SAN Airport Transfer
San Diego Airport to La Jolla
La Jolla is 13 miles north on I-5. Uber is the default; rush hour can double your drive time. Skip transit for this route — it's a 90-minute three-transfer trip.
Last updated
Distance
13 mi
Drive time
20–40 min
Uber X
$32–$48
Taxi flat
$55
Every way to get there, priced
Rideshare estimates are typical off-peak; surge pricing (weekend nights, holidays, rush hour) can add 20–40%.
Where to catch your ride
Terminal 1 & 2 – Transportation Plaza (upper deck)
All rideshare pickups (Uber, Lyft, Waymo) happen at the Transportation Plazas — cross the pedestrian skybridge from Terminal 1 or 2 to the parking structure and take the elevator to the top level.
The route
Exit airport → N Harbor Dr → I-5 N → Exit 26 (La Jolla Village Dr) for UTC/UCSD or Exit 27 (La Jolla Parkway) for the Village and the Cove.
Watch rush hour: 7–9 AM and 3:30–7 PM (I-5 north is brutal)
Insider tips
- Uber XL is worth it with 3+ people or golf clubs — the extra $20 covers itself over a taxi.
- Book a hotel shuttle if staying at Estancia, La Valencia, or the La Jolla Hyatt Aventine — most run free or cheap shuttles from SAN.
- For UTC / UCSD stays, exit at La Jolla Village Dr instead of La Jolla Parkway — you'll save 5 minutes.
- Return trip: leave La Jolla 2 hours before flight time during rush hour; 90 min midday.
- Rent a car only if you're doing day trips — La Jolla village is walkable and rideshare within La Jolla is cheap.
What to do after landing before La Jolla check-in
La Jolla is far enough from SAN that your arrival plan should account for I-5 traffic. If your room is not ready, head toward La Jolla Village or La Jolla Shores for a casual lunch and an ocean walk; both give you room to manage luggage without committing to a full activity. The Cove is beautiful but can be awkward with bags and limited curb space, so visit after you have checked in.
For food, La Jolla Village has the widest range of quick stops, while La Jolla Shores is convenient for a relaxed first meal near the beach. Do not schedule a kayak tour immediately after a delayed flight. Check the tide and weather, keep a light layer handy, and use the afternoon for the Cove, seals, or a short coastal walk before dinner.
Cheapest option: public transit
Route: MTS 992 → Blue Line Trolley → Route 30 bus
Cost: $2.50 · Total time: ~90 min
The MTS Route 992 "Flyer" runs every 15 min from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to downtown ($2.50). Buy the PRONTO app or tap-to-pay onboard.
Other SAN airport transfers
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