Transportation

Taking a Bus

A bus pass costs approximately $75 per month and provides unlimited use of the public buses and trolleys in San Diego. Please contact us at ipinfo@ucsd.edu for the most current bus pass options and locations where you can purchase a bus pass.

Visit the San Diego Public Transit website to see the bus route maps and schedules.

UC San Diego Shuttles

UC San Diego offers the following free shuttle bus services Monday through Friday, all year (except holidays):

• Coaster Shuttle (to the Coaster station) 
• East Campus Connector 
• Hillcrest/Campus Shuttle 
• Sanford Consortium Shuttle.

During the academic year (with reduced service during academic breaks and summer), UC San Diego provides these additional shuttle services:

• Campus Loop 
• City Shuttle (to near-campus apartments) 
• East/Regents Shuttle
• Mesa Housing Shuttle
• Scripps Institution of Oceanography Shuttle (to Birch Aquarium and La Jolla Shores beach).

Learn more about the operation times and maps of the UC San Diego shuttle routes.

Renting a Car

Renting a car might be your easiest option if you do not plan to live close to campus. You will need a valid driver’s license to drive in the U.S.

Come into the International Student Services Office in Building E and ask for information about renting a car.

Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for more information about driving in California.

Renting a Bike

A bike is a good choice for those planning to live on or near campus. Renting a bike from the UC San Diego bike shop will cost approximately $90 per week. The bike shop is located in the Old Student Center on the southwest side of campus. If you are planning to live in San Diego for a while, you may choose to buy a bike. It is possible to buy a used bike for around the same cost as the weekly bike rental at the UC San Diego bike shop.

Taking the Train