San Diego Airport Bus Route 992: Worth Taking?
Route 992 connects downtown San Diego to SAN in 20 minutes for $2.50. Here's what the ride is actually like.
Most people heading to San Diego International Airport default to a rideshare without thinking about it. I'll admit that this is usually my go to. The airport is close to downtown, the rides are super short, and Uber and Lyft can easily become the default option when dealing with luggage. What many visitors don't realize is that there's a dedicated San Diego airport bus - Route 992 - that covers the same ground in about the same time for a fraction of the cost.
I tried the 992 bus during rush hour before my Alaska flight to Chicago and it was one of the more pleasant airport transit experiences I've had.
The Basics
Route 992 is San Diego MTS's dedicated airport express service connecting downtown San Diego to Terminals 1 and 2 at San Diego International Aiport. The bus runs every 15 minutes throughout the day, which is frequent enough that you don't need to time your departure around a schedule.
The cost is a flat $2.50, payable via the MTS card or app, or in my case, paid by tapping a contactless credit card directly on the bus.
Compare that to a rideshare from the Gaslamp Quarter or downtown to the airport. Typically you'll be looking at $15–25 pre-tip depending on time of day and surge pricing. During rush hour, when traffic around the airport picks up, that cost ca really grow.
The Ride
I caught the 9:05am bus from Horton Plaza. The stop was clean and clearly signed with digital arrival boards showing the next bus.
The bus itself was clean and noticeably well-maintained. Dedicated luggage space is built into the layout, which makes a huge difference over say something like WMATA's silver linke. There's actual room for luggage without blocking the aisle. During my time on the bus there was plenty of seating, with flight crew making up the majority of other passengers for this short ride.
My ride to Terminal 2 took exactly 20 minutes. Just step off and you're at the terminal entrance.
The Honest Comparison
A rideshare from Horton Plaza to SAN during rush hour is going to run you somewhere between $18 and $25 once surge pricing factors in. It might take 15 minutes, it might take 25, depending on what's happening on Harbor Drive and the airport approach roads.
The 992 costs $2.50, runs on a fixed schedule, has luggage space designed for travelers, and took 20 minutes station to terminal. The only real argument for the rideshare is door-to-door convenience if you're not staying near a stop, or if you have a large amount of baggage. For a solo traveler with a carry-on, the 992 is the better option almost every time.
Practical Notes
Where to board downtown: There are several stops, but Horton Plaza Transit Center is pretty convenient if you're staying in the Gaslamp Quarter or downtown.
Payment: An app and transit card is available, but contactless credit cards are probably the easiest way to pay for the 992 bus. It works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a physical card. The fare is a flat $2.50.
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Terminals: The bus serves both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Alaska, Delta, and Southwest operate out of Terminal 2. American and United out of Terminal 1. Confirm your terminal before you board so you know which stop is yours!
For the price of a small coffee, you're at the terminal.
Part of the Buyups, Bargains & Beaches — San Diego Series
| Installment | Status |
|---|---|
| San Diego Trip Preview | ✓ Published |
| Alaska IAD–SAN First Class (AS 201) | ✓ Published |
| Alma San Diego Downtown Review | ✓ Published |
| San Diego Taco Tour | ✓ Published |
| SAN Route 992 Bus Review | You are here |
| Sapphire Lounge SAN review | Coming soon |
| Alaska SAN–ORD review | Coming soon |
| AA ORD–DCA A319 review | Coming soon |