, three Rapid . Before crossing the border, consider exchanging some dollars for pesos. The city will use $1.2 million in downtown parking revenue to continue to cover the cost of free shuttle trips around downtown. Bus fare costs $2.50. You will get this form from the immigration official. There are kiosks at trolley, Sprinter and Coaster stations where you can pay for a single or refillable PRONTO card with cash, a debit or credit card. Around downtown San Diego: Circuit Transit provides free rides around the neighborhoods of Cortez Hill, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and Downtown San Diego. Crime isnt a major problem. Drivers licenses and birth certificates are no longer accepted. January 1 - March 10, July 4, October 30 - December 31. There is NO OVERNIGHT PARKING at the Old Town Transit Center. 1255 Imperial Ave, Suite 100a. This also gives you a good exchange rate. For current information on Bus and Trolley Service, visit the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. This frequent bus service connects with Trolley, COASTER . Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Sometimes the immigration official may ask to inspect your luggage. Trolley and bus adult fares are inexpensive and children 5 and under ride for free. San Diego trolley stop. 401K plan with company matching* Flexible schedules, . and Sorrento Valley Blvd.) And it's easy to use. . Hillcrest Express. If youre crossing late at night, make sure you leave yourself enough time to cross the border and catch the last trolley. You can also transfer to another trolley line or MTS bus once you reach downtown San Diego. MTS bus route 901 offers additional game day services from Coronado to the 12th and Imperial station. This crossing is called PedEast. A regional day pass, valid on the SPRINTER, Trolley and buses throughout the county, is also available. View current MTS fares. The trolley drops you off around 1 block from the main border crossing. If you're going to Tijuana, there are some things you need to know and things you need to have with you before you leave San Diego. The trams run in a circular loop throughout the entire campus as well as short loops (see Blue Route . If the exact fare amount is important to you. You can pay this fee in cash in pesos or dollars at the bank window. Yes. Sign up to receive our latest offers and promotions. Old Town Trolley Tours 4.6. Points of interest in the MTS service area include: San Diego Airport. Trolley and bus adult fares are inexpensive and children 5 and under ride for free. From there, youre just steps away from the border crossing. The travel time depends on where you start your journey. Money Saving Tip: During your trip to Tijuana, its a good idea to pay for everything with pesos, even though dollars are accepted everywhere. If you plan to do this, be sure to notify your bank first so they dont shut your card off. If you pay with cash, its important to note that the machine can only distribute $5 in change. There is no exit procedure for Mexico. If you need anything before you cross, there is a little shopping area around the trolley station. Travelers from along the West Coast and beyond can book a seat or berth on an Pacific Surfliner train and enjoy great coastal views and a relaxing ride. The FMM permit is available to those who hold a passport from the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and a number of other countries. Share with your friends, family, and the world! Officially, you are only permitted to bring two small carry-on-sized items. You can bring non-service animals on the trolley as long as they are contained in a carrier or kennel that is small enough to fit on your lap. You may also be eligible if you hold a residency permit from one of these countries. You shouldnt do this because there is a $193 fine if youre caught without a ticket. San Diego, California, is a coastal city that boasts of beautiful beaches, year-round sunny weather, and a thriving downtown area. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is now hiring a Trolley Station/Facilities Cleaner (Serviceperson) in San Diego, CA. In fact, for destinations where the trolley goes and especially if you're going to Tijuana it's the fastest, cheapest way to go. Travelers from along the West Coast and beyond can book a seat or berth on an Pacific Surfliner train and enjoy great coastal views and a relaxing ride. The trip takes around 45 minutes. PRONTO makes buying MTS & NCTD fares easy. On your right, youll see a footpath that leads to the border. (K.C. |750 B Street, Suite 1500, San Diego, CA 92101TEL. You can either ride on the full two-hour narrated historic tour, or hop on and off at different stops throughout the day. You dont want to miss the last trolley. You can also buy a day pass for $6. The FMM visitors permit allows you to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for tourism or business related travel. If you know of a transportation hack that isnt listed, share it here. The Trolley stops at 11 places including Old Town, Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado, Little Italy and Balboa Park. The entire COASTER route from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot downtown takes about an hour. This is at the corner of Kettner Blvd. The San Diego Tourism Authority is funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District assessment funds. After decades of planning, construction of the 11-mile extension of the Blue Line trolley began in the fall of 2016, with