OCEANSIDE–Public transportation is expected to increase during San Diego Comic-Con International and Opening Day of the Del Mar racetrack this week.
The North County Transit District will add two Coaster southbound trains and two northbound trains scheduled on Opening Day this Wednesday to take race-goers to and from the festivities. Once at the Solana Beach Station, passengers can catch a shuttle to and from the race track.
Opening Day at the Del Mar Races
Southbound COASTER 650
11:20 a.m. Oceanside Transit Center
11:44 a.m. Solana Beach Station
12:21 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
Southbound COASTER 664
6:42 p.m. Oceanside Transit Center
7:05 p.m. Solana Beach Station
7:50 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
Northbound COASTER 643
12:30 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
1:09 p.m. Solana Beach Station
1:33 p.m. Oceanside Transit Center
Northbound COASTER 671
8:12 p.m. Santa Fe Depot
8:50 p.m. Solana Beach Station
9:15 p.m. Oceanside Transit Center
These additional trains will make all Coaster stops.
Pony Express Ticket
To help guests relax on their trip and save money, the transit district continues to offer the “Pony Express” ticket this year—an $11 ticket that covers round-trip fare on the Coaster, Sprinter, or Breeze, and Stretch-Run admission to the Del Mar races for one day. The Pony Express ticket can be purchased at transit district depot ticket vending machines, or online on the mobile app Compass Cloud. This ticket is not valid on Opening Day.
Comic-Con
With more than 100,000 guests expected from around the world at this year’s Comic-Con, the transit district will provide service for passengers who live or are staying in north San Diego county. Comic-Con goers, and other visitors to downtown San Diego, should be aware of a special non-regularly scheduled northbound train that will depart Santa Fe Depot at 9:15 p.m. on July 22.
Passengers can purchase a Region Plus Day Pass for $12 at ticket vending machines located at Coaster and Sprinter stations, or through the transit district’s mobile app Compass Cloud. These passes cover all-day usage of the Coaster, Sprinter, and Breeze, as well as MTS Trolley and buses.
Amtrak Rail2Rail Blackout Dates
Coaster passengers should also be aware of the Amtrak Rail2Rail blackout dates for the opening week of the Del Mar Races, and during Comic-Con. During July 19 to 23, Coaster fare will not be accepted on the Amtrak trains listed on the Coaster schedule.
Passengers can avoid waiting in line by purchasing their tickets ahead of time on the North County Transit District’s mobile app, Compass Cloud.
When traveling from a transit station, extra time should be allowed for parking due the amount of people utilizing transit on these event days.
For trip planning assistance, passengers can contact NCTD Customer Service at (760) 966-6500.
