TRANSPORTATION
IT ALL STARTS WITH HOW YOU GET HERE
Getting to the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s premier historic district, is easy, and exploring is even more convenient, thanks to a variety of transportation options tailored to enhance your visit. Whether you’re arriving by car, public transit, or on bike, we’ve got all the information you need to make your journey seamless. Discover the best routes, parking tips, and the most efficient modes of transportation to ensure your visit to the Gaslamp Quarter is as enjoyable as the destination itself. In the Gaslamp Quarter, it all start when you get here, and we know that starts with how you get here.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Gaslamp Quarter Promenade
5th Avenue Daily Street Closure
Every day 5th Avenue becomes a pedestrian promenade and is closed to motor vehicle traffic between K Street and Broadway, 12 pm to 2 am. Vehicles and deliveries are permitted only between 3 am and 11 am daily. All crossings at 5th Avenue remain open to vehicle traffic, connecting 4th Avenue and 6th Avenue. Special events may alter this closure schedule.
Rail Services
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is a great way to get to the Gaslamp without driving, from nearly everywhere in the county. Combine MTS transit with other services such as Amtrak for even more options.
The MTS fixed route bus and light rail system operates with ramp or lift equipped vehicles in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
TROLLEY SERVICE
The Gaslamp is serviced by the Green and Silver Lines, with a stop at 5th Avenue and L Street across from the San Diego Convention Center. The Silver Line features vintage trolleys and only loops the Downtown area, while the Green Line extends to points north and east. See more about these and connecting trolley lines here.
PARK & RIDE!
There are a number of suggested Park and Ride locations for the Green Line
trolley, which include the following locations:
Santee Town Center
152 Civic Center Dr.
El Cajon Transit Center
Amaya Drive
Grossmont Transit Center
8601 Fletcher Pkwy.
70th Street
Old Town Transit Center
4009 Taylor St.
Pay your MTS Fare with PRONTO
Download the MTS PRONTO App to your phone, then load money onto your app ahead of your trip. You can also pick up a reloadable PRONTO card (one-time $2 fee) at any trolley ticket machine or any participating retail location.
MTS Access - Paratransit Service
For those who have been certified as not being able to use the MTS fixed route services, a complimentary Paratransit Service is available that includes pick up and drop off. Learn more about the MTS Access service here.
Kids Ride Free!
Kids ride free with the MTS Youth Opportunity Pass. Learn more here.
Connecting with Amtrak Rail Services
Amtrak trains service north San Diego County coastal areas as well as the Los Angeles region. The trains stop in Downtown San Diego at the historic Santa Fe Train Depot at Kettner Boulevard and Broadway. From the Santa Fe Depot you can simply connect to the MTS trolley Green Line to the Gaslamp, or MTS buses including routes 215, 225, and 235 that stop on Broadway and 5th Avenue at the Gaslamp.
Click here for more information about Amtrak rail service to the Santa Fe Depot.
Connecting with NCTD Coaster
The COASTER commuter train provides breathtaking coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. COASTER service provides thirty (30) daily trips Monday through Friday with an additional two (2) on Fridays, and twenty (20) daily Saturday and Sunday trips year-round. COASTER fares must be purchased for the number of zones you will be traveling in 1, 2 or 3.
Click here for more information about NCTD Coaster rail service from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot.
Bus Services
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is a great way to get to the Gaslamp without driving, from nearly everywhere in the county. Combine MTS transit with other services such as Amtrak for even more options.
The MTS fixed route bus and light rail system operates with ramp or lift equipped vehicles in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
BUS SERVICE
MTS Bus route #3 features 3 stops in the Gaslamp area at:
- Market Street at 6th Avenue
- 4th Avenue at G Street
- F Street at 7th Avenue
In addition, several stops are serviced on Broadway at 5th Avenue, including:
- RAPID routes 215, 225, 235, 280, and 290
- Standard routes 2, 7, 110, 901, 923, 929, and 992
Click below for a detailed interactive map of the MTS bus routes and time information.
