COASTER is a commuter train that travels between Oceanside California and San Diego California. This commuter train service is operated by the North County Transit District (NCTD). In this blog, I’m going to review this commuter train. My experiences and ride videos is located at the bottom of this blog.
This double-decker train includes spacious seats, complimentary Wi-Fi, lavatory and electrical outlet.
Fares
As of 2024, the full fare to ride COASTER between Santa Fe Depot in San Diego and Oceanside Transit Center in Oceanside California is $6.50
Type of payments
COASTER Commuter Rail accepts:
- Tickets can be purchased at the ticket vending machine using cash or credit card
- PRONTO Fare Card
- PRONTO Mobile Application for Android or iOS.
Zones
This commuter train passes through three zones. As of 2024, the zone fare is:
- Zone 1: $5.00
- Zone 2: $5.75
- Zone 3: $6.50
Example
If traveling from Oceanside TC to Encintias, the fare will be $5.00 since both stations are located in zone 1.
Tap On/Tap Off
Before boarding the train, if using the PRONTO Fare Card, passengers are required to “TAP ON” the PRONTO Fare Card Reader. The “TAP ON” will record the station zone. After arriving to your destination, tap the PRONTO Fare Card again to “TAP OFF”. By “TAP OFF” will record the end of destination. Then the fare card validator will calculate the final fare. If you do not “TAP OFF”, then NCTD will assume that you have traveled to all zones (thus costing you $6.50)
The Journey
COASTER has one of the best scenery views or all commuter rail lines in North America. This train passes by the coast of California. The view of the Pacific Ocean is amazing during day and afternoon (sunset).
The ride was relaxing and quiet. In addition, the train offered free Wi-Fi (sometimes it may or may not function), USB Type-A Charger port and a standard electrical outlet on every seat.
Oceanside Transit Center Station
At Oceanside TC Station, transfer to:
- Amtrak (Pacific Liner to San Diego, Orange County or Downtown Los Angeles).
- MetroLink Commuter Rail to Orange County and Downtown Los Angeles.
- NCTD Breeze Buses or SPRINTER train to Escondido California.
- Intercity bus lines (like Greyhound or Flixbus)
The address to Oceanside TC Station is:
Santa Fe Depot Station
Santa Fe Depot Station is located in Downtown San Diego. At San Fe Station, passengers can transfer to:
- San Diego MTS Bus (Local , Rapid or Route 992 Airport Bus to San Diego International Airport).
- San Diego MTS Trolley (Blue or Green Line).
- Amtrak Pacific Liner (to Orange County or Downtown Los Angeles).
YouTube Ride Videos
Below are two videos of the full northbound and southbound ride videos.
