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[Yzrfan]

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For over a thousand generations, the Comic Con Nerds were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times... before the Twilhearts

[StarBell84]

Hi there,

I've taken Amtrak to Comic Con from the Los Angeles area a couple of times, but I've never taken it home. Someone told me that she was stranded on Sunday after the con because there was no room for her on the train back to LA. That has me a little concerned. I'm booked on the 6:45 pm train home, but it's an unreserved coach seat. Does anyone have any advice about taking the train back to LA? Do I need to get there super early? Not sure what to expect or who to ask about it. All replies appreciated!

Best,
Xina

I took Amtrak to and from the Con last year from Los Angeles and I'm doing it again this year. I agree the best way to go is to see if you can upgrade to a business class seat if you can put up the extra cash. It at least guarantees you a seat. If upgrading to business class isn't an option then I would suggest getting there early but even then I personally would worry because once the train arrives whose to say people won't bunch together and cut to get themselves and luggage on board.

Safe Bet - Business Class

Take a Chance - Arrive early and make sure you are at the door when it opens.

[Friends of Comic Cons]

[nvj29]

Does/have anyone used a comp shuttle for the airport that was provided by the hotels? A few will take you to the airport, but I don't see any that will take you to the hotel from the airport.

[Mel]

Call your hotel and ask if the pickup at airport

[Jim Watari]

From what I remember there are very few free hotel shuttles to/from the airport , Holiday Inn has one .

[nvj29]

I checked a few of the hotels on my list for the sale and some have shuttles to the airport, just not to/from.

[Mel]

If your hotel is downton, it's gonna be a very short and cheap cab ride. There's always an ample taxi line waiting at the airport to give rides

[Emerald_Mom]

Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.

[brand4d2]

Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.

Yes, you can buy trolley passes ahead of time - usually they have a special that includes all days of SDCC.  Each day is around $5 or so which means we're looking at approximately $25 for the pass.   Passes can be bought at the stations or even on the San Diego transit app, MTS is what I think their transit system is called. 

[Zero]

Ok, I have a question about trolleys/buses... how much is it to ride and can you get a pass ahead of time?  This is my 1st time and since they had the massive screw-up with TP I'm not holding my breath on getting a downtown hotel.

Yes, you can buy trolley passes ahead of time - usually they have a special that includes all days of SDCC.  Each day is around $5 or so which means we're looking at approximately $25 for the pass.   Passes can be bought at the stations or even on the San Diego transit app, MTS is what I think their transit system is called. 

That's correct.  MTS, or Metropolitan Transit System, is San Diego's public transportation system. 

You can purchase trolley passes (it will be a plastic "Compass" card) in advance, either at a transit kiosk (located at the trolley station) or electronically through the MTS app that you can download on your phone.

They also have special commemorative Comic-Con-themed passes that are available at certain times of the day as well.  Same pricing for the most part, but these have different designs on them, versus the generic plastic ("Compass" card).  Personally, I'd go for the plastic "Compass" card because you can reload it as many times as you want, and the actual card can be kept for several years.

Here's the summary of this information on the MTS website:

Paper Tickets & Passes on Compass Card

The easiest way to buy your Comic-Con Trolley pass is with the new mTicket app, but you still have the option of buying a physical ticket or pass, too. Regular 1—4 day passes can be purchased from ticket vending machines at Trolley stations. These ticket machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.

Passes must be loaded onto a plastic Compass Card, which costs $2 if you do not already have one. But once you buy your Compass Card, hang on to it-your Compass Card can be reloaded and used for years!

MTS will also be selling special commemorative paper Comic-Con day passes, which do not require a Compass Card and can be purchased at select Trolley stations with ticket booth sales.

To get an idea of the pricing and the trolley routes, take a look at the Comic-Con 2014 MTS trolley page:
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Later on in the year, as it gets closer to Comic-Con, the website will be updated with Comic-Con 2015 information.

Hope that helps! ^__^

[Emerald_Mom]

Thanks Zero! Now to wait and see what hotel we get if any?!?!

[Transmute Jun]

Thanks Zero! Now to wait and see what hotel we get if any?!?!

Just remember, there *will* be a room for you. The worst that will happen is that you will be out in Mission Valley or Hotel Circle. These hotels are always available after the lottery results are out, and even in June you can still get a room at these hotels. Not ideal, but they are rooms and they are on the shuttle line. So don't worry - there is a room for you out there!

[Emerald_Mom]

Thanks TJ, makes me feel better.  This is my first time and it has been a bit overwhelming!

[brand4d2]

EmeraldMom, I just want to reassure you that both the shuttle system and the trolley system are pretty convenient.  I'm sure right now it may look intimidating and complex but rest assured that if you have to rely on either, you'll see tons of other con goers doing the same and if you're ever unsure about directions or what lines to take, there's always people you can ask.   

[Mel]

I like to get the commemorative Comic-Con passes for trolley. You can't get them until PN though. But they can be purchased at Qualcomm, Fashion Valley and Convention Center stops.....and some others too, but not at all stations, most trolley stations aren't manned with a person selling tickets and only have self-serve kiosks. Those kiosks will not distribute the cool commemorative passes.