Coronado - Island Express - Electric Shuttle

Learn how to call an electric shuttle rideshare from anywhere in Coronado so you can get to the beach, your hotel, and anywhere across the neighborhood.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Coronado - Island Express
Island Express Shuttle
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Highlights

Where You Can Go
Best Time to Use
Cost
Tips
Where You Can Go
Best Time to Use
Cost
Tips

Everything to Know About Coronado’s New Island Express Shuttle

The Wheelchair Accessible  Electric ShuttleInside Back of the Circuit Electric Shuttles

A new way to travel around Coronado Island has arrived: it’s the brand new Island Express!

The Island Express is an electric shuttle service offered by Circuit. See why it’s my new go-to way to travel in Coronado!

Why Take the Shuttle?

Coronado is a highly walkable neighborhood, which is great news for anyone who wants to leave the car at home. Still, the added convenience of being able to call a shuttle is a huge plus, even if you simply decide you’re too tired of being on your feet to walk back to your hotel.

Unlike other public transit options, the Island Express doesn’t have set pick-up and drop-off spots. You can call a ride from anywhere in its operating area!

Inside the Circuit Electric Shuttles
Inside the Circuit Electric Shuttles

Circuit Across San Diego

Circuit electric vans aren’t just available in Coronado!

The program has expanded to many neighborhoods in Southern California, with the Island Express being one of their more recent offerings.

The program started in 2016, when the FRED Shuttle began running in Downtown San Diego.

Other shuttles operating in San Diego include the Beach Bug in Pacific Beach, the gO’side Shuttle in Oceanside, Good Ride in Carlsbad, and a Chula Vista shuttle.

Circuit also has shuttles across the US in eight different states.

Local Tips
The Best Option in Coronado!
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to travel, Coronado’s Island Express is the best option. In fact, the price really can’t be beat, because it’s completely free!

Explore Coronado via the Island Express

Surfliner Train Waiting at the Santa Fe Train Depot in Downtown San Diego
Surfliner Train Waiting at the Santa Fe Train Depot in Downtown San Diego

San Diego has many different options for getting around. When you travel by Amtrak, Coaster, or Trolley, they each operate a little differently from Circuit’s electric shuttle service.

On the electric shuttle, you can go anywhere within the service area. That includes tons of popular attractions, coastlines, shopping centers, and more throughout Coronado.

Front of the Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter
Front of the Fred Shuttle in the Gaslamp Quarter

Service Area

The Island Express shuttle can pick you up and drop you off anywhere around the residential portion of Coronado. This includes the beaches, but it does not include the military sections of the neighborhood like the Naval Air Station on North Island.

Refer to the map we’ve provided for more information about the active service area.

Notable Destinations in Coronado

Use the Island Shuttle to reach countless destinations in Coronado, whether you’re heading to attractions like the Coronado Municipal Golf Course, neighborhood landmarks, or the beach.

Boardwalk Walking North at Coronado Shores Beach
Boardwalk Walking North at Coronado Shores Beach

Coronado’s Beaches

The beaches of Coronado stretch along the peninsula. Most are known for having ideal swimming conditions, like Coronado Shores and Silver Strand State Beach.

The largest and best known is Coronado Central Beach, which is a favorite among vacationing families. There’s even boardwalk access!

Coronado also borders the San Diego Bay, which has cruises and whale watching tours.

North Side of the Hotel Del Coronado
North Side of the Hotel Del Coronado

Coronado’s Best Hotels

The Hotel Del Coronado always gets a sparkling recommendation from our team and personally, I’m a huge fan as well!

Whether you book a night at this historic hotel in search of some pampering (or maybe a ghost encounter!) or you simply want to see this local landmark and the attached shoreline for yourself, a visit to The Del is never a wasted trip.

My recommendation is to spend a romantic weekend at the Hotel Del Coronado, leave the car behind and spend a little time relaxing at the beach or shopping. The Island Express will be ready to help you get around the neighborhood.

Another excellent hotel in the Coronado area worth considering is the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, which provides a more all-inclusive experience for guests. There’s also the Glorietta Bay Inn, a breezy beachfront option that’s popular among couples.

Sunset of the Coronado Bridge Over San Diego Bay
Sunset of the Coronado Bridge Over San Diego Bay

Landmarks

The shuttle service also covers landmarks and important locales like the Flagship Ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing and the Coronado Bridge. It’s available all along Orange Ave as well.

