Transportation


Getting to San Diego

By Air: The San Diego International Airport has nonstop service from many cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. San Diego is served by both mainline and low-cost carriers.

By Train: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner train serves San Diego. The Old Town (OLT) and San Diego downtown (SAN) stations are closest to the conference hotel.

By Car: San Diego is located at the intersection of Interstates 5 and 8, about 120 mi. south of Los Angeles. To get to the conference hotel:

  • From the South (including the airport): Travel north on I-5. Take exit 21 for Sea World Dr., and turn left at the end of the ramp onto Sea World Drive. Cross over the highway and turn right at E. Mission Bay Dr. Drive about 1 mile to the hotel.
  • From the North: Travel south on I-5. Take exit 22 for Clairemont Dr. toward E. Mission Bay Dr. At the end of the ramp, turn left at Clairemont Dr., followed by an immediate left on E. Mission Bay Dr. Drive about 1/2 mile to the hotel.
  • From the East (I-8): Take I-8 to I-5 North. Immediately after getting on I-5 North, take exit 21 for Sea World Dr., and turn left at the end of the ramp onto Sea World Drive. Cross over the highway and turn right at E. Mission Bay Dr. Drive about 1 mile to the hotel.
  • From the West: The South Shores Park Boat Ramp is one of the closest places to drive your amphicar out of the water.
  • Get customized driving directions

Getting around San Diego

Taxis

Taxis can be hailed at major attractions (Balboa Park, Old Town), the airport ground transportation plazas, and in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter. From other locations, it may be necessary to phone in a request. Rates vary by company, but average about $2.50 for the first 1/10 mile, $2.50 for each additional mile, and $20/hour waiting.

Major San Diego Taxi Companies

Typical Fares from the Conference Hotel

CompanyPhone
American Cab(619)234-1111
Orange Cab619-223-5555
San Diego Cab(619)226-TAXI (8294)
USA Cab(619)231-1144
Yellow Cab(619)444-4444
DestinationFare (US$ one way)
Airport$25
Downtown/Gaslamp$25
Old Town$12
Balboa Park$25

Airport Shuttles

A number of companies provide shuttle service to/from the conference hotel. Rates are competitive for individuals, but groups of two or more can usually save by splitting a taxi fare.

Shuttle CompanyPhone Number
Advanced Shuttle800.719.3499
Access Shuttle619.282.1515 / 800.690.9090
Airport Shuttle619.234.4403 / 888.254.0333
Cloud 9 Shuttle/Super Shuttle800.9.SHUTTLE (800.974.8885)
Coronado Livery619.435.6310
EZ Ride800.777.0585
Prime Time Shuttle 800.REDVANS (800.733.8267)
Sea Breeze Shuttle619.297.7463
Xpress Shuttle800.900.RIDE (7433)
The Flyer800.COMMUTE (266.6883)

Public Transportation

San Diego has an extensive bus and trolley system, but using it effectively requires some planning. Visit 511sd.com for routes, timetables, and a personalized trip planner.

The nearest bus stop to the conference hotel is nearly 1 mile away on Bus Route 30. The nearest Trolley stop is the Old Town Transit Center.

Fares vary by route and distance, but most range from $2.00 - $2.50. Regional Day Passes ($5/day) are good for unlimited rides on most bus and Trolley routes. See the Full Fare Schedule.

Note: The Trolley is a light-rail public transportation system. Do not confuse it with the Old Town Trolley Tours private sightseeing bus.

Bicycles

Forbes Traveler recently named San Diego North America's 3rd-Most Bicycle-Friendly City. Bicycles can be rented by the hour at the conference hotel, or you can rent from one of San Diego's many bike shops. More information is available from the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.

 

Local Arrangements Chair

Matthew Bietz, University of California, Irvine
local@cscw2008.org