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San Diego, CA, USA to Encinitas, CA, USA from $2: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
San Diego, United States of America
to
Encinitas, United States of America

How to Get from San Diego to Encinitas: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
North County Transit
Train
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$2-6
Recommended
Company
North County Transit
Train
Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$2-6
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 39 km
Duration: 29m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
1h  5m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Various
Tram
Bus
Average Duration
2h  3m
Estimated price
$2-8
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$4-8
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$90-110
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Traveling From San Diego to Encinitas

The journey from San Diego to Encinitas offers a delightful contrast between the vibrant urban life of the city and the tranquil, laid-back beach atmosphere of Encinitas.

Best Neighbourhoods in Encinitas

Encinitas boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct charm and experiences.

Leucadia
• Stunning beaches with scenic coastal views.
• Quaint shops and vibrant local art scene.
Old Encinitas
• Historic buildings brimming with character.
• Lively dining scene with seaside options.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
• Serene beaches ideal for surfing and relaxation.
• Delicious eateries with a focus on fresh seafood.

Best Times To Visit Encinitas's Attractions

Encinitas offers numerous attractions, and knowing the best times to visit can enhance your experience.

Moonlight Beach
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning sunsets.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Weekdays in spring provide vibrant blooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
Swami's Beach
Go during weekday mornings to enjoy a quieter experience and ideal surfing conditions.

Encinitas Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Encinitas enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool winters, making it a pleasant getaway throughout the year. Generally, the best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller, allowing for a more enjoyable travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

Head over to Swami's Café for their signature acai bowl, where fresh local ingredients create a vibrant, health-focused meal that contrasts sharply with San Diego's more eclectic dining scene. The relaxed beachside atmosphere and emphasis on wholesome, organic flavors truly set the Encinitas dining experience apart.

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.

Train Show train routes
Website
gonctd.com

Train from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot to Encinitas Station

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$2-6
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Bus from San Diego Santa Fe Depot to Solana Beach Amtrak Station

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
0-0
Website
gonctd.com

Bus from Hwy 101 & Lomas Santa Fe Dr to Hwy 101 & K St

Average Duration
12m
Estimated price
$1-5

Bus from La Jolla Village Dr & Genesee Av to Hwy 101 & K St

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$1-5
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 619-291-3333

Taxi from San Diego to Encinitas

Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$90-110
Drive

Drive from San Diego to Encinitas

Average Duration
29m
Estimated price
$4-8

San 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 24 miles or 27.2 miles by road. By train, it typically takes around 30 minutes to reach Encinitas from San Diego. Taking the Tram and then the line 101 bus, the travel time is approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. By car, it takes about 25 minutes to reach San Diego from Encinitas, and by bus, the travel time is around 1 hour and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to Encinitas is by train, which costs between $2 and $6 and takes approximately 45 minutes. This option provides a good balance between cost and time efficiency. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way to reach Encinitas from San Diego is by taking a taxi, which costs between $90 and $110 and takes around 29 minutes. This option is more expensive but saves time for those in a hurry.
The prices of a train between San Diego and Encinitas vary from $2 to $6. The cost typically depends on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and any discounts available. It is always recommended to check the current fare prices and any promotional offers before planning your journey.
To get from San Diego to Encinitas without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is 27 miles, and it takes approximately 29 minutes to drive from San Diego to Encinitas. The cost of fuel for this journey can range from $4 to $8, depending on the current gas prices.
To travel from San Diego to Encinitas without a car, the best option is to take the train. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs between $2 and $6. The train offers a convenient and affordable mode of transportation between these two cities.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Diego and Encinitas. There is a train service operated by North County Transit that departs from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot and arrives at Encinitas Station. The journey on the train takes approximately 45 minutes and services operate hourly, every day. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, but there are bus services operated by Amtrak and North County Transit that can take you from San Diego to Encinitas with a transfer along the way.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Encinitas. With over 625 hotels available, you will have a wide range to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $52, ensuring there is an option to fit every budget. Whether you are looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly motel, you will have plenty of choices to make your stay in Encinitas comfortable.
Yes, you can definitely travel from San Diego to Encinitas by bicycle. It is recommended to plan your route in advance and check for any bike lanes or trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Trips from San Diego