a celebration on our campus. And here is a bonus hack: You can dial 511 for the latest information on transportation conditions in San Diego. The shuttle is a two-year pilot project that could be discontinued or expanded, depending on how popular it is. between Carmel Mountain Rd. Closed Weekends & Holidays . At immigration, you will need to fill out an FMM form (Forma Migratoria Mltiple). One is a Ready Lane. The other is a Sentri lane. I only recommend products and services that I use and know. To take the trolley to the border from the airport, youll have to catch a city bus then transfer to the Blue Line trolley once you reach downtown. For info on staying safe in Tijuana, check out my guide: Is Tijuana Safe? San Ysidro Border Crossing: To avoid traffic, you can take the Blue Line trolley south and it will leave you at the San Ysidro East Port of Entry. While in San Diego, you can also use the region's San Diego Trolley, SPRINTER and COASTER trains to explore the region by rail. This is a service for transit riders only. For bus schedules and information, visit SDMTS. (*Must load a minimum of $3 at ticket machines and $5 at retail outlets.) If you take the Green Line, you can transfer to the Blue Line south at a number of stations including Old Town and 12th and Imperial. Phone (619) 298-8687. Closed Weekends & Holidays And San Diegans are breathing it. This map was created by a user. Amid near-constant beach-closing sewage spills from Mexico, Serge Dedina praises long-range settlement but expresses frustration at ongoing pollution. Well cover trolley ticket prices, station locations, the trolley schedule, crossing the border, returning to San Diego, and much more. Choose your own adventure as you get on and off the trolley at any of the 11 included stops, covering famous sights including the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway and the Cruise Ship Terminal, Little Italy, and many . Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert Neighborhoods, Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert, Copyright 2023 San Diego Tourism Authority. This trolley sounds perfect! San Diego Trolley Stations and Attractions, Getting Around Memphis: Guide to Public Transportation, Taking the BART Train from SFO to Downtown San Francisco, Getting Around New York City: Guide to Public Transportation, How to Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands, How to Travel from San Diego to Los Angeles by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Magic Mountain Tickets, Coupons, and Discounts, Getting Around Rome: Guide to Public Transportation, Getting Around Zrich: Guide to Public Transportation, Everything You Need to Know About Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets, How to Travel From San Diego to Disneyland by Train, Bus, and Car, Getting Around the San Francisco Bay Area: A Public Transit Guide. During weekends and holidays, you may have to wait over 2 hours to cross. This light rail system runs around 17 miles from San Diego to the city of San Ysidro and the main border crossing, called PedEast. Ride the Blue Line trolley all the way to the end of the line and get off at the last stop. After you enter the Mexican immigration building, youll see two lines. Answer honestly. Enjoy the convenient, walkable layout of San Diego, See the city in a new way or just get across the bay. You can catch any trolley because theyre all going in the same direction. When you get to the front of the line, hand your passport to the immigration official. Last tour departs Old Town at 3pm finishing up approximately at 5pm. The entire COASTER route from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot downtown takes about an hour. and W. Broadway (in front of Starbucks), which is across the street from Santa Fe Depot and all connecting transit services. Be part of the excitement and apply today! You cant really get lost here. While living in Tijuana, I have ridden the trolley between the border and San Diego hundreds of times. If youre not eligible for an FMM permit, youll have to apply for a visa in advance from your nearest Mexican embassy or consulate. There's a whole new way to get everywhere you need to go around the San Diego region: The PRONTO card and app. Its important to note that there is no security when you park on the street. During busy periods, the wait is around 10-15 minutes. Flying into the San Diego region, travelers who stay in Downtown San Diego can enjoy the convenient, walkable layout of downtown area to craft a perfect car-free vacation and fun urban escape. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune), (Courtesy of North County Transit District), (Courtesy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority), (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Grossmont Boulevard at State Route 125 south near La Mesa, Southbound Interstate 805 at University Avenue in North Park, Lemon Avenue at State Route 125 south near La Mesa, Eastbound State Route 52 at Interstate 15, Southbound Interstate 5 at Civic Center Drive in National City, Barham Drive at State Route 78 east in San Marcos, Clairemont Drive at Interstate 5 south in the Bay Park area, State Route 163 northbound at Interstate 8 in Mission Valley, Twin Oaks Valley Road at State Route 78 east in San Marcos, Interstate 15 south at Balboa Avenue in the area divide by Kearny Mesa and Tierrasanta. Are you eligible for a reduced fare? Find out if you qualify and how to apply for a reduced fare PRONTO card. Cards are available