Public Transportation
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) runs the public transit service for Central, South, Northeast and Southeast San Diego County. This includes the San Diego Trolley and 95 fixed bus routes.
The cheapest option is to buy a pass which can be used on all MTS services.
One Day Tripper: $5
Two 9 Day Tripper: $9
Three Day Tripper: $12
Four Day tripper: $15
Youth Monthly Pass (6-18 year olds): $32
Express Monthly Pass: $64
Bus
La Jolla is serviced by bus routes 30, 31, and 34/34A. 30 will take you downtown. The city bus system covers most of the metropolitan area and is the most convenient way of getting around if you're not staying out late at night.
Urban bus routes link the densely populated neighborhoods and adjacent cities together with direct and frequent bus service. Typically, buses run every 12 to 15 minutes during peak times and, generally, no worse than every 30-minutes during off peak times and weekends.
San Diego Trolley
The trolley system runs three lines around the centre of San Diego. Use them to explore the sighting seeing areas around downtown. The Blue line will take you down to the Mexican border.
San Diego Coast Express Rail (COASTER)
This is a train line used by commuters. It services the coastal area with 8 regular stops from Downtown up to Oceanside in the north.
Bicycle
Public bikeways in San Diego County consist of Class 1 bike paths, which are separate from the public roads, Class 2 bike lanes, which are demarcated space on the roadways designated to be used primary by bicyclists, and Class 3 bike routes, which are regular surface streets designated as being particularly attractive to bicyclists. Sandbag publishes a map which shows all of these bikeways in the greater San Diego Metropolitan area annually, and it is available at most local bike shops. There are great cycle routes in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Coronado. Some routes on MTS buses have a bike rack, and bikes can be transported without extra charge.
Car Rental
As most American cities are most suited to driving, many students find it convenient to rent a car for the duration of their stay. Sharing the rental costs between you and a few classmates will give you freedom and you won't have to rely on the public transport system, which, although it is adequate, is not as comprehensive as many other parts of the world. You will find San Diego is a very easy place to drive around and EC San Diego staff will be more than help you rent a car.
