Green Line Guide

Welcome to the SDSU Green Line Guide! Whether you're new to San Diego or just curious about transit, this guide is designed to help you navigate public transportation with ease. The MTS Green Line, part of the San Diego Trolley system, is a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel, with a stop right on the SDSU campus. It also provides direct access to popular destinations such as Downtown San Diego, Old Town, Mission Valley, and more.

How to Board the Trolley

The Green Line Trolley runs through the heart of San Diego and has a station located on campus, making it an ideal option for students commuting to class or heading out for a day in the city. You can hop on the trolley at the SDSU Transit Center. 

Here is a quick summary of what you need to know: 

  • Visit Google Maps or the Transit App to figure out what time you need to be at the station. 
  • Orient yourself in the station to make sure you get on the correct train. Typically each side of the station is heading in a particular direction. Look for the signs stating if the side you are on is heading in the direction you need.
  • Make sure you have an active PRONTO pass or a Visa/Mastercard that you can tap for contactless payment.
    • Tap your physical PRONTO card, Visa/Mastercard, or scan your virtual PRONTO card on the purple validators before boarding the trolley.
  • Board the trolley and be aware of upcoming stops by listening over announcements, looking at the display in the trolley, or refer to the map on the trolley exits. 

How to Access Transit Passes

MTS Transit passes can be purchased at different locations: 

*Faculty and Staff discounted passes available through Payroll Deduction.

Use a Visa or Mastercard (no American Express / Discover) - one-way fares. 

  • Monthly passes
  • Daily passes
  • One way fares 
  • PRONTO physical cards
  • Monthly
  • Daily
  • One way fares
  • If you purchase one-way fares through the PRONTO app, it will cap at $6 per day. More information regarding Pronto contactless pay is available here.
  • If you use a Visa or Mastercard, you will be charged a one-way fare each time you use it outside a two-hour window, and there is no daily cap on fares charged.

Navigating the SDSU Transit Center 

The SDSU Transit Center is located on campus, at the south end of the Aztec Student Union. It has three floors and houses multiple MTS buses and the MTS trolley.

SDSU Transit Center, bottom and middle floors
SDSU Transit Center, bottom and middle floors

How to Reach SDSU Using Transit

Thanks to the MTS Transit Center located on campus, transit is a great option for traveling to SDSU without the hassle of renting a vehicle or purchasing additional parking permits.

San Diego Flyer Shuttle (Free Service)

  • Upon arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN), take the San Diego Flyer, a free electric shuttle service connecting the airport to the Old Town Transit Center.
  • The shuttle operates 7 days a week, with pick-ups every 20-30 minutes.
  • Service hours: First pick-up at 4:45 a.m., last pick-up/drop-off at 12:30 a.m.
  • Stops include Old Town Transit Center, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2. 

Transfer to the MTS Trolley Green Line

  • At the Old Town Transit Center, board the MTS Trolley Green Line heading towards El Cajon.
  • Ensure you have paid the trolley fare using an appropriate payment method.
  • Stay on the trolley until you reach the SDSU Transit Center stop.

Locate the SDSU Transit Center

  • Begin by finding the SDSU Transit Center on campus.
  • If you need to purchase a fare, do so before boarding.
  • For students with a discounted monthly, semester, or YOP pass, ensure your pass is validated before getting on the trolley.

Board the westbound trolley

  • Go to the lower level of the station and board the westbound Green Line trolley heading to Old Town.
  • Transfer to the San Diego Flyer Shuttle

Upon arriving at the Old Town Transit Center, find the San Diego Flyer, a free electric shuttle service.

  • The shuttle operates 7 days a week, with pick-ups every 20-30 minutes.
  • Service hours: First pick-up at 4:45 a.m., last pick-up/drop-off at 12:30 a.m.
  • Shuttle stops include Old Town Transit Center, Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport.
  • Amtrak Pacific Sufliner
    • Amtrak to Old Town Transit Center > Green Line MTS Trolley to SDSU
  • Amtrak Bus Thruway
    • Amtrak Thruway Bus expands travel options further by connecting train riders to over 100 destinations from Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite National Park to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Each Thruway Bus is fully air-conditioned with clean bathrooms, free wi-fi, power outlets, and no middle seats for maximum comfort.
  • NCTD Coaster
    • NCTD Coaster to Old Town Transit Center > Green Line trolley to SDSU
  • Metrolink
    • Metrolink to Oceanside Transit Center > Transfer to either the NCTD Coaster or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner > Old Town Transit Center > Green Line trolley to SDSU

Along the Green Line

Using transit to travel throughout San Diego is great, especially if you are traveling downtown and want to avoid dealing with the stress of parking. Some places you can visit using the Green Line Trolley: 

Exit at Stadium Station

Exit at Mission Valley Center Station

Exit at Fashion Valley Station

Exit at Seaport Village Station 

Exit at County Center/Little Italy Station

Student union building at sunset

Welcome to SDSU

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