Getting Around San Diego Without a Car: A Family-Friendly Guide
Last updated on September 5th, 2026
Wondering how to get around San Diego if you’re not planning to rent a car?
San Diego, California, with its sun-kissed beaches and world-renowned attractions, has long been a favorite vacation destination for families. But navigating a new city (especially with children in tow) can often be daunting.
This guide to getting around San Diego without a car will help you explore the city efficiently, economically, and with minimal stress.
Navigating San Diego’s Public Transportation System
San Diego’s public transportation system is a well-orchestrated network of various modes of transit, designed to serve both residents and visitors alike.
At the heart of this system is the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which operates an extensive network of buses and trolleys throughout San Diego. Complementing the MTS is the North County Transit District (NCTD), serving the northern parts of San Diego County – such as Carlsbad and Oceanside – with its BREEZE buses, SPRINTER light rail, and COASTER commuter train.
For families, this integrated system offers a plethora of options to explore the city and beyond without having to worry about driving or parking.
Plus, it can save you a lot of money. Not just the cost of renting a car, but the daily parking rates that most San Diego hotels charge. (For example, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina – while a stunning hotel with a great downtown location adjacent to Seaport Village – charges $55 per night for self-parking. That could easily add a few hundred extra dollars to your bill just for parking a car.)
What makes San Diego’s public transportation particularly family-friendly is its commitment to accessibility and convenience. Most vehicles are equipped with low floors and ramps, making it easy to board with strollers or wheelchairs. Additionally, the system’s integration allows for seamless transfers between different modes of transport, often on a single ticket or pass.
Trolley System: Routes and Family-Friendly Stops
With its three lines covering 53 stations, the San Diego Trolley light rail service is an excellent option for families, offering frequent service and easy access to many of San Diego’s prime attractions. It is fun to ride, too!
The San Diego Trolley is not just a means of transportation; it’s an experience in itself. With its bright red cars and scenic routes, it’s a hit with children and adults alike. The system comprises three main lines: Blue, Orange, and Green, each serving different parts of the city and connecting at key transfer points.
The Blue Line stretches from the Mexican border to downtown San Diego. The Green Line, running from East County through Mission Valley to downtown, stops at family-friendly destinations like the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village San Diego. The Orange Line connects more suburban areas to downtown.
We are local and of course have a car, but the trolley is still a fun and convenient way to get around. In fact, when we recently stayed at the Sunland San Diego RV Resort, we had a great time buzzing around town on the trolley, since the resort has private and direct access to the San Diego Trolley.
Some of the most family-friendly trolley stops include:
- Old Town Transit Center: Gateway to historic Old Town San Diego
- Convention Center: Access to the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village
- 12th & Imperial Transit Center: Transfer point for all trolley lines and close to Petco Park
- Fashion Valley Transit Center: Ideal for shopping and dining
Bus Service: Key Lines for Tourists and Family-Friendly Features
While the trolley system forms the backbone of San Diego’s public transit, the MTS bus routes fill in the gaps, reaching areas not served by rail. The bus network, while more extensive and sometimes more complex, provides unparalleled coverage, reaching areas not served by the trolley.
There are more than 90 routes throughout the San Diego region, with several bus lines particularly useful if you plan on hitting some of the popular tourist attractions and destinations.
One of the most valuable bus routes for visitors is the 992 Airport – Downtown San Diego, which connects the airport to downtown hotels and the Santa Fe Depot, a major transit hub. For beach-loving families, the 8 and 9 buses provide access to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, while the 30 serves La Jolla.
The 215 Rapid bus line is another helpful line for tourists, offering a quick connection between downtown San Diego and Balboa Park, home to numerous museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. This high-frequency service runs every 15 minutes during peak hours, making it extra convenient for families.
Family-friendly features on San Diego buses include:
- Low-floor designs and ramps for easy boarding with strollers
- Designated spaces for wheelchairs and strollers
- Air conditioning for comfortable rides on hot days
- Real-time arrival information available through mobile apps
To make the most of bus services, consider downloading the MTS app, which provides real-time arrival information, trip planning, and mobile ticketing options. This can be a game-changer when traveling with children, allowing you to minimize wait times and plan your day more efficiently.
San Diego Public Transportation Fares
Fares for both the trolley and bus are straightforward and family-friendly. The MTS offers a Day Pass which is often the most cost-effective option; fares are only $6 for adults and $3 for children (age 6 to 18), seniors, and disabled riders. It includes unlimited rides all day. Up to two children age 5 and under may ride free with a paying passenger on all MTS and NCTD routes.
You can purchase tickets at any Pronto kiosk or pay on the bus.
For longer stays, the MTS offers multi-day passes:
- 2-Day Pass: $12 for adults, $6 for youth/senior/disabled
- 3-Day Pass: $18 for adults, $9 for youth/senior/disabled
- 4-Day Pass: $23 for adults, $11.50 for youth/senior/disabled
These multi-day passes can offer substantial savings for families planning to use public transportation extensively during their visit. They also eliminate the need to purchase tickets for each ride, saving time and reducing stress.
Top Family Attractions Easily Reached by Public Transport
Here are 10 top destinations easily accessible via trolley or bus:
- SeaWorld: SeaWorld San Diego is accessible via a short bus ride. Take the Green Line trolley to Old Town Transit Center, then transfer to the 8 bus, which drops you right at the SeaWorld entrance.
