Using the San Diego Coaster
to Get Around

Coaster Snapshot

Run by North County Transit District, the Coaster provides 20 trains between North County and San Diego each weekday. On Saturdays, 10 trains are in operation. The Coaster is a fun way to see the coastal lagoons and ocean.

Cost:

Prices start at $4.50 one-way.
Free parking at most stations.
Children under five ride free.
Discounts available with valid Trolley ticket.
No Coaster operation on most Sundays and major holidays.

Please see the Coaster web site for current rates and more information.

san diego coaster

Trains are always a big hit in our family and the convenience of the San Diego Coaster makes a train ride an easy, fun event. Whether you're local or just in town for a visit, your children are sure to enjoy a trip on the Coaster.

In order to cut down on the amount of traffic roaming around the city, citizens and visitors to the area can take a ride on the San Diego Coaster. Though it sounds like a fun ride at a theme park, it's actually a form of mass transit in the form of a passenger train. It's a great way to see all the sights without having to fight traffic.

The Coaster runs Monday through Saturday. The train does not run on Sundays, unless the Padres are playing a home game. The trains hold up to 1,000 passengers at a time, and run five cars per train. Some trains have added a sixth car to increase capacity and comfort for passengers.

Fares for riding the Coaster vary, depending on the age and versatility of the rider. Children under 5 get to ride for free, while senior citizens and the disabled ride at a reduced price. There are also monthly fees for those who ride the Coaster on a regular basis. The company is also working on coming out with a "smart card" which will work on the same theory as any debit card, making travel even easier.

The Coaster can take passengers to some of the biggest attractions in the San Diego area. From the Civic Center to Balboa Park, passengers can get to where they need to go without having to worry about gas or traffic jams. You can even take the Coaster as far as the Mexican-American border. If it's worth visiting in San Diego, you can get there via the Coaster.

In a society where everyone is going green, the San Diego Coaster is doing their part for the people of Southern California and the environment. If you're visiting the San Diego area, save time and money by taking a trip on the Coaster. Your wallet, and the planet, will thank you.

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