Solana Beach is one of those rare places where you can hop off a train, grab coffee on Cedros, and be at the beach in minutes. If you’re trying to do it car-free, here’s the playbook I created for friends.
- Grab PRONTO (app or card). Load a few bucks and you’re set for buses, COASTER, and more. Tap to ride; it’ll keep your costs sensible with fare capping on most services.
- Save this address: Solana Beach Station – 105 N Cedros Ave. That’s your hub for everything—trains, shuttles, and an easy walk to shops and sand.
- Plan on the fly: 511 trip planner or the transit apps will show live arrivals and any alerts.
Trains (The Scenic Way)
- COASTER – The coastal commuter train that links Oceanside ↔ Solana Beach ↔ Downtown San Diego. It’s fast, pretty, and drops you right in the Design District. Check the schedule before you go; weekends and events can vary.
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner – Great for longer hops (LA, OC, SD). Bikes and surfboards are often allowed with simple rules—peek at the latest policies when you book.
Buses (Your Local Connectors)
- BREEZE – Solid coverage up and down North County. If you remember one route, make it Route 101: it hugs the coast and makes beach-to-beach hops easy (Cardiff, Encinitas, Carlsbad, etc.).
- FLEX – Think “fill-in-the-gaps” service. Some trips are on-demand or will deviate a bit off the route—handy if you’re just outside the main corridors.
Bike & E-Bike (Highly Recommended)
- The Coastal Rail Trail runs right through town and connects beautifully with neighborhood streets and beach access.
- E-bikes are common here—just ride politely, slow to pass on the trail, and bell/voice when overtaking. Helmets for under-18s, and common-sense road rules apply.
Accessibility & Paratransit
- ADA paratransit (LIFT) covers door-to-door trips for riders who can’t use fixed routes.
- Dial-A-Ride (City) offers subsidized rides for eligible Solana Beach residents (generally seniors or those with disabilities). If that’s you or a family member, it’s worth looking into.
Paying for Rides (Simple)
- PRONTO app/card handles almost everything. Tap to board, and you’re done.
- Tip: COASTER is priced a bit differently than local bus—just choose the COASTER fare when riding the train and you’re covered.
Easy, Car-Free Itineraries
- Cedros + Beach Day: Train to Solana Beach → stroll Cedros (coffee, galleries, boutiques) → walk to Fletcher Cove for sunset.
- North County Hop: Bus 101 north for Encinitas breakfast, Moonlight Beach, and an afternoon in Carlsbad Village—no parking drama, ever.
- Del Mar Events: During fair/race season, take the train to Solana Beach and hop the event shuttle to the fairgrounds. It beats traffic by a mile.
Whether you prefer the convenience of public transportation, the freedom of biking, or the flexibility of driving, Solana Beach offers plenty of options for getting around. With an extensive network of buses and trains, as well as bike-friendly streets and well-maintained roads, exploring the area has never been easier. So why wait? Plan your next adventure in Solana Beach today and discover all this charming coastal community offers.