Transportation Assistance
Transportation to and from the Cancer Center can sometimes be difficult for patients and their families. Below are a number of transportation options that may help.
To speak to a Cancer Center social worker about transportation assistance, call (858) 822-2168.
Moores Cancer Center Shuttle
The Cancer Center patient shuttle runs Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 4:35 p.m., with stops at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center, UCSD Thornton Hospital, Old Town Transit Center, and Oceanside Transit Center. Patients and caregivers may use the shuttle free of charge. View shuttle schedule.
Pleaes note: The Moores Cancer Center Shuttle no longer stops at the San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest. Patients can use the existing H (Hillcrest – Campus) shuttle between Hillcrest and Thornton Hospital/Moores Cancer Center free of charge. In Hillcrest, the H shuttle stops west of the circle drive, in front of the Arbor Parking Garage. In La Jolla, it stops at Campus Point and Medical Center drives. It leaves every half-hour beginning at 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
North County Transit District
810 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92054-2825
(877) 232-7433
- Service area: Residents of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Solana Beach, San Marcos, Vista, Camp Pendleton, the unincorporated communities of Fallbrook, and Ramona.
- You can also transfer to San Diego paratransit services.
- You must complete an application to become ADA certified. Access it online (select "Complete ADA application"), call (760) 966-6525 to have one mailed to you, or pick one up at NCTD, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You will receive a decision by mail within 21 days.
- Schedule rides at least 14 days in advance.
MTS Access/Paratransit Services
- Service area: San Diego areas other than those served by NCTD (see above)
- Website: www.adaride.com and select "Complete ADA Application."
American Cancer Society
For San Diego and Imperial counties
Road to Recovery Program
(800) 227-2345
- Volunteer-based service
- For persons with cancer only
- 7-10 day advance notice is necessary
- No wheelchairs
- Person must be ambulatory, with no bone involvement.
American Cancer Society Transportation Reimbursement Program
ARC Transportation
(760) 337-8002
- 2-way transport between El Centro and Calexico to La Jolla (Thornton Hospital)
- Hours: 4 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Provides round trip four days a week, with alternating service Mondays and Fridays
- Every two weeks, service provided between El Centro and South County
- Pick up in front of Thornton Hospital at 1:30 - 2 p.m.
- $15 per passenger round trip with pickup at central location, or $21 round trip with home pickup
- For patients or families
- Schedule ahead by phone, or visit www.thearc.org for more information.
iTNSan Diego, Dignified Transportation for Seniors
405 University Avenue, Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 282-0073
Jewish Family Services
(619) 220-0268
- Service area: zip codes 92127, 92128, 92129, 92131, 92064, 92117, 92037, 92111, 92121
- Rides and Smiles program for adults age 60+
- 7-day advance notice required
- Fee based on miles traveled
- Visit http://jewishfamilyservice.org/
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
8575 Gibbs Avenue, Suite 262
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 277-1800
- Must be receiving treatment for one of their covered diseases or syndromes including, but not limited to: multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, or primary amyloidosis.
- Must complete application and be approved.
- $150 per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30); no reporting required.
- Visit leukemia-lymphomasociety.org
Reliable Transportation
(619) 698-1455
- Service area: Downtown San Diego and outlying areas, including Spring Valley, La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Clairemont, and Chula Vista.
- Transport to medical appointments, with no eligibility requirements.
- Rate for ambulatory: $25 round trip, plus $1/mile.
Rate for wheelchair: $85 flat fee.
- Accepts all major credit cards.
- Same-day service is considered, but 1-day notice is preferred.
Ride with Emilio
PO Box 86165
San Diego, CA 92138
(877) 507-7788
- Pick up location must be within the San Diego area.
- Transportation appointments: (619) 944-1754, Mon.-Fri., 8 am to 5 pm
- For pediatric patients with cancer only
- 7-10 day advance notice is necessary
- Folding transportable lightweight wheelchairs accepted
- Person must be ambulatory
- No charge
- Patients should be receiving treatment in San Diego hospitals
- Child should be accompanied by a responsible adult over 21 years