San Diego Public Buses

Rider Getting on the Bus

Public buses in San Diego are generally clean, roomy, and easy to use. Stations are marked with street side signs stating the route number and destination. Before boarding a bus, you’ll need to make sure you’re on the correct side of the street, otherwise you could end up going in the wrong direction. Since bus schedules can fluctuate slightly, you should always plan to be at the bus stop a few minutes before it arrives.

There are two ways to pay your fare on MTS and NCTD buses. You can pay with cash using the fare box, but you’ll need to use exact change. You can also pay using a physical or digital Compass Card. Passes that you already have stored on your Compass Card will work on most buses in the San Diego area. Keep in mind that some bus routes require a premium or regional pass.

One of the easiest ways to purchase your fare is by using the Compass Cloud app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. The Compass Cloud app allows you to purchase digital passes with your credit or debit card and use them to board the bus. You can also check the bus schedules using the app.

If you’re going to be taking the Greyhound bus, you’ll need to purchase your tickets in advance. You can do this using the Greyhound app or website. The San Diego Greyhound station also has a will call booth to pick up your tickets on-site. You’ll show the bus driver your ticket before boarding the bus. Greyhound buses are larger and roomier than city buses, and most have a luggage storage area under the bus.

The Greyhound bus station in San Diego is located at the southern end of the Gaslamp Quarter, near PETCO Park. When riding any Greyhound bus, you’ll want to make sure to get there in advance so you have enough time to board.

MTS Bus Getting Passengers on Way to Sdsu

Public buses in San Diego run from approximately 5 AM until midnight, with some routes running earlier or later depending on demand. The frequency of the buses depends on the route - some of the MTS’s rapid routes come every 10 minutes during peak periods, while others only come every 30 or 45 minutes.

Buses are usually most crowded during morning and evening rush hour, when commuters are traveling to and from work. During this time period, there may not be seats available, but there is standing room. While buses are very reliable during the day, they don’t come as very often in the evening, so they may not be the best form of transportation if you’re going out at night.

Long MTS Bus in Downtown San Diego

Bus fares in San Diego can vary depending on which route you’re taking. Most MTS buses cost $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for senior, disabled, and Medicare riders. Rapid Express buses cost $5 and $2.50, respectively. NCTD buses have the same pricing - Breeze buses charge standard fare and Flex buses charge premium fare.

Pricing for Greyhound buses varies depending on where you are going. Buses from San Diego to Los Angeles, which is the most popular route, start at $10. Other popular routes, like Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Phoenix, cost about $50, although they can be more expensive at peak times.

As always, check directly with the bus system for the latest prices to make sure you know how much your trip will cost before you arrive.

MTS Bus in San Diego

Accessibility of San Diego Public Buses

All of San Diego’s public buses are accessible for those with disabilities and seniors. There is a designated seating area for those in wheelchairs as well as retractable ramps for safe boarding. Able-bodied riders must give up their seats for seniors or disabled riders.

Riding Your Bike to San Diego’s Public Buses

Riding a bike is a great way to get to the bus stop. You can take your bike on most San Diego buses by placing it on the bike rack on the front of the bus. Be sure to remember to take your bike off at the end of your trip!