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Getting to Coronado: Bridge, Ferry & Transit Guide

Whether you are soaring over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, gliding across the harbor on the historic ferry, or cruising the scenic Silver Strand isthmus, arriving in the Crown City is effortless. Explore travel routes, airport transfers, free village shuttles, and parking logistics.

Bridge Crossing
2.12 Miles
100% Toll Free
San Diego Ferry
15 Minutes
$9 One-Way (Bikes Free)
Airport Distance
8.2 Miles
15-20 Min Rideshare
Street Parking
Zero Meters
Free Beach Parking

The Best Ways to Reach Coronado

Choose your arrival experience based on where you are staying, whether you have luggage or bicycles, and the time of day.

01 Scenic Highway
Most Popular Arrival

The San Diego-Coronado Bridge (CA-75)

Spanning 2.12 miles across San Diego Bay, the iconic blue-ribbon Coronado Bridge rises 200 feet above the water to let Navy aircraft carriers glide beneath. It offers panoramic views of the downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Village, and naval shipyards. The bridge features 5 lanes with a movable median barrier adjusted for morning and afternoon commute directions.

Estimated Time
5 to 10 minutes from Downtown
Estimated Cost
Free (No Toll)
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Crucial Logistics & Local Tips
  • • Toll Free: The bridge toll was permanently retired in 2002. Crossing is 100% free.
  • • Peak Hours to Avoid: Westbound onto the island gets congested between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM (naval base shift). Eastbound toward San Diego backs up between 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
  • • Prohibited: Pedestrians, e-scooters, and non-motorized bicycles are strictly prohibited on the bridge deck. Take the ferry or bike shuttle instead.
02 Public Water Transit
Most Scenic Route

San Diego Bay Ferry (Flagship Cruises)

The most relaxing, panoramic way to reach Coronado. Departs from two convenient downtown piers: Broadway Pier (near USS Midway & Santa Fe Depot) and the 5th Avenue Landing (behind the San Diego Convention Center & Gaslamp Quarter). Arrives at the Coronado Ferry Landing surrounded by bayfront bistros and bike rental stands.

Estimated Time
15-minute crossing
Estimated Cost
$9.00 each way (Kids 3 & under free)
Operating Hours
Hourly 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Later on weekends)
Crucial Logistics & Local Tips
  • • Bicycles Board Free: Bring your beach cruiser, road bike, or stroller at no extra charge.
  • • Free Commuter Service: Flagship offers free ferry rides for morning commuters Monday through Friday before 8:50 AM from Broadway Pier.
  • • Stunning Photos: Ride the open top deck for incredible 360-degree photo angles of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Bridge.
View Full Timetable & Route Details
03 Airport Logistics
Direct Airport Access

San Diego International Airport (SAN) Transfer

Coronado is located just 8.2 miles south of San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field). Traveling to the island is fast and scenic. From Terminal 1 or 2, rideshares exit onto North Harbor Drive, pass the San Diego waterfront and maritime museum, merge onto I-5 South briefly, and sweep over the Coronado Bridge directly into the Village.

Estimated Time
15 to 25 minutes (8.2 miles)
Estimated Cost
$22 to $38 via Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Operating Hours
Available 24 hours
Crucial Logistics & Local Tips
  • • Rideshare Pick-up: Follow designated rideshare pickup signage outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 parking structures.
  • • Taxi Stand: Flat metered rates average $30 to $40 plus tip.
  • • No Rental Car Needed: If you are staying in Coronado Village, you do not need a rental car. The island is completely walkable, bikeable, and golf-cart friendly.
04 Coastal Drive
Scenic Ocean Highway

Silver Strand Highway (CA-75 South Bypass)

The picturesque 7-mile isthmus connecting south Coronado to Imperial Beach and the South Bay. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and San Diego Bay and the National Wildlife Refuge on the east. This route completely bypasses the Coronado Bridge and downtown San Diego traffic.

Estimated Time
12 minutes from Imperial Beach
Estimated Cost
Free
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Crucial Logistics & Local Tips
  • • Ideal For: Visitors coming from Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, Tijuana, or eastern San Diego County.
  • • Coronado Cays Access: The Silver Strand provides the sole road entry to the Coronado Cays residential marinas and Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
  • • Speed Trap Alert: The speed limit drops quickly from 65 mph to 45 mph approaching the Cays and Fiddler's Cove. California Highway Patrol enforces strictly.
05 Metropolitan Transit System
Eco-Friendly Public Transit

MTS Island Bus Transit (Route 901 & 904)

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System operates two primary routes serving Coronado. Route 901 connects downtown San Diego with Coronado Village via the bridge, then continues down the Silver Strand to Imperial Beach. Route 904 serves as the internal Village circulator connecting the Ferry Landing with Orange Avenue shops, City Hall, and Hotel del Coronado.

