Getting Here & Around
Navigating to the Convention Center and exploring the city is easy, thanks to multiple transportation options. Check out our downtown San Diego hotel map to see how close your hotel is to the Convention Center and public transit. If you plan to drive here, visit our construction updates page for the latest information about projects along Harbor Drive and other roads close to our building.
Walkability
Downtown San Diego is an incredibly walkable area. Many visitors are able to enjoy the city without ever getting in a car!
Just outside the Convention Center is the Gaslamp Quarter, an urban playground offering lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment options all within a single square-mile. The Embarcadero, located on the west side of the Convention Center, offers breezy walks along the bay and several grassy parks to enjoy.
Airport
Located just three miles away from the Convention Center, getting to the San Diego International Airport takes approximately 10-15 minutes by car or shuttle. Some hotels offer shuttles to and from the airport; be sure to check with your hotel.
The airport is currently constructing a new, modern Terminal 1 to replace the outdated terminal. Travelers are encouraged to give themselves extra time when going to the airport. See the timeline and details.
MTS Trolley
With two stops in front of the Convention Center, the MTS Trolley is a convenient public transportation option for exploring Little Italy, Old Town, Fashion Valley and more. See this overview of how to take the Trolley and plan your trip at sdmts.com.
Train
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Santa Fe Depot offers a variety of bus and rail services. Enjoy a one-mile walk to the station, or hop on the trolley to get there. Take Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner from San Diego through Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. Or, board the NCTD COASTER for a scenic ride to Solana Beach, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Clockwise from top left: MTS Trolley has two stops in front of the Convention Center; dockless scooters are often available nearby and can be rented via mobile apps; Free Ride Everywhere Downtown (FRED) is a fun and convenient way to get around - for a ride, flag them down anytime you see the vehicle.
Taxi & Rideshare
No need to call a cab when you touch down in San Diego; there are plenty available at the airport’s transportation plaza. If you’re departing from our building, a Guest Services or Security representative will be happy to flag you a taxi.
Rideshare is an alternate way to explore San Diego. Need a ride from the airport? Look for the designated pickup area at the airport’s transportation plaza. And as a safety tip, always double check the vehicle’s license plate with your rideshare app before starting your ride.
FRED Rides (Downtown)
For eco-friendly transportation downtown, check out the electric, open-air vehicles called FRED. This service works through a mobile app and can be a great option if the pick-up times align with your schedule. Download the Ride Circuit app to request a ride. Hours of operation can be found at ridecircuit.com/fred.
Dockless Scooter & Bike Rentals
Dockless scooter rentals are a fun way to zip around San Diego. Keep in mind your safety and the safety of others, especially around the Convention Center’s front entrance and driveway. Safety tips include staying off sidewalks, leaving your scooter in a designated parking space ensuring it’s not blocking doorways or ramps and wearing a helmet.
Car Rentals
While downtown San Diego is known for its walkability, those who want to discover destinations outside the city may want to consider renting a vehicle. Renting a car after arriving at the airport is easy.
A quick, free shuttle at the airport will take you to the consolidated rental car center, featuring over a dozen rental car agencies. Be sure to learn more about parking at our building and the surrounding area.