- Coronado Island: There are many family-friendly things to do on Coronado, from enjoying a day at the beach to exploring the island’s charming shops, restaurants, and of course the Hotel Del Coronado. Catch the Coronado Ferry from Downtown San Diego for an inexpensive ride across San Diego Bay. The scenic ride takes 15 minutes and runs every hour. Best of all, the cost is only $8 each way. Children 3 and under ride free. Once on the island, a free shuttle bus connects major attractions if you are visiting during the summer.
- Old Town San Diego: The Old Town Transit Center is served by all trolley lines, making this historic area easily accessible. Kids will love exploring the old buildings and enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.
- USS Midway Museum: Take the trolley to the Santa Fe Depot and enjoy a short walk along the beautiful waterfront to reach this impressive aircraft carrier turned museum.
- Seaport Village San Diego: Take the Green Line trolley to the Seaport Village station, walk across the street, and you’re there!
- Petco Park: Catch a Padres game at Petco Park by taking the Green Line trolley to the Gaslamp Quarter station, just steps from the stadium.
- Belmont Park: This beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach is reachable by taking the Green Line trolley to Old Town, then transferring to the 8 bus.
- La Jolla Cove: While it requires a longer bus ride, La Jolla’s beautiful beaches and excellent tide pools are accessible via the 30 bus from Old Town Transit Center.
- (and 10!) Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo: Take the 215 Rapid bus from downtown to reach this cultural heart of San Diego. Balboa Park houses numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The frequent service of the 215 makes it easy to spend a full day exploring without worrying about parking or traffic.
► Travel Insight
If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry! The MTS has a Trip Planner tool that lets you plug in where you want to go and it plans your route with the buses or trains that will take you there fastest.
Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour
Though not a form of public transportation and definitely pricier than a Pronto card, I would be remiss not to mention the Hop On Hop Off bus tour when talking about options for getting around San Diego.
The Hop On Hop Off Trolley (not to be confused with the San Diego Trolley light rail service) is a fun and stress-free way to get around San Diego that hits all the highlights. As the name suggests, you can hop off at any of the 11 stops along the 25-mile route and then hop back on. Taking this tour is a great way to get around, all while learning some cool facts about America’s Finest City.
► Click here to read more about the Hop On Hop Off Old Town Trolley Tour, including a map of all the stops.
Old Town Trolley’s Hop On Hop Off San Diego Tour gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, get off where you want, and spend as much time as you want at each location. It is the perfect way to spend one day in San Diego and get a great overview of everything it has to offer!
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
Tips for Traveling with Kids on Public Transport
Navigating public transportation with children can be an adventure in itself, but with the right preparation and mindset you can save yourself a lot of headaches in addition to saving money. Here are some tips.
- Plan your trips during off-peak hours: If possible, avoid rush hours (typically 7 to 9 am and 4 to 6 pm on weekdays). Traveling during less busy times means more available seating and a calmer environment for your children.
- Pack smartly: Bring a small backpack with essentials like snacks, water, wet wipes, and a few small, quiet activities to keep children entertained during the ride.
- Use the trip as a learning opportunity: Engage your children by having them help read maps, count stops, or observe the changing scenery. This can turn a simple commute into an educational experience.
- Practice safety: Before boarding, have a quick chat with your kids about staying close, holding onto handrails, and being aware of their surroundings. More on this below!
- Opt for window seats: Children often enjoy watching the world go by, and window seats can provide entertainment throughout the journey.
- Be prepared for delays: Have a backup plan or extra activities on hand to keep children patient and occupied in case there is a delay.
- Use technology wisely: While it’s great to engage with the environment, having a tablet or smartphone with downloaded games or shows can be a lifesaver during longer trips.
Remember, your attitude sets the tone for the trip. Approach public transportation as an adventure, and your children are more likely to embrace the experience with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Safety Tips
While San Diego’s public transportation system is generally safe and user-friendly, it’s always wise to keep some safety tips and etiquette guidelines in mind, especially when traveling with family. We’ve used public transportation quite a bit and never had a problem. It’s still best to keep these things in mind.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings: While crime rates on public transportation are low, it’s always good practice to remain vigilant.
- Keep valuables close: Use bags that can be closed securely and keep them in your sight at all times.
- Have a family meet-up plan: In the unlikely event of separation, have a predetermined meeting spot at each destination.
- Use well-lit and busy stops: When traveling in the evening, stick to well-populated areas and main transit centers.
- Teach children about transit safety: Ensure they know to stay behind yellow lines at platforms and to hold onto handrails when standing.
- Be cautious when using mobile devices: While it’s tempting to use your phone for entertainment or navigation, be aware of your environment, especially when at stops or stations.
Final Thoughts: Getting Around San Diego Without a Car
While I must admit that having a car is still the best way to get around San Diego, San Diego has a fairly robust public transportation system that is easy to use and can save you money on parking.
From the iconic red trolleys that weave through the city’s diverse neighborhoods to the extensive network of buses that will get you to even the most tucked-away attractions, San Diego’s public transportation system makes it easy to enjoy a budget-friendly San Diego adventure.
Final note – ride share is always an option too 🙂
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