Estimated Time
Frequent daily service
Estimated Cost
$2.50 one-way ($6.00 PRONTO Day Pass)
Operating Hours
5:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Crucial Logistics & Local Tips
  • • Free Summer Shuttle: The City of Coronado sponsors a 100% free Village shuttle (Route 904) every summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, running every 15 minutes.
  • • Payment: Download the PRONTO app on your smartphone or tap a contactless credit card at the bus fare reader.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Coronado

Coronado welcomes electric vehicle drivers with numerous high-speed DC fast chargers and Level 2 charging ports conveniently placed near village shopping and parks.

Coronado Community Center & Aquatic Complex

ChargePoint
1845 Strand Way
Equipment: 4 Level 2 Ports & 2 DC Fast Chargers
Directly adjacent to Glorietta Bay and the municipal golf course.

Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Complex

Blink & ChargePoint
1201 1st St (East Parking Lot)
Equipment: 6 Level 2 Ports
Charge while dining or browsing waterfront shops with skyline views.

Coronado Public Library & Spreckels Park

City of Coronado / ChargePoint
640 Orange Ave
Equipment: 4 Level 2 Ports
Located in the heart of the village near parks and restaurants.

Hotel del Coronado Underground Parking Garage

Tesla & Universal (Valet / Self-Park)
1500 Orange Ave
Equipment: 12 Tesla Superchargers & 8 Universal Level 2
Available for registered resort guests and dining patrons.
Island Mobility

Getting Around the Island Once You Arrive

Coronado is one of the most accessible seaside towns in California. Because the Village is compact and flat, you can easily park your vehicle once and traverse the entire town via alternative transport:

1
Beach Cruisers & Surreys: Coronado features over 15 miles of separated bike paths, including the oceanfront promenade and Bayshore Bikeway.
2
Street-Legal Golf Carts (LSVs): Rent a 4-seater or 6-seater electric cart to cruise Village streets and park for free in standard spaces.
3
Free Summer Island Shuttle: Route 904 runs free daily service every 15 minutes between the Ferry Landing and the beach during summer.
Explore Parking Guide Golf Cart Rentals

Coronado Driving Speed Limits & Regulations

  • Village Residential Streets: 25 MPH
    Strictly enforced. Coronado has high pedestrian and cyclist traffic; California law requires stopping for pedestrians at all intersections.
  • School Zones & Parks: 15 to 20 MPH
    Active around Coronado High School, Middle School, Village Elementary, and Spreckels Park.
  • Ocean Boulevard & Beachfront: 20 MPH
    Watch for beachgoers carrying surfboards, children crossing, and dogs heading toward Dog Beach.
  • Silver Strand Highway (CA-75): 45 to 65 MPH
    Connects Village with Coronado Cays and Imperial Beach. Heavy CHP patrol presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting into and around Coronado

Is there a toll to cross the Coronado Bridge?

No. The Coronado Bridge toll was permanently discontinued in 2002. Crossing in either direction is completely free for all passenger vehicles and motorcycles.

Can I walk or ride a bicycle across the Coronado Bridge?

No. Pedestrians, standard bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters are prohibited on the bridge for safety reasons. To cross San Diego Bay with a bike or on foot, take the Flagship Coronado Ferry from Broadway Pier or the Convention Center for $9.

How far is Coronado from San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

Coronado Village is approximately 8.2 miles from the airport terminals. A typical rideshare trip takes 15 to 20 minutes outside of peak rush hour and costs between $22 and $35.

Do I need a rental car when visiting Coronado?

In most cases, no. Coronado Village is an extraordinarily walkable 1-square-mile peninsula. Most visitors get around easily on foot, rented beach cruisers, 4-passenger street-legal electric golf carts, or the local summer shuttle.

Where can I park my car for free in Coronado?

Coronado does not have parking meters. Street parking along Ocean Boulevard fronting Central Beach is completely free and unrestricted. Orange Avenue commercial blocks offer free 2-hour parking enforced Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What dates and hours does the Free Summer Shuttle (MTS Route 904) operate?

The City-funded Free Summer Shuttle operates daily between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Buses arrive every 15 minutes between 9:00 AM and 9:30 PM (later on weekends), connecting the Coronado Ferry Landing along 1st Street with Orange Avenue shopping and Hotel del Coronado.

How can I travel by public transit from San Diego International Airport to Coronado?

From Airport Terminal 1 or 2, take the free San Diego Flyer electric shuttle or MTS Bus Route 992 (10 minutes) to Broadway Pier / Santa Fe Depot on the downtown waterfront. From Broadway Pier, board the Flagship Coronado Ferry for a scenic 15-minute crossing directly to Coronado Ferry Landing.

Continue Planning Your Coronado Journey

View the live ferry schedule, explore the island parking guide, or reserve street-legal electric golf carts.

Ferry Schedule & Tickets Parking Rules & Free Zones Golf Cart Rentals Bicycle & Surrey Rentals Interactive Live Map