Using the Trolly in San Diego

Question

Would like to try using the trolley. We are staying in La Jolla not far from a station. I thought about getting on it and see where it takes us but I thought it might be smarter to come on here and get some advice.

Answer

Using the San Diego Trolley can be a fun and convenient way to explore the city without worrying about traffic or parking. While La Jolla itself isn’t directly on the trolley line, you can get to a nearby trolley station with a short drive, rideshare, or bus connection. The trolley system covers many popular areas like downtown, Old Town, Mission Valley, and the Mexican border region.

Here’s some advice for using the trolley effectively:

Purchase a Compass Card: This reusable card works on all trolleys and buses. You can load it with a Day Pass, 1-Day, or 3-Day Pass depending on your plans. A Day Pass offers unlimited rides for a day, which is ideal if you plan to hop on and off.
Plan Your Route: The trolley has four main lines: Blue, Orange, Green, and Silver. The Blue Line goes from downtown San Diego to the border at San Ysidro. The Orange Line runs from downtown to east County (Santee). The Green Line connects downtown with Mission Valley and SDSU, and the Silver Line is more of a downtown loop. Look at the map to pick stops near attractions you want to visit.
Timing: Trolleys run roughly every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak. Be sure to check schedules online or via the MTS app for accurate times.
Boarding: Arrive at the station a few minutes early. Tap your Compass Card at the validator before boarding. There are no turnstiles, so this is how your fare is recorded.

If your goal is just to "see where it takes you," consider starting at a major hub like the Old Town station. From there, you can take the Blue Line into downtown, explore Gaslamp Quarter or Seaport Village, and then return at your leisure. Alternatively, ride to Mission Valley on the Green Line to see shopping centers, parks, and attractions without driving.

Old Town Station: Great for a mix of history, dining, and easy access to the airport if needed.
Gaslamp Quarter: Vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and waterfront areas.
Seaport Village: Scenic walking area along the bay with shops and eateries.
Mission Valley stops: San Diego State University, shopping, and museums.

Overall, the trolley is safe, efficient, and a great way to get a feel for the city. Using a Day Pass allows flexibility to hop off and explore without worrying about individual fares each time. Just be mindful of schedules if you have a tight itinerary.

Using the Trolly in San Diego

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