Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

SANUnited StatesTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

San Diego International Airport

San Diego, United States

Drop-off

Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

MTS Route 992

bus · 15m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: MTS Route 992
Headway: 15
Backup: San Diego Flyer · 20-30m

Note

Direct city bus between both SAN terminals and Downtown San Diego, terminating near Santa Fe Depot at Broadway & Kettner. Runs about every 15 minutes most of the day, 7 days a week, taking around 15 minutes between the airport and downtown transit hubs.

Budget focus

San Diego: Fare Hacker Playbook

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Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: San Diego Flyer
Mode: bus
Freq: 20-30m
Note: Free airport shuttle linking both SAN terminals with Old Town Transit Center, a major hub for Amtrak, COASTER, and San Diego Trolley lines that connect quickly to Downtown San Diego. Operates daily from about 04:45 to 00:30 with shuttles every 20–30 minutes.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: MTS Route 992
Mode: bus
Freq: 15m
Note: Direct city bus between both SAN terminals and Downtown San Diego, terminating near Santa Fe Depot at Broadway & Kettner. Runs about every 15 minutes most of the day, 7 days a week, taking around 15 minutes between the airport and downtown transit hubs.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.