Project Overview
The Airport Transit Connection will create a direct link between the San Diego International Airport and our regional transit system. This new connection will be integrated with many existing and future travel options in our urban core including shuttles, MTS bus services, rail, and safe biking and walking improvements.
As laid out in the Regional Plan, better-connected transportation options will make it easier for people to navigate the region and access the airport without relying on a car. This project will provide residents, airport employees, and visitors with:
- Convenient access to airport terminals and local amenities
- Equitable and reliable options that connect San Diego’s urban core to the surrounding region
- A more seamless and stress-free experience when using transit to reach the airport for travel or work
The Airport Transit Connection project could include both Rapid bus and rail connections that integrate with other concurrent projects in and around the airport and our urban core. These include various roadway improvements being carried out by the San Diego International Airport to support Terminal 1 expansion, complete streets and rail crossing improvements being studied by SANDAG between Old Town and Downtown, future planned land uses near Old Town and Midway communities, and other supporting transit options.
Project Highlights
Beginning Sunday, September 6, 2026, SANDAG and MTS will partner to improve transit to the airport by boosting evening service frequency. Route 992 (Downtown to Airport) will operate every 15 minutes until approximately 1 a.m. daily. Visit sdmts.com for stop locations and departure times.
SANDAG is also studying up to three Rapid bus solutions connecting the airport to Downtown, Old Town, and Shelter Island. Various transit priority solutions such as dedicated bus lanes and improved signal technology would provide faster and more reliable travel for these airport bus routes and other buses or shuttles operating in the area.
In collaboration with our public agency partners, SANDAG has determined which rail concepts would be a good fit for the San Diego region. Following a detailed assessment of 21 rail concepts, a mix of three automated people mover concepts and two Trolley concepts have been identified as the most feasible for implementation consideration.
Schedule
In 2024, SANDAG began an updated analysis of costs, ridership estimates, implementation complexity, feedback from public agency partners, and more. In fall 2024, SANDAG conducted an Airport Travel Survey to collect data on how people in the San Diego region travel to and from the airport. We surveyed residents, visitors, and employees at the airport and on shuttles and buses (including MTS Route 992). This information is helping us and our public agency partners better plan for the needs of all airport users.
In 2023, SANDAG completed the initial Airport Transit Connection Concept Evaluation Study and determined that a reduction in the number of rail alternatives was needed before proceeding to the environmental phase.
Budget
Airport Transit Connection project planning for rail, Rapid bus, and local bus route 992 service enhancements are currently funded by Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) federal dollars. Funding sources for future project phases are to be determined.
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 18, 2026: The SANDAG Transportation Committee will hear and discuss a project update.
Connect with Us
Subscribe to receive email updates with information about this project and opportunities to provide feedback that helps shape SANDAG’s work. For more information, contact atc@sandag.org.
For media inquiries, please contact pio@sandag.org.