How to get to San Diego Mission Bay Resort from the airport(s)

San Diego Mission Bay Resort is about 5 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN) — roughly a 10–20 minute drive depending on traffic. Common ways to get there are the resort’s airport shuttle (charges may apply), taxi or rideshare, rental car, or public transit with a transfer through Old Town Transit Center.
In this guide
Overview: distance and typical travel time from SAN
San Diego Mission Bay Resort is located at 1775 East Mission Bay Drive and the resort’s official information lists San Diego International Airport (SAN) as about 5 miles away. Drive times vary with traffic; sources commonly cite about 10–20 minutes by car.
If you want a quick estimate before you land, plan on at least 15 minutes in normal traffic and allow more for peak commute times or event nights. Photo 0 shows the resort entrance and nearby bay to help you recognize the property on approach.
- Address to give to drivers: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
- Approximate distance from SAN: about 5 miles (listed by the resort)
- Typical drive time: roughly 10–20 minutes depending on traffic
| Transport | Typical time from SAN |
|---|---|
| Taxi / rideshare | 10–20 minutes |
| Resort shuttle | 10–20 minutes (charges may apply) |
| Public transit (transfer) | About 1 hour with transfers via Old Town) |

Airport shuttle, valet and hotel-arranged transfers
San Diego Mission Bay Resort advertises an airport shuttle (charges may apply) and lists car service options. If you prefer a direct arranged transfer, contact the resort or BookResorts agents before arrival to confirm availability and fees.
The resort also offers 24-hour valet and self-parking on site; parking is available for a daily fee with in/out privileges. If you want the hotel to arrange ground transport, call the resort or BookResorts (agents available 24/7) to make those plans in advance.
- Resort shuttle: offered but may carry a charge — confirm when booking
- Valet and self-parking: available on-site for a daily fee (in/out privileges)
- To arrange transfers or ask about shuttle times: contact the resort or BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Airport shuttle | Offered by resort; charges may apply |
| Valet / self-parking | Available on-site; daily fee with in/out privileges |

Taxi and rideshare from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Taxis and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) are the most direct public options from SAN — they drop you at the resort entrance on East Mission Bay Drive. Given the short distance, this is usually the fastest practical choice after an arranged shuttle or private car.
If you arrive during peak traffic, add extra time; if you have heavy luggage or late arrival, a taxi or rideshare can be more convenient than public transit.
- Give drivers the hotel address: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
- Expect a direct drop-off at the resort entrance
- Rideshare/taxi times align with typical car travel (about 10–20 minutes in normal traffic)
| Option | When to choose |
|---|---|
| Taxi | If you want a reliable curb-to-curb ride and immediate pickup |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Often cheaper than taxi and convenient from the app |
| Private car service | Useful for early-morning/late-night flights or groups |
Public transit from SAN (bus + transfer via Old Town)
There is no direct single-seat public transit connection from San Diego International Airport to the resort. Public transit requires a connection (for example via the Old Town Transit Center) and can take about an hour or more with walking and transfers.
One common routing is to take airport transit into Old Town, then a bus or trolley connection toward the Morena/Clairemont area and a short walk or local bus to the Mission Bay Drive corridor. Check MTS schedules and plan for luggage and timing; this option is cheaper but significantly slower than a taxi or shuttle.
- No direct bus from the resort to SAN — transfers through Old Town Transit Center are typically required
- Allow about 1 hour or more for public transit with transfers
- Check San Diego MTS schedules and Old Town Transit Center connections before you travel
| Step | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Airport to Old Town | Airport transit or shuttle to Old Town Transit Center |
| Old Town to Mission Bay area | Bus or trolley plus a local connection and short walk |
Driving yourself or rental car pickup
If you rent a car at SAN, the drive is straightforward: head toward the Mission Bay / SeaWorld area and follow signs to East Mission Bay Drive. The resort offers on-site self-parking and valet for a daily fee with in/out privileges — check current rates with the property.
Driving gives flexibility to visit nearby attractions: SeaWorld is about 1 mile from the resort, Old Town and Fashion Valley are short drives, and the resort sits at the start of the 12-mile Mission Bay bike/ped loop if you plan on biking around the bay.
- If using GPS, enter 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
- On-site self-parking and valet are available (daily fee)
- Nearby driving destinations: SeaWorld (~1 mile), Old Town and Fashion Valley (short drive)
| Why drive? | When to choose |
|---|---|
| Convenience to explore region | You plan to visit SeaWorld, La Jolla, or Coronado by car |
| Flexible arrival/departure times | You want control over airport pickup/drop-off and luggage |

Arrival tips, check-in, and room information
Check-in at San Diego Mission Bay Resort begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is until 11:00 AM; the property may require a government-issued photo ID and a credit card at check-in for incidentals. If you need early arrival, contact the resort to request early check-in (subject to availability and fees).
The resort offers a variety of room types; a few room names in the property inventory you may see when booking are Traditional Room, Studio, Villa, Junior Suite, Grand Suite, and Suite (Sunset). If you’re traveling with family, the property notes that up to 3 children 17 and younger stay free using existing bedding in a parent or guardian’s room.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and the card used to reserve the room
- Room names to look for when booking: Traditional Room; Studio; Villa; Junior Suite; Grand Suite; Suite (Sunset)
| Need-to-know | Hotel policy |
|---|---|
| Children | Up to 3 children 17 and younger stay free using existing bedding |
| Minimum age to check in | Primary guest must be at least 18 years old |