RAPID PARK & RIDE LOCATIONS
There are a number of Park and Ride lots at RAPID bus stations in South Bay and North County, including:
Escondido Transit Center
700 West Valley Pkwy.
Escondido Transit Center
700 West Valley Pkwy.
Rancho Bernardo Transit Station
Sabre Springs Transit Station
Miramar College Transit Station
9311 Hillery Dr. (Free permit required)
East Palomar Station
Otay Ranch Station
Pay your MTS Fare with PRONTO
Download the MTS PRONTO App to your phone, then load money onto your app ahead of your trip. You can also pick up a reloadable PRONTO card (one-time $2 fee) at any trolley ticket machine or any participating retail location.
MTS Access - Paratransit Service
For those who have been certified as not being able to use the MTS fixed route services, a complimentary Paratransit Service is available that includes pick up and drop off. Learn more about the MTS Access service here.
Kids Ride Free!
Kids ride free with the MTS Youth Opportunity Pass. Learn more here.
Rideshare & Taxi
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter features an incredible number of white curb passenger drop off and loading zones, making it easy to get close to your final destination when using rideshare or taxi services. If you are visiting a location within the 5th Avenue pedestrian Promenade area, use this handy map to find a nearby drop off zone for your driver.
Bike & Scooter Access
With great weather year-round and a network of bike routes, San Diego is an urban bike or scooter rider’s dream. There are two primary arteries for bikes and scooters into the Gaslamp, each featuring two travel lanes and separation from motor vehicles. The north/south route is on 6th Avenue, and the east/west route is on J Street. Additionally, Island Avenue, K Street, and a portion of 3rd Avenue and 7th Avenue are designated as bike routes.
Visit the official SANDAG website for the map of designated bike routes downtown and throughout the region here.
BIKE & RIDE
Bike & Ride with MTS
Did you know that MTS buses and trolleys can accommodate bicycles? Ride your bike to your nearest transit station and connect to the Gaslamp with public transit.
Bike Racks
There are many bike racks throughout the Gaslamp, found mostly on the cross streets between 4th and 5th Avenues. Look for the stainless steel hoops.
Bikes & Riding Gear
Unlimited Biking on K Street offers rentals, sales, and service for bicycles.
Downtown Shuttle Rides
Circuit operates small electric shuttle vehicles that offer location-based pick up and drop off services within the downtown San Diego area, including the Gaslamp Quarter. For more about the Circuit service area, hours of operation, and to download the Circuit App and request a shuttle, click here.
OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS
For a fun way to get around, consider Old Town Trolley tours. These sightseeing tours provide hop on and hop off privileges at many points of interest in San Diego, including Old Town, Balboa Park, and Seaport Village. The Old Town Trolley stop in the Gaslamp is located at the corner of 4th Avenue and Island Avenue. Learn more and purchase tickets on their website.
Driving to the Gaslamp
The Gaslamp Quarter is in the heart of downtown San Diego, with nearby freeway access plus a wide variety of parking options for your visit.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Points East
Use State Freeway 94 west. Follow the freeway to the end in downtown San Diego; continue straight on F Street until you reach the Gaslamp Quarter.
From Points North
From Interstate 5 south, use exit 17 Front Street/Civic Center; stay to the left and follow signs to 2nd Avenue/California Western School of Law. Exit ramp becomes Cedar Street. Continue straight, then turn right onto 4th Avenue to drive into the Gaslamp.
From Points South
From Interstate 5 North, use exit 16B 6th Avenue. Turn left onto 6th Avenue to drive into the Gaslamp.
Parking in the Gaslamp
There are a number of paid garages and parking lots in and nearby the Gaslamp Quarter. We recommend parking in the Park It On Market garage at 614 Market Street, or at the 6th and K Parkade at 289 6th Avenue, for the easiest access to the Gaslamp.
6th & K Parkade
Park It On Market
Paid Parking Lots & Garages
The majority of parking opportunities are available through ABM Parking, ACE Parking and LAZ Parking. Click on each company to see their hours, rates, and maps of their locations, and to purchase parking in advance.