Enjoy Art with Go Pass!
Coronado Museum of History & Art
Coronado Museum of History & Art
The Coronado Museum of History is located in the heart of San Diego. When visiting the museum, learn about the history of Coronado, the history of the military in the town, and much more. Use your Go Pass while visiting for great offers!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What is the cheapest way to buy a Go City San Diego pass?

The cheapest way to purchase a Go City San Diego pass is to combine Go Visit San Diego’s exclusive 5% discount with the Go San Diego passes already great deals!

Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

What to Expect When Riding the Shuttle

Hard Rock Hotel with the Gaslamp Quarter Entrance Sign
Hard Rock Hotel with the Gaslamp Quarter Entrance Sign

If you’ve never used an electric shuttle in San Diego before, no need to worry; the process is easy, fast, and best of all, safe.

With Island Express service, you can get where you need to go without getting behind the wheel, which makes it the ideal option if you want to have a drink at a hotel bar or if you’re on your way back from a food and drink tour.

Room for a Cooler on the Circuit Electric Shuttle
Room for a Cooler on the Circuit Electric Shuttle

Calling a Ride

The biggest benefit of using the electric shuttle is that all you need to call a ride is your phone.

Simply download the Ride Circuit app and create an account, and you can request a ride within minutes.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
Coronado Beach Resort
$184
Learn More
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
$256
Learn More
Glorietta Bay Inn
$219
Learn More

Travel Anywhere in Coronado at Any Time

People Enjoying the Beach at Coronado Central Beach
People Enjoying the Beach at Coronado Central Beach

If you’re staying at a hotel that’s a little further inland, using the Island Express is a great alternative if your hotel doesn’t have its own Coronado beach shuttle.

Beaches like Coronado Central can get crowded in the early afternoon, so calling a ride lets you get there before the crowds - and the larger size of the shuttles make them more convenient than other rideshares for transporting beach gear.

Fred Shuttle next to the Star of India
Fred Shuttle next to the Star of India

Used by San Diegans and Tourists Alike

Residents of San Diego can make just as much use of the Island Express as vacationers. Since the shuttle runs well into the evening even on weekdays, there’s no need to worry about driving if you’re heading out for a few after-work drinks with coworkers.

Circuit’s fleet of electric vehicles help reduce congestion around busy neighborhoods even during commuting hours, helping you get where you need to go while cutting down on traffic.

Featured Hotel
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Beachfront
Beachfront
Families
Families
Historic
Historic
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
It doesn’t get any more iconic in San Diego than the Hotel Del Coronado. This luxury hotel is what other hotels strive to be. Treat yourself to this experience.
Prices Starting at $374
Check Availability

What Does It Cost to Ride?

 PB Beach Bug in the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade
PB Beach Bug in the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade

Many vacationers choose to reach Coronado by driving over the bridge, but this comes with the added complication of finding and paying for parking.

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to travel, Coronado’s Island Express is the best option. In fact, the price really can’t be beat, because it’s completely free!

Note that some other Circuit-backed electric shuttles in San Diego, like the Beach Bug in Pacific Beach, were initially free but now charge a small fee. However, this fee is still a fraction of what you’d pay for gas and parking. To be on the safe side, double check current rates on the website or app before calling your ride.

Before You Ride: Useful Additional Information

No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Food Allowed
No Food Allowed
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Smoking
No Smoking

You’re almost ready to ride, but before you do, here’s some additional information I think would be helpful for you to know.

What Are the Operation Hours?

Hours of operation for the Island Express are:

  • Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 am-9:00 pm
  • Friday-Saturday: 9:00 am-10:00 pm

What Is the Pet Policy?

Headed to the pet-friendly Dog Run Beach with your pooch? Ride with the Island Express!

Pets are allowed on shuttle rides, but are not allowed to sit on the seats.

How Many People Can Ride?

Shuttles have a limit of five riders per request, but if you’re in a larger party, you can always request multiple shuttles.

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Stay Nearby

Coronado Beach Resort
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Coronado Beach Resort
from $184 / night
View Hotel
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
from $256 / night
View Hotel
Glorietta Bay Inn
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Glorietta Bay Inn
from $219 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Discounts Available
Learn More
3-Hour Interactive Tour in San Diego
3-Hour Interactive Tour in San Diego
$44 per group
Buy Now
Looking for Something Different?
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