Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

SANUnited StatesTPL: night-owl-plan

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.

Late arrivals

San Diego: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likesan diego airport busandsan to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

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.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

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.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.