at ticket machines* for $2. You can also pay for some things with a credit card. Learn more. 619.232.3101. The San Diego trolley runs every 15 minutes throughout most of the day. Hopefully, this guide makes your trip to Tijuana a bit smoother and easier. How to Travel From Los Angeles to Tijuana by Greyhound Bus. There are 2 bus options for Coronado: MTS Bus 901 travels off Island and into San Diego while MTS Bus 904 travels along Orange Ave to the Community Center, City Hall on Glorietta Bay and the Bayfront and Ferry Landing. Pass through the turnstile and enter the Mexican immigration building. Take the receipt back to the immigration official that checked your passport. Fantastic opportunity to own a 3 unit investment propert. Another fun way to travel to the main tourist areas of San Diego is on an Old Town Trolley Tour. They do charge to use the restroom. You can pay for your ticket with cash or a credit or debit card. Share your experience in the comments below! Take the Green Line to go to Petco Park, the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, attractions along the waterfront, Fashion Valley and Old Town. list of these free park and ride lots here. My friend doesn't want to drive her car across the border to get me and I can't blame her, as it never takes her less than 2 hours to get through the customs inspections. During peak commuter hours, its a bit slower because it takes more time to load and unload passengers. Next, you can proceed to customs. Your friend can pick you up right after you cross the border. You can also bike to and from the trolley station. You can also text them at 619-318-1338. San Diego's largest fleet with the most frequent service. These routes are subject to change until we have a full understanding of the campus community's needs moving forward. Address Buy tickets at the Coronado Visitor Center at 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118. If you plan to stay in Tijuana longer than 24 hours, it is also possible to find free street parking on residential streets near the trolley stations. Timetables, stops & times (SDMTS Real-Time), route maps, and trip planner for Blue San Ysidro - UTC. For SPRINTER schedules and information, visit . The San Diego Trolley (reporting mark SDTI) is a light rail system operating in the metropolitan area of San Diego.It is known colloquially as "The Trolley". There are several convenient Blue Line trolley stops in San Diego including UTC, UC San Diego, Balboa Avenue, Old Town, Little Italy, Santa Fe Depot, America Plaza, Civic Center, Fifth Avenue, Barrio Logan, and several more. If youre not a Mexican citizen or resident, wait in the visitors line. This website meets WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA standards set by the ADA. The MTS (Metropolitan Transit System) has its own security staff that youll see on the trains and at the stations from time to time. There are many stops where the buses and trolleys meet. From there, walk toward the front of the trolley. Planned Track Work in San Diego County: Scheduled track work in San Diego County will affect Pacific Surfliner service on March 11-12 and 25-26. During peak commuter hours, it runs every 7 minutes. Sorrento Valley - Zone 2 Old Town Transit Center 4005 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110 (Taylor St. & Pacific Hwy.) MTS staff regularly walk through the trolley and check tickets. It depends on the immigration official. During the usual high-traffic times for drivers, the California Department of Transportation says these 10 areas were the most congested locations on San Diego County streets and interstates in the fourth quarter of 2022, based on Caltrans Performance Measurement System: Download the app: Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), a trolley and bus system covering much of San Diego County, and North County Transit District (NCTD), comprising bus and train routes, both use the PRONTO app, where riders can buy tickets, check schedules and plan a day trip across the county. 619.232.3101. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. The expiration time is printed on the ticket. Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Supervisors explore ways to offset vehicle traffic from new rural housing, Man arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after pursuit, standoff near Pala Casino Spa Resort, Man with gunshot wound crashes into Chula Vista police headquarters, Protest held after medical examiner rules death of man in jail a homicide, Romanian citizen arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $5M in COVID relief funds, San Diego County will pay almost $8 million to man gravely injured in sheriffs custody. All Rights Reserved. Service area: Connects the Hillcrest Medical Center with the UC San Diego Blue Line trolley and regional transit services at the Old Town Transit Center Operates: Weekdays, 6:07 a.m. to 9:07 p.m., excluding university holidays Shuttle tracking: Live map - Toggle Hillcrest Express on to view the route map; hover over vehicles and stops to see more information. Theyll also stamp your passport and FMM form. The new extension brings trolley riders roughly 2 miles away from the beach. For trolley schedules and information, visit SDMTS. If you were standing below the sign for the Blue Line to Tijuana, you could confirm that the trolley in front of you is going there. Sightsee to your heart's content, and enjoy a fun stress-free day exploring the best of America's Finest City. The price is