COASTER — Schedules, Fares & Stops

The COASTER connects Oceanside, CA and San Diego, CA over a 41-mile route operated by NCTD, calling at 3 stations across 1 state.

Quick Facts

Operator: NCTD
Service type: Commuter Rail
Endpoints: Oceanside ↔ San Diego
Distance: 41 mi
Frequency: Weekday peak service plus weekend trips
Stations: 3
States served: 1 (CA)
Typical fare range: $4 – $7

Route guide

The COASTER is a commuter rail service operated by NCTD. Trains run Weekday peak service plus weekend trips over 41 miles of mainline track between Oceanside and San Diego Santa Fe Depot, calling at 3 intermediate and terminal stations across 1 state. For background reading on the corridor, several archival route histories are available alongside the operator's own marketing pages.

What to watch for: Pacific Ocean cliffs at Del Mar — among the most photographed stretches of commuter rail in the country.

History & service notes

Inaugurated in 1995 by the North County Transit District, COASTER shares track with Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink, and BNSF freight along a single-track corridor. Riders interested in pre-Amtrak operating history of the line can consult classic timetable archives for fuller context.

Equipment

Typical consist on the COASTER includes bombardier bi-level coaches, F40PH-2C and Charger F125 locomotives. Equipment assignments may vary by departure and season; consult the operator for the most current information.

Stops along the route

Stations are listed in geographical order from Oceanside to San Diego. Times and exact stop sequencing depend on the specific train number and direction; refer to the operator's timetable for departures.

Sample fares & travel times

Approximate one-way fare ranges and travel times for popular city pairs on this route. Fares vary widely by demand, time of booking, and class of service — these figures are reference midpoints suitable for planning, not booking. Click any pair for a fuller trip guide.

From	To	Distance	Time	Fare
Oceanside	Solana Beach	21 mi	35m	$8 – $13
Solana Beach	San Diego	21 mi	35m	$8 – $13

Connections & transfers

Major hubs along the route offer cross-platform transfers to other intercity and commuter services. From Oceanside, riders can change for connecting trains and intercity buses; the same is true at San Diego. The corridor passes through cities including Oceanside, Solana Beach, and San Diego, each with its own onward service map. A useful reference for cross-network connections is the consolidated national rail connection guide, updated each timetable change.

Trip planning tip. The COASTER's lowest fares typically appear when booked 14 days or more in advance, and on midweek departures. Same-day "walk-up" fares are usually closer to the upper end of the range shown. Saver and Value buckets sell out first.