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San Diego – Thanksgiving Transit Guide

November 24, 2024

    Dear Mooviters, 

    It’s that time of year again for turkey, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings! Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest travel times of the year, and using transit can save time and stress.

    Here are some top tips for navigating transit during the holiday:

    🦃Be Prepared for the Turkey Day Traffic & Transit Changes!

    Peak Travel times are:

    • Wednesday, Nov. 27 (just before Thanksgiving)
    • Saturday, Nov. 30 (post-feast travels)
    • Sunday, Dec. 1 (heading home from holiday visits)

    Many Agencies operate holiday, alternative, or no service on the following days:

    • Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28
    • Day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29
    • Complete list of Thanksgiving Service by Popular Agency – see below👇

    🚍Plan Ahead & Take Public Transit to Thanksgiving!

    • 🗓Plan:
      • Use Moovit to plan your trip in advance to check for best travel options.
      • Traveling out of your metropolitan area? No worries, Moovit includes Intercity options like Amtrak, Flixbus, & Megabus.
      • Traveling on Wednesday – consider traveling early or late to avoid the rush. 
      • Park & Ride – check park & ride options in your area to access hub stations and leave the car behind.
    • 🎟Pay:
      • If available pay for your ticket in advance to save hassle at the station
      • Amtrak and other intercity services often require reservations during Thanksgiving. Book tickets as early as possible.
    • 🚌Ride:
      • Use Moovit during your trip for real-time arrivals.
      • Check Moovit for service updates that impact your trip.

    No matter how you choose to travel this Thanksgiving, remember:  Transit offers plenty of options to make your journey smooth, simple, and stress-free. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season—whether you’re shopping, traveling, or spending time with loved ones!


    Thanksgiving Day Service by Agency

    • MTS
      • MTS will operate the following service for Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28th:
        • MTS Bus and Trolley – Sunday Service
        • Rapid Express Routes 280, 290 – No Service
        • Rural Route 892 – No Service on Thanksgiving, but will instead run on Wednesday, 11/27.
        • Rural Route 888, 891, 894 – No Service
        • Sorrento Valley COASTER Connection Routes 972, 973, 974, 978, 979 – No Service
        • Vintage Trolley – Will operate Thanksgiving weekend on Sunday, 11/24. Departs 12th & Imperial Station every hour.
      • MTS will resume regular service on Friday, November 29th.
    • North County Transit District
      • On Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28th, all NCTD buses and trains will operate on a Sunday service schedule.
      • The Encinitas Turkey Trot is back! Breeze 301: Hwy 101 will be partially closed from Encinitas Blvd. to Chesterfield Dr. on Thursday November 28,2024 from 4 a.m. – 12 p.m. approx.
      • On Friday, November 29th, all NCTD buses and all trains will operate on a normal weekday service schedule

    Happy Thanksgiving, 

    The USA Moovit Team

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