San Diego, December 4, 2025
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is providing free shuttle services to Balboa Park for the bustling December Nights event. This initiative, scheduled for December 5 and 6, aims to alleviate heavy traffic and parking challenges, making it easier for attendees to enjoy the festive celebrations. The shuttle service will operate from City College Transit Center to various stops around the park, promoting civic participation and accessibility during this beloved local tradition.
San Diego, CA – MTS Offers Free Shuttle Rides to Balboa Park for December Nights
Enjoy Hassle-Free Access to Balboa Park Events
San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is providing free shuttle services to Balboa Park for the December Nights event on December 5 and 6, 2025.
The December Nights event, a beloved annual tradition, draws large crowds and festive cheer, making it vital for attendees to have easy access to the park without encountering heavy traffic or parking issues. MTS’s shuttle service represents an innovative response to logistical challenges and showcases the community’s commitment to accessibility and public engagement. By offering this convenient transit option, MTS promotes the spirit of civic involvement and enhances participation in local celebrations.
Free Shuttle Service Details
To alleviate heavy traffic and limited parking around Balboa Park during December Nights, MTS is offering a special event shuttle between City College and Balboa Park. The shuttle will operate on Friday, December 5, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturday, December 6, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The shuttle will travel in the southbound bus-only lane on Park Boulevard, serving all southbound stops between Zoo Drive and Broadway, helping riders bypass congestion and arrive faster. This initiative is a clear example of effective planning that benefits the entire community.
Accessing the Shuttle
Riders can access the free shuttle service as follows:
- From UC San Diego Blue Line or Orange Line:
- East Side of Balboa Park: Take the Trolley to City College and transfer to the free special event shuttle located on 11th Street.
- West Side of Balboa Park: Take the Trolley to Fifth Avenue Trolley Station, then transfer to northbound Route 3 or 120 at Fifth Avenue & C Street.
- From Green Line:
- West Side of Balboa Park: Take the Trolley to Fashion Valley Transit Center, then transfer to southbound Route 120, deboarding at Fourth and Laurel Streets.
For return trips, the shuttle will pick up at any southbound bus stop on the west side of Park Boulevard.
Alternative Transit Options
For access to the west side of Balboa Park, riders can also take Routes 3 or 120 from Fifth Avenue Trolley Station. Return service to the Trolley on southbound Route 3 or 120 is available at Fourth and Laurel Street until approximately 11:45 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Detour Information
Due to increased traffic around Balboa Park during December Nights, MTS advises riders on Route 7 and Rapid 215 to plan ahead, travel early, and expect delays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. During the event, both routes will detour via State Route 163 and will not serve bus stops along Park Boulevard between University Avenue and City College. Regular service on Park Boulevard is expected to resume around 11 p.m. each night.
Additional Tips
- Plan Ahead: Large crowds are expected, and traffic congestion will be significant. Use the MTS Trip Planner to plan your trip ahead of time.
- Contactless Payment: Riders can tap or scan a credit card or mobile wallet directly on a payment validator on the Trolley platform or while boarding a bus. One-way trips are only $2.50 and allow unlimited transfers for two hours.
- Park and Ride: Utilize one of dozens of Park and Ride lots, most of which are free, to access the Trolley system.
For more information on detours and transit options, visit the MTS December Nights webpage.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner, and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments, and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts, and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates and times for the free shuttle service to Balboa Park?
The free shuttle service will operate on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where can I catch the free shuttle to Balboa Park?
You can catch the free shuttle at City College Transit Center. For access to the east side of Balboa Park, transfer to the shuttle located on 11th Street. For the west side, take the Trolley to Fifth Avenue Trolley Station and transfer to northbound Route 3 or 120 at Fifth Avenue & C Street.
How can I pay for regular MTS services during December Nights?
Riders can tap or scan a credit card or mobile wallet directly on a payment validator on the Trolley platform or while boarding a bus. One-way trips are $2.50 and allow unlimited transfers for two hours.
Are there any detours or service changes during December Nights?
Yes, Routes 7 and Rapid 215 will detour via State Route 163 and will not serve bus stops along Park Boulevard between University Avenue and City College from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Regular service on Park Boulevard is expected to resume around 11 p.m. each night.
How can I plan my trip to avoid traffic and parking hassles during December Nights?
Utilize the MTS Trip Planner to plan your trip ahead of time. Consider using Park and Ride lots to access the Trolley system and take advantage of the free shuttle service to Balboa Park.
Key Features of MTS Free Shuttle Service to Balboa Park for December Nights
| Date | Time | Departure Location | Access to Balboa Park | Return Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 5, 2025 | 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. | City College Transit Center | East Side: Transfer to shuttle on 11th Street; West Side: Take Trolley to Fifth Avenue Trolley Station, then transfer to northbound Route 3 or 120 at Fifth Avenue & C Street | Pick up at any southbound bus stop on the west side of Park Boulevard |
| December 6, 2025 | 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. | City College Transit Center | East Side: Transfer to shuttle on 11th Street; West Side: Take Trolley to Fifth Avenue Trolley Station, then transfer to northbound Route 3 or 120 at Fifth Avenue & C Street | Pick up at any southbound bus stop on the west side of Park Boulevard |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
December Nights Festival Returns to Balboa Park
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
