Travelers can now plug into a vital new link between the regional transit system and San Diego International Airport: The San Diego Flyer, a free electric shuttle-bus service that debuted Nov. 21.
The service operates seven days a week between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center, which offers connections to the San Diego Trolley, MTS bus lines and Coaster and Amtrak trains. (Note that no overnight parking is allowed at the Old Town facility.)
Shuttle trips are timed to meet the first and last trolleys, trains and buses of the day, with initial pickup at 4:45 a.m. and final pickup/dropoff at 12:30 a.m. The buses stop at both main airport terminals as well as the Old Town center, arriving every 20 to 30 minutes.
You can recognize the shuttles by their light orange sides adorned with airplane icons and the word “Flyer.” The electric vehicles are powered by 100 percent sustainable energy via charging stations on airport property. Each shuttle has air conditioning, luggage racks and an ADA ramp.
Visit the airport’s San Diego Flyer page for more information.
As the shuttle ramps up, construction also has begun at the airport on a new terminal to replace the existing Terminal 1.
The $3.4 billion modernization project, whose first phase is expected to be finished in mid-2025, ultimately will result in a terminal with 30 gates, improved concessions and baggage systems and a new airport access road.
Read more about this major project here.
Neil says
Not all shuttles look like the picture. Look for a paper sign if waiting at terminal.
isaiah says
Hello, where at old town does the shuttle pick up?
James Hebert says
Hello, apologies for the delay in responding. I’m told the Flyer stops at the designated MTS bus stop at the Old Town Transit Center, so look for the MTS bus signs there or find someone to direct you. For more shuttle info, you also can call 619-694-7427. Hope that helps!
Shari says
If i get dropped off at terminal 2 downstairs how do I get to departures upstairs
James Hebert says
Hi, checking on this for you now.
James Hebert says
Hi again — following up, here’s the response from the airport: “There are stairs, escalators, or elevators that can take someone between the two levels at Terminal 2. I would suggest they follow signage to navigate to the area they want to get to.” So, it should be pretty straightforward despite the construction going on. Note that while a pedestrian bridge was removed recently, that was at Terminal 1, not T2. Hope that helps!
Rochelle Montgomery says
Hello. What are the hours for the flyer?
Do I have to order it?
James Hebert says
Hi Rochelle, thanks for the question. You don’t have to order the Flyer, it runs regularly between the terminals and Old Town. Check the link in the article for more details. RE the schedule, here’s what the airport says: “Pick up and drop-offs are timed to meet the first and last Trolley, Coasters, Amtrak trains, and MTS busses with the first pick up at 4:45 a.m. and the last pick up/drop off at 12:30 a.m.” Hope that helps!
PAUL says
The buses are not reliable.
On 05/06/2022 the 840pm did not show up.
On 05/05/2022 the 220pm bus left early leaving the arriving passengers from trolley stuck.
They are not synced and cannot be counted upon.
James Hebert says
Sorry to hear this, we will pass the message along.
James Hebert says
Hi Paul, following up on this — the airport replied to say that the Flyer schedule info is posted here: https://www.san.org/to-from/Public-Transportation#1178347-old-town-shuttle (in case you haven’t seen that). They say they’ve also asked the Metro Transit System to post the Flyer schedules at both bus stop shelters at the Old Town Transit Center. They add that longer-term, they’re trying to work through Google Maps to ensure they have the schedule as well, but the update can take a while.
Paul says
The issue is not access to the schedule. It is drivers not keeping to the schedule. Today the 6:7 the 1613 and 1633 never showed at, terminal one. It’s hit or miss and posting schedule does not solve the problem.
James Hebert says
Hi Paul, thanks for the update — will check in w/ the airport again and let them know of these issues. You can also try contacting them directly here: https://www.san.org/Travel-Info/Contact-Us
Tom Kelley says
I am bringing a bicycle with me on my trip to SD
Is it possible to use the Flyer bus with a larger box?
James Hebert says
Hi, not sure of the answer to this yet but checking on it now!
James Hebert says
Hi Tom, following up on this, here’s what an airport source said: “The San Diego Flyer shuttles currently do not have bike racks included. We are looking at installing them in the future but I don’t have a date yet.” Hope that answers your question. Wasn’t sure if you were talking about bringing a bike onboard still in the box? Thanks.