Transportation from and to airport and La Jolla

Question

Im curious if I stay in the Mission Valley area will it be difficult to get to and from the airport (Marriott doesn't provide a shuttle) and how easy or hard will it be to get to LA Jolla and other areas

Answer

Staying in Mission Valley is generally a convenient choice in San Diego because it’s centrally located between the airport, downtown, and coastal areas like La Jolla. However, transportation logistics will depend on whether you’re relying on ride-shares, taxis, or public transit, since, as you noted, many hotels in Mission Valley (including the Marriott) do not provide an airport shuttle.

Getting to/from San Diego International Airport (SAN):

Ride-share / Taxi: Uber or Lyft is the easiest and fastest option. Depending on traffic, the drive is about 10–15 minutes from Mission Valley to the airport.
Rental Car: If you plan to explore multiple areas beyond Mission Valley (e.g., La Jolla, Coronado, or Encinitas), renting a car is convenient. Parking at most hotels in Mission Valley is generally free, making it easy to pick up and return the car.
Public Transit: There is a bus connection (Route 992 or 992 Express) from Mission Valley to the airport, but it can take longer and may involve a transfer. Not ideal if you have luggage.

Getting to La Jolla from Mission Valley:

Drive: Driving is straightforward and takes roughly 20–25 minutes via I-5 North. This is usually the fastest and most flexible option, especially for visiting beaches, shops, and scenic spots at your own pace.
Ride-share / Taxi: A convenient alternative if you don’t want to rent a car, but costs add up for multiple trips.
Public Transit: Bus routes exist from Mission Valley to La Jolla (like Routes 30 and 150), but they can take 45–60 minutes or longer with transfers, which is less convenient if you want to maximize sightseeing time.

Other Areas:

Downtown Gaslamp Quarter: About 10–15 minutes drive. Ride-share is easy, walking possible if staying near hotel areas.
Old Town / Balboa Park: 10–15 minutes by car. Balboa Park is also accessible via some bus routes, but again slower.
Coastal Destinations beyond La Jolla: Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Coronado—easiest with a car or ride-share due to limited public transit coverage.

Summary: Mission Valley is well-located for central access, but:

Without a car, you’ll rely heavily on ride-shares to reach coastal areas like La Jolla efficiently.
If you rent a car, Mission Valley is an excellent base: short drive to the airport, easy freeway access to La Jolla and beaches, plus ample parking.
Public transit is available but not optimal for sightseeing with limited time or luggage.

Overall, staying in Mission Valley works well, especially if you are comfortable using ride-shares or renting a car.