Parking and Trolley — San Diego
Parking at SDSU
To park on campus, we recommend you park in Parking Structure 12 (or PS12). This is the nearest parking to Storm Hall, where all conference regular sessions will take place. Here’s how to reach PS12 on Google Maps. Enter PS12 by the sports field for easiest conference access. After parking, take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor footbridge. Then, follow the signs across the footbridge to Storm Hall, the white 3-story building visible over the left side of the footbridge.
If you wish to park closer to the dorms (Zura Hall) or the Student Union (for evening events), you may want to park in Parking Lot 3. Explore your options on this map. The Trader Joe’s located on College Ave charges $4/hour for parking, but it can be reduced by 45 minutes with a shopping validation.
How to pay for parking
You have two purchase methods when buying a PS12 parking permit.
A. PayByPhone
Use SDSU’s PayByPhone mobile app for iPhone or Android to pay for parking in most campus lots. While you can use the app to purchase permits for various lots on campus, each permit is specific to the lot for which it was originally purchased.
For PS12, you can purchase a 24-Hour Permit for $20.35 or a Per-Hour Permit for $3.35/hour, for up to 5 hours. Other lots have different options.
Once you have registered for a PayByPhone account:
- Enter the location number posted online and on the PayByPhone signs at the entrance of the parking lot or structure (28512 for PS12).
- Select the amount of time you would like to park.
- Double check that the location number and your vehicle license plate are entered correctly – there are no refunds for entering incorrect information.
- Confirm your choices and pay.
B. Pay Station
Some SDSU parking lots have a physical pay station, including PS12 – at the south end of Level 8.
You can purchase a $15 permit to park for up to 10 hours or a $3/hour permit for up to 4 hours. You can also purchase a Friday-Saturday weekend permit for $30.
To purchase a permit:
- Select the amount of time you would like to park.
- Enter your license plate number in the station machine.
- Select payment method and pay.
Getting around by MTS/Trolley
During the conference you may wish to use the MTS (Metro Transit System) to get to SDSU or to get around San Diego. If you’re staying at the DoubleTree at Hazard Center, the trolley stop is right outside the hotel. You can take the Green Line trolley to SDSU by going in the direction of El Cajon. At SDSU there will be signage and staff helping you find your way to and from the conference buildings. To return to the hotel (or to get to other popular stops) from SDSU, take the trolley toward 12th & Imperial. Trolleys run every 15 minutes most of the day.
The Green Line can take you to popular sights around San Diego, such as:
- Hazard Center Station – Next to the conference hotel
- Fashion Valley Station – Shopping and restaurants
- Old Town Station – Historic district and transit hub.
- Little Italy Station – Top dining and nightlife.
- Gaslamp Quarter Station – Padres games, bars, and rooftop views.
- Seaport Village Station – Waterfront shops and eateries
For more information about the Green Line, connections, and MTS, visit SDSU’s Green Line Guide or check out the trolley schedule.
Fares and payment methods
You can ride most MTS buses and trolleys for $2.50 one-way ($1.25 for seniors, disabled, and Medicare riders), or $6 for a full-day pass. A single fare includes free transfer for two hours. You will be charged a new fare if you tap again after the two-hour window has expired. If you take enough one-way rides to equal the value of a full-day pass, your card or app will stop being charged.
Options to pay for your fare:
OPTION 1: Tap your credit/debit card, contactless mobile wallet, or wearable device at a card scanner near the trolley station or on the bus before you ride. A one-way fare will be deducted, valid for two hours.
OPTION 2: Download the “PRONTO – San Diego” app to your phone. Create an account. Purchase a 1-day pass under “Buy Passes” or add funds. Scan the electronic QR code at the trolley station/on the bus before you ride.
OPTION 3: Purchase a PRONTO card ($2) at a trolley station ticket vending machine. Choose “Buy a New Card” and pick a 1-day pass or add funds. Tap your PRONTO card at a card scanner in the trolley station/on the bus before you ride. At SDSU, ticket machines are located outside the mezzanine level of the trolley station and on the street level above the station.
Explore the ways to pay for MTS services.