Bus 992 runs every 15 minutes between SAN and downtown
San Diego MTS Route 992 is the airport bus that links Terminals 1 and 2 with downtown San Diego and the Santa Fe Depot in about 10–15 minutes. The bus runs roughly every 15 minutes on weekdays during the day and about every 30 minutes early mornings, late evenings, and on weekends. It’s a quick way to connect to Amtrak, COASTER, and San Diego Trolley lines from the airport curb.
Stops sit at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on the arrivals level; follow signs for “Public Transit” and look for the red MTS 992 markers. From SAN, the bus heads along Harbor Drive to Broadway and the Santa Fe Depot, usually in under 20 minutes unless traffic on Harbor backs up during weekday rush hours around 4–6 p.m. Pay attention to the front display so you don’t miss the downtown stop you want.
Standard MTS fares apply: a one-way adult ride on Route 992 is typically around $2.50 when paid with a PRONTO card or app, with cash accepted on board (exact change only) at the same base rate. PRONTO daily caps kick in once you hit the value of a day pass, so two or three rides in one day can be cheaper if you’re also using the Trolley or other buses. Kids under 6 ride free with a paying adult under current MTS rules.
The bus runs roughly from around 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., but late-night arrivals after midnight will find no 992 service and will need a taxi or rideshare. On weekends and holidays, frequencies can stretch toward 30 minutes, so check the MTS timetable or real-time info in the PRONTO app before you wait at the curb. Service can thin a bit earlier on Sunday nights, especially from downtown back to the airport.
Step-by-step from the terminals to Route 992:
- 1. After landing at Terminal 1 or 2, follow baggage claim signs and exit to the arrivals level curb.
- 2. Look for red MTS “Bus 992” signs near the public transit pickup zones at each terminal.
- 3. Buy or load a PRONTO card at an airport ticket machine if available, or download the PRONTO app before boarding.
- 4. Board through the front door, tap your PRONTO card or app, or pay the driver with exact cash.
- 5. Ride about 10–15 minutes to downtown; get off at Broadway or Santa Fe Depot if you’re connecting to trains or the Trolley.
- 6. For the return trip, catch Route 992 at downtown stops labeled for the airport and allow at least 30–40 minutes before check-in cutoff to build a buffer.
One practical tip: if you’re catching Amtrak or COASTER from Santa Fe Depot, take an earlier 992 than you think you need and aim to be at the station at least 20 minutes before your train time to avoid tight connections if Harbor Drive slows down.