Transportation

San Diego is comprised of canyons and mesas connected by freeways. The fastest and most convenient way to travel around the city is by car but you can get by without one. Everything you need for your daily comfort is a 10-minute walk or bus ride from campus. If you want the use of a car from time to time, you can rent one nearby. If you subscribe to Zipcar, you're in luck. There are several Zipcar stations on campus. Lyft or Uber are also convenient options for occasional excursions farther afield.

There are many ways to travel the 15 miles from the airport to campus:

Take a shuttle or taxicab. Pick a shuttle or taxi service from the list on the airport's website. Taxi rates can be found here.

Shuttle service is less expensive but also less reliable, and some shuttle companies don't accept single passengers going a short distance (under 25 miles). You can use Super Shuttle for airport transportation. Make a reservation ahead of time, and use code 556CV to receive a discount.

You could also use the car services Lyft or Uber.

Ride the bus. You can ride the Metropolitan Bus service to campus for less than US$ 5. We don't recommend the bus if you will be arriving tired --- it will be a long bus trip (~2 hours) and will require 1-2 transfers. If you choose this option, get dollar bills and coins before you board the bus.

Rent a car. If you're arriving early and planning on doing some sightseeing, rent a car from Enterprise at the airport and return it to their branch at 3299 Holiday Court, which is just south of campus and steps from the Sheraton La Jolla. Enterprise will drive you the last mile to campus housing for free if you make advance arrangements.

Drive your car. You do not need to make special arrangements to bring your car to campus. There are plenty of parking spaces during the summer. Information about purchasing your summer parking pass is forthcoming (the university is changing its policies and process). Be aware that the campus police enforces all California motor vehicle laws year-round. Check that your car's registration sticker is current, the brake lights are working, etc., before you arrive on campus.