PARKING MAPS
Click below for an overview map of parking garage and parking lot locations specific to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Valet Parking
A number of Gaslamp restaurants and hotels offer valet parking. Click here to see a map of valet zones within the Gaslamp Quarter
Street Parking Tips
With the exception of the 5th Avenue Promenade area, most streets in and near the Gaslamp Quarter offer metered street parking and other parking options. Here are some tips to help you.
General paid street parking
The majority of paid street parking in the Gaslamp is for a 2-hour maximum, and is free on Sundays and City Holidays. Most metered parking in the Gaslamp is also free after 8pm and before 10am daily, unless otherwise posted.
Several parking meters in San Diego connect to the Park Smarter App, which you can download here.
App Details
With the app you can see what spaces are available, pay for parking, and more. For more general information about parking on San Diego streets, visit the city’s parking home page.
Parking Meters
If you don’t see meters, look for pay stations. If you do not see parking meters, be aware that in many locations there are parking pay stations, usually centrally located on the sidewalk in each parking area. Once you pay, you’ll need to place your receipt on the dashboard of your vehicle.
Green curb parking areas
If you see a parking area painted green and/or with green-topped parking meters, be aware that these are for limited time parking, often 15 to 30 minutes only. Each will be marked with the maximum time allowed.
White curb passenger loading zones
These zones often have a 3-minute limit for pick up and drop off of passengers, however many of these zones are free to park in after certain hours, usually late night and early morning. Each zone will display when parking is allowed, unless marked 24-hour passenger loading only. Click below to see the locations of the passenger loading zones.
Yellow curb commercial loading zones
except the 5th Avenue Promenade area
These are for loading/unloading of commercial vehicles only. Unless marked 24-hour commercial, any yellow commercial loading zone is free for any vehicle to park between 6 pm and 6 am each day. They are also free on Sundays and City Holidays. Click below to see the locations of the commercial loading zones.
Yellow curb commercial loading zones
5th Avenue Promenade area
The promenade commercial zones are in effect between 3 am and 11 am daily; all other times the street is closed to motor vehicle traffic.
Motorcycle Parking
There are several free motorcycle-only parking areas within the Gaslamp. Click here to see them on a map.
Access for People with Disabilities
To ensure the best access, below are some tips to help you plan your trip to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Accessible Parking
There are many free blue curb disabled parking spaces available within and near the Gaslamp. Click here for a map of all disabled spaces in the area
In addition, all of the paid parking garages and parking lots in the Gaslamp offer a limited number of disabled parking spaces; all multi-level garages also have elevator and/or ramp access. See the Driving to the Gaslamp section for locating a paid parking garage or parking lot.
Public Bus, Rail and Transport Services
All Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS) fixed bus and trolley routes that service the Gaslamp feature ramps or lifts for riders needing assistance in accordance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Visit the Bus and Rail section for detailed information about MTS fixed routes.
If you have been certified as not being able to use the MTS fixed route services, a complimentary MTS Access - Paratransit Service is available that includes pick up and drop off. Learn more about the MTS Access service here.
Drop Off & Valet Locations
There are many passenger drop off locations in and near the Gaslamp. Click the button to see a map of these drop off zones and find the one closest to your final destination. Use the map to also find valet services for many restaurants and hotels in the area.
Mobility In The Gaslamp
Between the hours of 11am and 3 am daily, much of 5th Avenue becomes a pedestrian promenade closed to motor vehicle access. This provides a full street width of mobility area for improved circulation within the core of the Gaslamp.
Map Links
Disabled Parking Locations
Passenger Loading Zones
Commercial Loading Zones
Valet Zones
Motorcycle Parking Spaces
Bus and Trolley Stops
Old Town Trolley Stop
Taxi Only Zones
Ace Hardware Only
Car Share Vehicles Only
Shared Bike/Scooter Corrals
Parking Lots and Garages
MAP
Transportation Map of the Gaslamp Quarter
Use the layers and explore this interactive map to find parking, public transit stops, and more.