San Diego, CA, USA to Encinitas, CA, USA from $2: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Diego to Encinitas: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$2 by trainBest price
39 kmDistance
29m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Encinitas with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
San Diego - Encinitas operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Encinitas, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
gonctd.com
Train from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot to Encinitas Station
Average Duration
45mEstimated price
$2-6Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Bus from San Diego Santa Fe Depot to Solana Beach Amtrak Station
Average Duration
30mEstimated price
0-0Website
gonctd.com
Bus from Hwy 101 & Lomas Santa Fe Dr to Hwy 101 & K St
Average Duration
12mEstimated price
$1-5Bus from La Jolla Village Dr & Genesee Av to Hwy 101 & K St
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$1-5Contact phone
+1 619-291-3333Taxi from San Diego to Encinitas
Average Duration
29mEstimated price
$90-110Drive from San Diego to Encinitas
Average Duration
29mEstimated price
$4-8San Diego to Encinitas: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Encinitas offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque drive from San Diego to Encinitas, covering a distance of 27 miles with a travel time of around 29 minutes. Enjoy the scenic coastal views as you cruise along the highway towards your destination.
💸 Discover affordable travel options with car prices ranging from $4 to $8 for the journey from San Diego to Encinitas. Plan your budget-friendly trip and experience the convenience of exploring these vibrant California locales at your own pace.
Average price
$4 - $8
🚆 Traveling by train from San Diego to Encinitas is a convenient and efficient way to explore the coastal cities of California. The direct train service departs from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot and arrives at Encinitas Station, taking approximately 45 minutes for the journey.
🎫 The train services, operated by North County Transit, run hourly and operate every day, offering a budget-friendly option with ticket prices ranging from $2 to $6 for the trip. With a short travel time and frequent departures, passengers can enjoy a scenic ride along the Pacific coastline.
🌊 For a longer but scenic route, travelers can opt for a journey that includes a transfer at Oceanside Transportation Center. This route takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes, covering a distance of 52.3 miles before arriving at Encinitas Station. By combining different train services, passengers can experience a diverse range of landscapes on their way to their destination.
Departure Point
San Diego - Santa Fe Depot station
Arrival Point
Encinitas Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your trip from San Diego to Encinitas, consider traveling with Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner. The onboard catering service offers a variety of snacks and meals, including breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and beverages. Be sure to check the menu in advance to plan your meal accordingly.
• The Pacific Surfliner provides different seating options, including Business Class and Economy Class. Business Class offers more spacious seating with extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, making it ideal for a comfortable journey. Economy Class is budget-friendly but still provides comfortable seating. Be sure to book your tickets early, as Business Class may sell out fast due to its added comfort.
• Two operators service the route between San Diego and Encinitas: Amtrak (amtrak.com) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) (gonctd.com). While Amtrak offers a scenic route along the coast, NCTD's COASTER trains also provide local transit options to Encinitas. For further travel options, the NCTD website offers local bus schedules and routes to help you navigate the area quickly.
🚌 Departing from San Diego Santa Fe Depot, travelers can embark on a scenic bus journey to Encinitas. There is no direct route, but the trip includes a transfer and typically lasts around 1 hour and 5 minutes.
🛤️ The route from San Diego to Encinitas spans approximately 34.5 miles, offering passengers a glimpse of coastal beauty along the way. The first step entails a bus ride towards UTC Express, with a transfer to a bus heading to Oceanside for the final leg of the trip.
🌊 Upon arrival at Encinitas' Hwy 101 & K St station, explorers can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal town. The journey by bus provides a convenient and affordable means of travel, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery during the brief 1 hour and 5 minute commute.
Departure Point
San Diego Santa Fe Depot station
Arrival Point
Hwy 101 & K St station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Start your journey at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot, ensure you have enough time to find the MTS bus toward UTC Express, which is your first leg to La Jolla Village Drive; you can check the MTS schedule at sdmts.com
• For your transfer at La Jolla Village Drive, look for the Breeze bus that goes toward Oceanside, as this will take you straight to the Highway 101 & K St stop in Encinitas; refer to the North County Transit District for detailed bus schedules at gonctd.com
• Upon arriving at Highway 101 & K St in Encinitas, be prepared for a lovely coastal atmosphere; you can easily walk to nearby restaurants and beaches, and if you need directions, the area is well-marked with signs, or you can ask locals for tips on dining or attractions.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Encinitas.
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The distance between San Diego and Encinitas is approximately 38.6 km by road. The typical travel time by train from San Diego to Encinitas is not provided. However, it takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes to reach Encinitas from San Diego by taking a tram and then a line 101 bus. On the other hand, it takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Encinitas from San Diego by bus.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Encinitas is by train, with tickets costing between $2 and $6. This journey typically takes around 45 minutes. However, if time efficiency is the priority, taking a taxi would be the quickest option, with a travel time of around 29 minutes. Keep in mind that the cost of a taxi is significantly higher, ranging from $90 to $110.
The prices for traveling from San Diego to Encinitas by train typically range from $2 to $6, depending on the specific train and ticket type.
To travel from San Diego to Encinitas without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 43.5 km, which takes around 29 minutes. The road distance between the two cities is 43.8 km. The cost of driving from San Diego to Encinitas by car can vary, typically ranging from $4 to $8, depending on the current fuel prices.
The best and most convenient way to travel from San Diego to Encinitas without a car is by train. The train journey takes around 45 minutes and offers a comfortable and scenic ride. The cost of the train ticket ranges between $2 and $6, making it an affordable option for transportation between these two cities.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and Encinitas. The train operated by North County Transit departs from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot and arrives at Encinitas Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and the train service operates hourly, every day. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, but there are bus services available with transfers that take approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Encinitas with over 625 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $52 per night, and there is a wide range of options available to suit different budgets and preferences.
Yes, you can definitely travel from San Diego to Encinitas by bicycle.