HomeLuxury TravelAirport Transfers, Instructions, & Public Transport

Airport Transfers, Instructions, & Public Transport


Coronado Island is a picturesque resort metropolis standard for San Diego holidays and locals in search of a day journey. It’s primarily recognized for its gorgeous seashores, charming small-town really feel, and historic Resort del Coronado.

If you happen to’re studying this, you’re most likely booked right into a Coronado lodge and questioning methods to get there from the airport or practice station. Let’s get proper to it.

Attending to Coronado from San Diego Worldwide Airport

San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN) is situated smack in downtown, which is each uncommon for a giant metropolis however very handy. If you happen to’re sitting on the aircraft’s left facet (seats A, B, C, normally), you’ll see Coronado Island as you land.

The gap between Coronado and the airport is about 10 miles, and the drive ought to take 15-20 minutes, relying on what number of visitors lights you hit. You’ll get there by crossing the scenic Coronado Bridge (CA-75).

When you’ve landed in San Diego, there are a number of methods to achieve Coronado:

  • Black Automobile Companies: Resort del Coronado and related resorts use La Costa Limousine, which I like and suggest. Relying on the kind of automotive, this can price between $125 and $200 every approach. Many companies additionally cost an additional $50 for meet-and-greet service, the place somebody meets you at baggage declare. Due to the place I reside, I largely use La Jolla Star Transportation which you can even strive.
  • Automobile Leases: If you happen to choose to self-drive, automotive rental companies can be found on the airport however at an offsite SAN Rental Automobile Middle. Free shuttles from the airport terminal will take you there.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are available on the airport. Signage will direct you to the airport’s Transportation Island, the place you’ll meet your journey. Nevertheless, Uber Black and different black automotive companies can choose you up on the curb close to baggage declare.
  • Public Transportation: The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers bus companies from the airport. You’d stroll to the bus cease at North Harbor Drive and Liberator Technique to catch bus 994. On the Broadway and third Avenue cease, switch to bus 901, which fits on to Coronado. Use the MTS Journey Planner to double-check routes and occasions on the day it’s essential to journey. It would take over an hour on the bus.

You can additionally take bus 994 to the N Harbor Dr & 1140 cease. Stroll to Broadway Pier and take the Coronado Ferry over.

Easy methods to Drive to Coronado Island

Driving to Coronado is easy, however if you happen to go by means of the downtown San Diego space throughout rush hour, be ready for somewhat visitors. It’s greatest to make use of your GPS, however listed below are some fast instructions.

From Los Angeles or the North: Take the I-5 South in direction of San Diego. After getting into town, observe the indicators to the Coronado Bridge (CA-75). The bridge affords a panoramic view of the bay and leads instantly into Coronado.

From the East: If you happen to’re coming from the east, take I-8 West till it merges with I-5 South. Comply with the indicators to the Coronado Bridge (CA-75).

After you cross the bridge, you’ll be able to proceed on Third Avenue and make a left on Orange Avenue if you happen to’re going to Resort del Coronado and different locations in that path. Relying on visitors, your GPS could take you thru some residential shortcuts, the place you’ll must drive slowly (you’ll wish to have a look at all the beautiful properties anyway).

From the South by means of Imperial Seashore: Head north on CA-75 (Silver Strand Boulevard). This highway runs alongside the slim strip of land referred to as the Silver Strand, which connects Coronado to the mainland. The drive is especially stunning, with views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The drive from Imperial Seashore to Coronado sometimes takes about 15-20 minutes, relying on visitors.

Coronado Island Parking Suggestions

  • STREET PARKING: It’s onerous to search out throughout peak season and weekends. Parking alongside Orange Avenue normally has a two-hour restrict and is free (they eliminated the parking meters a couple of years in the past). There’s no timed parking on Ocean Avenue close to the principle Coronado Seashore, however discovering an area there may be TOUGH.
  • PAID LOTS: When all else fails, use a paid parking zone. However even these can replenish. Many are app-based these days. Parkopedia has a great listing of choices.
  • HOTEL DEL CORONADO: Many individuals ask if it’s attainable to keep away from paying for parking at The Del. Parking is at present $55/evening for self-parking and $75/evening for valet parking. I inform individuals to plan to pay as a result of discovering in a single day avenue parking is extraordinarily tough. For day use, it’s $25 for the primary 2 hours; $10 every extra hour. If you happen to store or dine there you will get a $10 off validation.