reasonable as well. Under a plan to reduce the number of driving trips countywide, developers in unincorporated communities could pay for transit and pedestrian facilities in urban areas. The transfer is included in the price of the ticket. Its about 20-25 minutes and costs $2.50. There are three crossings in Tijuana (PedEast, PedWest, and Otay Mesa). The shortest line is: ORANGE. This is where the trolley station is located. All buses on SDSU's routes are "bike . You can legally park on the street in San Diego for up to 72 hours. Trolley Station/Facilities Cleaner (Serviceperson) Job at San Diego Metropolitan Transit System in San Diego. Download the PRONTO app at the Apple or Google Play stores, or pick up a card at retail outlets, the MTS Transit Store (at 12th and Imperial avenues), NCTD customer service centers or ticket vending machines. The Trolley began service on July 26, 1981, making it the oldest of the second-generation light rail systems in . San Diego, St. Augustine, Savannah and Washington, DC since 1980! The path is well marked. The crossing is called PedEast. The benefit of parking at a transit station and riding the San Diego trolley to the Tijuana border is that you avoid the expensive border parking lots. At the Tijuana crossing, the immigration official will usually ask you some questions about your trip and fill the FMM form out for you. Some of the older trolley cars have steps up into the car. View our ADA Accessibility Policy. As the U.S. is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, many transit agencies may continue to have reduced or suspended service. PRONTO (which replaces the old Compass Card system) lets you get a move on faster and easier anytime you want to ride the San Diego Trolley, a bus or the Coaster train. Once in a while, there is an annoying passenger who talks too loud or plays music on their phone. The area, located along present-day Mission Gorge Road, became known as Grantville in honor of President Ulysses S. Grant. For more info, check out my guide to traveling to Mexico with a dog. Those shuttles focus on moving people around a neighborhood conveniently, but the PB shuttle will play a more regional role connecting much of San Diego to the beach with mass transit. Officials say the Pacific Beach shuttle will differ from FRED and other local shuttles like FRANC in National City and HOOT in Oceanside. San Diego city bus and trolley tickets are the same price. Take in outdoor concerts, street art, stage happenings, paddling adventures and more. San Diego Trolley tickets are good for two hours after they're validated. San Diego Trolley Green Line - Transit.Wiki. Inland Valley, Mountain & Desert Neighborhoods, Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert, Copyright 2023 San Diego Tourism Authority. It stops running completely at around 1:00 AM and doesnt start up again until around 5:00 AM. Avoiding Common Scams and Crime. First, there's the Route 992 which stops right outside of baggage claim at both terminals. Posted on Last updated: February 25, 2023, Home Mexico Tijuana How to Take the San Diego Trolley to Tijuana. You must pay in exact change in cash. DeSantis, who has tangled with California Gov. Only hop-on and off tour over the bridge to Coronado. These are some of the best ways to maneuver around San Diego County using public transit including some free and discounted rides and to avoid heavily congested traffic areas. If you're going to make more than two trips in a day, it will be less expensive to buy a day pass. Trolley ticket includes 10 museums* ($20 value) FREE map brochure with day planner. You may need them later. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. There is free parking at many of the San Diego trolley stations. Tijuana is not the most wheelchair-accessible city. Get on at the Old Town Transit Center or the Balboa Avenue Transit Center each have a parking lot where the bus will make stops along Grand Avenue and Mission Boulevard including Belmont Park. MTS bus route 992 makes a stop at both terminal baggage claims and goes along the San Diego Embarcadero to the City College Transit Station, with stops along Harbor Drive, Broadway, the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal and Santa Fe Depot. This is a convenient option for those who are just making a day trip to Tijuana. If you plan to stay in Mexico for less than 7 days, the immigration official will stamp your passport and completed FMM form, and send you on to customs. From tots to tweens to teens, discover the top family experiences in each of them. Similar to the popular FRED shuttle that has served downtown for nearly a decade, the shuttle planned for Pacific Beach will be convenient, easy-to-use and the number of open-air electric vehicles in service at any time will depend on demand. . Start your San Diego tour at any of our convenient stops. If you like, you can also walk there from downtown. The trolley doesn't go everywhere you might want to visit, but it connects quite a few of the most popular sights. Its called the San Diego Flyer and it picks up and drops off passengers on Pacific Highway at the west side of the Transit Center, and on the east side of the transit center near the depot building (out on the island). Free rides to ring in the New Year: On one of the most celebrated nights of the year, both MTS and NCTD typically offer free rides after 6 p.m. Did you know there is a complimentary ride to downtown San Diego from Coronado where you can avoid the morning and afternoon traffic?