How to get from San Diego International Airport to Carlsbad

Taking the Coaster train from San Diego Airport to Carlsbad is a great cost-savvy travel alternative. The train provides fast transportation straight to downtown Carlsbad in just 50 minutes. However, you will first have to travel the short 5-minute trip on the San Diego Flyer from SAN airport to San Diego Old Town Station.

The San Diego Flyer offers free airport shuttle rides to-and-from Old Town Station. A regular one-way train ticket from the Transit Center to Carlsbad costs $6.50 (€5.70) and $13 (€11.40) for a return.

It is worth keeping in mind that the Coaster train offers reduced prices for seniors, youth and disabled citizens; a one-way ticket costs $3.25 (€2.85) and a return ticket costs $6.50 (€5.70) if you show appropriate documentation.

Although being cost-savvy and quite direct, the Coaster train only runs from 05:16 to 19:36, meaning that if you arrive in the evening, you will need to find another way of transportation from San Diego airport to Carlsbad.

Please note that there is an alternative bus route too, however, it is a much longer trip, taking 3 hours. This would involve taking the San Diego Flyer to Old Town Transit Center, then taking the bus line 30 to Gilman Dr & Myers Dr and changing to bus line 101, which would take you to Carlsbad Bl & Oak Ave for the total price of $5 (€4.40).