Oceanside CA— It’s time once again to don those big hats and fancy suits, whether it be for dressing to impress at the Del Mar Races or for cosplaying at Comic-Con International: San Diego. Either way, the North County Transit District is ready to move passengers to their destination!
Opening Day at the Del Mar Races (Wed, July 17)
COASTER will offer regular service with trains traveling north and south through Solana Beach during the day. Once at the Solana Beach Station, passengers can catch a shuttle taking them directly to the racetrack. Large crowds are expected for the morning trains so it is advisable to allow extra time for parking and ticket purchasing. To avoid lines at the ticket machines, passengers can purchase fare ahead of time on the Compass Cloud mobile app. Neither Pony Express tickets or Amtrak Rail2Rail fares will be accepted on Opening Day. All Amtrak passengers must have a valid Amtrak ticket.
Pony Express Ticket Package
Race-goers wanting to avoid Del Mar traffic while saving money can purchase the “Pony Express” ticket – a $12 package that covers your round-trip fare on the COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE, as well as Stretch-Run admission to the Del Mar Races for one day. The Pony Express ticket can be purchased at NCTD ticket vending machines or on the Compass Cloud mobile app. Again, this ticket is not valid on Opening Day (July 17).
2019 Comic-Con International: San Diego
With more than 100,000 guests expected from around the world at this year’s Comic-Con, NCTD will provide service for characters and passengers alike who are travelling from northern San Diego County. This year, attendees will have the option of getting to Con early by riding early morning southbound trains on Saturday and Sunday.
The extra COASTER trains will service stations on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at the following times:

• Oceanside – 7:30 a.m.
• Carlsbad Village – 7:35 a.m.
• Carlsbad Poinsettia – 7:40 a.m.
• Encinitas – 7:46 a.m.
• Solana Beach – 7:52 a.m.
• Sorrento Valley – 8:01 a.m.
• Old Town – 8:23 a.m.
• Santa Fe Depot – 8:31 a.m.

Passengers can purchase a RegionPlus Day Pass for $12 at ticket vending machines or via the Compass Cloud mobile app. These passes cover all-day usage of the COASTER, SPRINTER, and BREEZE, as well as MTS Trolley and buses.
Amtrak Rail2Rail Blackout Dates
NCTD COASTER passengers should be aware of the Amtrak Rail2Rail blackout dates for the opening week of the Del Mar Races and during Comic-Con. From July 17-22, COASTER fare will not be accepted on Amtrak trains.
For trip planning assistance, passengers can visit the NCTD Trip Planner or contact NCTD Customer Service at 760-966-6500