Airport to/from Convention Center

Question

How would you recommend getting to and from the convention center from the airport with a baby and toddler? It looks like the hotels nearby do not offer airport shuttles. We are trying to avoid bringing two car seats as we are traveling light, so this would rule out taxis or rideshares. Thanks in advance!

Answer

Traveling from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to the Convention Center with a baby and toddler, while avoiding taxis or rideshares due to car seat constraints, is definitely manageable. The main considerations are convenience, luggage handling, and child safety.

Here are some recommended options:

Hotel Shuttle Services: Some downtown hotels, even if not widely advertised, occasionally provide private airport shuttles. Contact your hotel directly to ask if they can arrange one for a small fee. This is often the simplest option with children, as you won’t need to handle public transport.
Public Transportation – Trolley + Bus: You can take the San Diego Trolley from the airport to downtown. From Terminal 1 or 2, catch the Blue Line Trolley towards America Plaza. Then walk or transfer to a short bus route to reach the Convention Center. While affordable, this may be cumbersome with two young children and luggage.
Shared Shuttle Services: Companies such as SuperShuttle (or other local airport shuttles) allow you to pre-book a van that can accommodate car seats if requested. These are more practical for families traveling light, as some services provide booster/infant seats for a small extra charge.
Rental Car with Car Seat Rental: If you decide a car is needed for the trip, some rental companies offer pre-installed car seats. You can pick up the car at the airport, drive to your hotel, and then drop it off at return, eliminating the need to carry multiple car seats on other transport.
Ride App Services with Car Seats: Apps like Uber and Lyft now offer options for vehicles equipped with car seats (usually for toddlers). You can pre-request a vehicle with a car seat for one child, then bring a travel-friendly seat or use a harness for the infant if allowed.

Additional tips:

Consider travel-friendly car seats or lightweight infant carriers that can double as stroller seats. This helps if you must walk short distances from Trolley stops or parking lots.
Allow extra travel time in case of delays with shuttles or public transport, as moving with young children can take longer than expected.
Plan for luggage storage: many shuttle services allow curbside pickup and can help with strollers or multiple bags.

In summary, the easiest and most stress-free option with two small children is usually a hotel-arranged shuttle or a shared airport shuttle that provides car seats. Public transportation is technically possible but less convenient, especially if you want to avoid handling heavy luggage and young children for multiple transfers.