Coronado Ferry Routes and Places

The Coronado Ferry is a way to sightsee on the San Diego Bay.
Coronado Ferry (picture courtesy of Flagship Cruises & Occasions)

The ferry has been working since 1886 and has two foremost routes to Coronado.

  • Broadway Pier to Coronado Ferry Touchdown: This route is handy for these staying at InterContinental or Little Italy accommodations. These ferries go away on the hour.
  • San Diego Conference Middle to Coronado Ferry Touchdown: The second route is extra handy for Conference Middle attendees and people desirous to discover the Gaslamp space. These ferries go away on the half-hour.

The Ferry Expertise

  • The ferry journey takes 15-20 minutes, providing a soothing and picturesque journey throughout the bay.
  • The ferries have each indoor seating and out of doors viewing areas.
  • You may take your bike without cost.
  • Pets usually are not allowed however service animals are.
  • Tickets are $8 every approach, with youngsters 4 and underneath free. We promote tickets in partnership with Flagship, the ferry’s operator.

Getting From the Ferry Touchdown to Central Coronado

When you arrive on the Coronado Ferry Touchdown, you will have a couple of decisions for getting round.

  • Strolling: Coronado is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with good sidewalks. The island is a few mile huge and it’ll take you about an hour to stroll from right here to Resort del Coronado (however there are a great deal of locations to cease and issues to do alongside the way in which).
  • Public Transportation: MTS bus 904 runs by means of Coronado, connecting the Ferry Touchdown to different components of the island.
  • Taxis and Rideshares: These companies are available for a extra direct path to your vacation spot.
  • Seasonal Free Summer time Shuttle: In 2024, this can run between July 1 and September 2 at 15-minute intervals between 9 a.m. and eight p.m. alongside bus route 904.

Bus Service on Coronado Island

Public transportation is a cheap and environmentally pleasant approach to journey to Coronado. Certain, it takes longer however a bus go right here is $6 per day or $2.50 per journey. It’s a loopy whole lot.

As already talked about, MTS operates a number of bus routes connecting San Diego to Coronado. Bus 901 travels from Downtown San Diego to Coronado, providing a direct and handy choice. You’ll transition to bus 904 which covers the remainder of Coronado.

Arriving by Prepare from Los Angeles, Orange County & Past

Exterior shot of Santa Fe Depot's Mission Revival style bell tower and exterior set against modern buildings.

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner ends in San Diego on the Santa Fe Depot practice station in Downtown San Diego, to not removed from the cruise terminal and airport. The Coaster commuter practice additionally ends at Santa Fe Depot. From right here, you’ll be able to take an MTS bus or a taxi/rideshare to Coronado.

From Santa Fe Depot to Coronado

  • MTS Bus/Trolley: You may really get to bus 901’s twelfth and Imperial Transit Middle Cease from Santa Fe Depot by way of the inexperienced or blue MTS Trolley line. It relies on your time and day, so use the MTS Journey Planner to determine it out.
  • Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare companies can be found exterior the station.
  • Coronado Ferry: You may stroll throughout the road to the Broadway Pier to catch the ferry.
  • Black Automobile Service: Identical suggestions because the airport apply.

And Lastly, Consider It or Not, Some Individuals Bicycle In!

Biking is a well-liked and pleasing approach for severe bikers to get to Coronado from the south.

  • The Bayshore Bikeway: This bikeway is a 24-mile loop round San Diego Bay, with a portion working by means of the Silver Strand. It’s a flat and well-maintained path.
  • Bike Leases: If you happen to don’t have a motorbike, rental choices can be found in Imperial Seashore and Coronado. (This route can be somewhat onerous to do on a daily seaside cruiser as a result of it’s lengthy).

The Botton Line…

It’s very easy to get to Coronado Island. You simply should resolve which methodology you like.