San Diego Ride Shares & Taxis

Ride shares are a quick and easy way to get around San Diego without having to drive yourself. San Diego features Uber, Lyft and taxis!
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
San Diego Ride Shares & Taxis
Relax and Enjoy
Where You Can Go
Bundle & Save
What to Expect
When to Use It
How Much Does It Cost
Things to Know
Stay Nearby

Highlights

Where You Can Go
Best Time to Use
Cost
Tips
Where You Can Go
Best Time to Use
Cost
Tips

Relax and Enjoy the Ride with San Diego’s Ride Shares and Cabs

Uber Dropping off in Downtown San DiegoMap of the San Diego Zoo

Driving can be one of the fastest ways to get around San Diego - with so many easily accessible freeways, it’s often the easiest way to get from point A to point B. However, when you’re on vacation, you might not want the stress of driving yourself or the added expense of a rental car.

That’s where rideshares come in. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer affordable rides from local drivers, so you can get from place to place quickly. They’re an especially great option for areas that aren’t served by public transit, or for when you don’t have time to wait for a bus or train.

Uber and Lyft have completely changed the way people travel around San Diego. Since rideshares launched in the area in 2013, many locals and tourists have started relying on it exclusively to get around. The biggest benefit of using a ride share service is that they are relatively cheap, but can still get you where you need to go very quickly with the ease of using an app on your phone.

Taxi Line at the San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Taxi Line at the San Diego International Airport (SAN)

The San Diego area is also served by traditional taxi companies. While you can’t always hail a cab directly on the street in San Diego, you can call one ahead of time to come pick you up. You can also get a cab easily at the airport or in some of San Diego’s top tourist destinations.

Where You Can Go with San Diego Ride Shares

Uber Dropping off Passenger at the Santa Fe Train Depot
Uber Dropping off Passenger at the Santa Fe Train Depot

The benefit of using a ride share service is that you can go almost anywhere! Uber and Lyft both serve the whole San Diego area and its suburbs. This makes it a great option for attractions like the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which aren’t easily accessible by other public transport.

Ride shares are also one of the most efficient ways to get to and from the beach neighborhoods. These areas are served by bus routes, but it can take a long time to get there from downtown. A ride share will get you there more quickly and can drop you off at your exact destination.

If you’re looking to visit one of the main attractions during your trip to San Diego, a ride share service can normally drop you off right at the front gate so you don’t have to worry about, or pay for parking.

While you’re saving on parking, consider picking up a Go San Diego pass in advance for your day at the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, many museums in Balboa Park & Downtown San Diego and more. With the pass, you can get discounted admission prices to these attractions as well as many more throughout the entire city!

If you’re going to be going out in one of the city’s popular nightlife districts, like the Gaslamp, Hillcrest, or Pacific Beach, a rideshare or taxi will also be a good travel option. This is because public transit stops running in San Diego around midnight, so if you’re going to be staying out later, a rideshare is the best and safest way to get home without a car.

Taxi services can also take you virtually anywhere in San Diego. Some hotels and tourist attractions will have taxi stands available. However, in most places, you will need to call the taxi company yourself for service.

Bundle and SAVE!
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Explore the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum with your All-Inclusive Go City pass! Check out the hangar deck and flight deck, plus over 60 exhibits, displays and interactive experiences. Enjoy an authentic tour narrated by Midway sailors!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

What to Expect When Using Rideshares in San Diego

Multiple Taxis Waiting in Line to Pickup Passengers at the San Diego Airport
Multiple Taxis Waiting in Line to Pickup Passengers at the San Diego Airport

Using rideshare services in San Diego is very easy. We recommend downloading both Uber and Lyft apps ahead of time, so you can compare pricing and choose the cheaper option. You will need to make a profile and provide payment information before you can start using the app.

Local Tips
Did You Know?
That over 25% of the population in the United States uses Ride Shares at least once a month.

To request a ride, you’ll just need to enter your destination in the app - your phone will pick up your current location. The app will then show you a few different ride options and their pricing.

Pool is an option that can save you money by sharing a car with other riders going in your direction, while a standard ride share will give you a car to yourself. You can also request black cars and other luxury vehicles.

Once you’ve selected the ride you want, the app will pair you with a driver. You’ll be able to see your driver’s location on the map. You’ll also be able to see their license plate number as well as the make and model of their car, which will help you identify them when they arrive.

If you are planning on using a traditional taxi service while in San Diego, make sure you have their number saved in your phone or somewhere else accessible as you travel. You’ll need to call them and give them your location information in order to request a ride. While you may be able to hail a taxi in some parts of San Diego, you shouldn’t rely on this.

Popular Hotels
Popular Hotels
Price
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
$138
Learn More
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
$189
Learn More
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp
$147
Learn More
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport
$180
Learn More

When is the Best Time to Use Rideshares in San Diego?

Rideshares are available at any time in San Diego. Keep in mind that you may need to wait longer for a ride if you are requesting one very early in the morning.

You’ll also need to accommodate for surge pricing. During peak periods, Uber and Lyft raise their rates to entice their drivers to work. Surge pricing normally happens in the evenings, especially on weekends or during big events like Comic-Con. Prices are the highest right after 2 AM, when the bars close.

To beat the surge pricing, try requesting your ride earlier in the evening. Not only will this bring the price down, but you also won’t have to wait as long for a ride.

Featured Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Exterior view, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Boutique
Boutique
Near Bay
Near Bay
Pool
Pool
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Dining at MaryJane’s, viewing famous rock memorabilia, and visiting Old Town San Diego are some of our favorite reasons to stay at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel.
Prices Starting at $189
Check Availability

How Much Does It Cost to Take Rideshares in San Diego?

The cost of a rideshare in San Diego can fluctuate, depending on the time of day and the level of demand for rides. Rides are generally affordable - for example, the average cost of a ride from the Gaslamp to La Jolla is about $20.

Uber does not have their pricing scheme readily available. However, we do know that they calculate their fares based on both the distance and the time it takes to get there, with added fees for busy times.

Lyft has a more transparent pricing scheme. They charge $0.90 per mile and $0.31 per minute, with a minimum fare of $4. Like Uber, you’ll pay extra for rides during busy times.

Taxi companies in the San Diego area typically charge a $2-3 base fee, and then $2-3 per mile. There are additional fees for waiting.

Things to Know Before Using Rideshares in San Diego

No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Smoking
No Smoking
Public Transportation
Public Transportation

Tipping Your Ride Share Driver

After your ride, you’ll be asked to rate your driver in the app. This is also when you’ll have the option to leave them a tip. While you don’t have to tip your ride share driver, it is considered polite to do so.

Shared Rides in San Diego

Both Uber and Lyft provide the option for shared rides using their Pool service. This is a great way to save money, particularly if you’re going to one of San Diego’s tourist attractions.

If you take a shared ride with the Pool service, keep in mind that you can only take a maximum of two people, and that your ride may take longer.

Looking to Save on Tickets?
Save on Tickets
Explore all that San Diego has to offer & save up to 55% on attractions
This Month's Forecast
Nov
53°F / 75°F
Sunny in November
Dec
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January

Stay Nearby

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
Near Cruise Port
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
from $138 / night
View Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Near Petco Park
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
from $189 / night
View Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp
Near Petco Park
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp
from $147 / night
View Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport
Near Airport
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport
from $180 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>
Tours & Adventures
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
$42 per person
Buy Now
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
Buy Now
Looking for Something Different?
More Public Transportation in San Diego