Car rental vs Uber/ Lyft

Question

Will be staying at the Bahia in January. Hoping to visit the zoo and La Jolla. I wasn’t planning on renting a car but after reading some other comments about public transportation, I’m starting to reconsider.

Compared with cost and hassle of car rental, are Ubers/ Lyfts plentiful and reliable enough to be worthwhile?

Answer

Staying at the Bahia Resort in San Diego gives you a great location on Mission Bay, which is convenient for water activities, beaches, and a short drive to other attractions. For a January visit, you should consider both options carefully because public transportation in San Diego is limited in coverage and frequency, especially if you want to explore areas like La Jolla or the San Diego Zoo efficiently.

Ubers and Lyfts are generally plentiful in central San Diego and tourist areas, including near the Bahia. You can usually get a ride within 5–15 minutes depending on demand, and they are reliable for most short trips. However, rides to La Jolla or the zoo may cost more than you expect, especially during peak times, weekends, or if surge pricing is in effect.

Consider the following factors:

Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. From the Bahia, an Uber/Lyft will take about 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic. Parking is free at the Bahia but paid at the Zoo.
La Jolla: About 20–30 minutes away by car. An Uber or Lyft will cost more than the short rides around downtown or the hotel vicinity.
Flexibility: Having a rental car gives you full flexibility to explore multiple areas in a single day and to make spontaneous stops along the way.
Cost comparison: If you plan just a few trips per day, Uber/Lyft can be cost-effective. If you intend multiple excursions per day over several days, a rental car may save both money and waiting time.
Traffic and parking: Parking in popular areas like La Jolla or the Zoo can be tricky, but many attractions offer paid parking. Using rideshares removes the need to find parking, which can be a significant convenience.

In summary, if your itinerary is light with only one or two major stops like the Zoo and La Jolla, relying on Ubers and Lyfts is practical and hassle-free. If you want to explore more widely around San Diego, visit multiple neighborhoods, or have a flexible schedule, renting a car may provide more convenience and could potentially be cost-saving over multiple rides.