San ysidro Greyhound bus station

Question

Can we park our car at the bus station for four nights without cost? Is it safe?

Answer

Good question. Short answer: No reliable evidence supports that you can safely park your car *at the San Ysidro Greyhound station* for free for four consecutive nights. Here’s what I found out — and some safer alternatives.

What the research shows:

The San Ysidro Greyhound (bus) terminal address is 731 E San Ysidro Blvd, per Greyhound.
There is *no published Greyhound policy* or signage that guarantees long-term or overnight parking for four nights. Their site does not list “station lot parking,” only the bus stop itself.
According to the City of San Ysidro parking study, there are some on-street public parking spaces with “no time limit” (135 spaces) in the San Ysidro area. But “no time limit” on public street parking does not guarantee unattended vehicles are 100% safe, especially for multiple nights.
Border-area parking lots (near the border and transit center) tend to be paid, staffed, and better secured. For example, Border Station Parking (near Camino de la Plaza) is open 24/7 and is fenced and well-lit.
Multiple Reddit users warn about leaving cars overnight in San Ysidro: > “Overnight is somewhat more risky … *technically* parking is limited to 24 hours.”
There are city “Safe Parking” programs in San Diego for overnight car stays, but these are *not the Greyhound lot* and typically require enrollment.

Risks & Safety:

Leaving a car unattended for several nights in a non-secure or unofficial lot increases risk of break-ins or vandalism. Several people suggest locking everything up and not leaving valuables visible.
Street parking may be free in some areas, but signage for time limits, street sweeping, and other restrictions must be carefully checked.
Even fenced lots like the ones near the border may charge daily rates (e.g., $20–$40/day depending on lot) — so “free” long-term parking is unlikely.

Recommendations / Safer Alternatives:

Use a paid, secure lot: Border Station Parking is a good choice — guarded, well-lit, and available 24/7.
Consider transit or park-and-ride: Instead of parking at the Greyhound station, park at another transit center or trolley station with known overnight parking, then take local transit or a ride-share to your bus. (Note: many transit center lots require permits or have time limits.)
Double-check signage when you arrive: Don’t assume “no time limit” means unattended overnight parking is okay. Some spots may look available but have restrictions.

Bottom Line: Parking for free at the San Ysidro Greyhound station for four nights is risky and not well supported by public information or user reports. A much safer and more reliable approach is to pay for a dedicated lot nearby or use a transit station with overnight parking. If you decide to leave your car, make sure it’s in a well-lit, well-trafficked, secure area, and don’t leave anything valuable inside.