Comic-Con International is a vast and magical place. It’s also crowded. Here are some tips for getting around.

You won’t need a sextant or protractor to plot a course, but you should familiarize yourself with the lay of the land, via our online maps (the web version of our Quick Guide will be online next week), especially the Exhibit Hall map (click here to see it). Scope out your favorite booths now, by utilizing our Exhibitor Lists and use them with the map … preparation is key!

When you’re in the Exhibit Hall, please don’t stop in the aisles to take photos of that awesome cosplayer in front of you. Traffic on the floor is dense and constantly moving. We know this is a tough request, but please be mindful of your surroundings and everyone else, especially if you have little ones with you.

The Exhibit Hall is always crowded. If you’re in Hall A and suddenly have the urge to visit Artists’ Alley, way down in Hall G, don’t try to get there through the Hall … Go out into the lobby and head that way. While still crowded, it’ll be much quicker.

A quick way to get up to both the Mezzanine (where Comic-Con Games are located), and the upper level panel rooms and Sails Pavilion is through the back of the Exhibit Hall. Exit through the doors of the back of Hall B2 and you’ll find an elevator and escalators to take you upstairs. This is the only way to get to the Mezzanine! You can also access the upper level panel rooms by the escalators and elevators in the front lobby.

There are no strollers allowed in any of the Programming Rooms, including Hall H, and there are no doublewide or extra large strollers allowed anywhere in the Convention Center. There is stroller parking available at three separate locations in the Convention Center (upstairs near rooms 2-9 and near Ballroom 20, and one near Hall H on the ground level). Stroller parking is free of charge and provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note: Comic-Con will not provide security or check-in/check-out for the strollers. Check the Convention Center map on pages 4 and 5 of your copy of the Quick Guide.

Please be aware that, due to safety reasons, no handcarts, trolleys, rolling luggage, or oversized strollers are allowed in the Exhibit Hall.

Please keep in mind there is NO PAGING at Comic-Con. Have a plan in place to meet somewhere in case your cell phone battery dies. It’s sometimes difficult to communicate via phone in the Convention Center, due to the high level of activity, so pick a time and a place to meet.

Finally, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR BADGE (yes, we’re shouting) … it’s the only thing that will allow you to navigate the convention! Security guards will stop you from entering if your badge is not prominently displayed. If asked to show your badge, please do so.

Remember your first, best, and most accurate source for information—including our daily Toucan Tip—is right here on the Comic-Con website and Toucan, the only OFFICIAL SDCC blog. Bookmark Toucan and the Comic-Con Front Page for the latest updates for the big show!