California - Metrolink to Coaster?

I've never taken it myself, and my research has never conclusive answered this question: Can one actually take the Metrolink to Oceanside, then transfer onto the Coaster (paying all fares, of course).

I remember that the last time I check, the times were completely off... but I don't even know if they stop at the same terminus.

(And of course as I'm writing this, the Surfliner just rumbled past :))

I've never taken it myself, and my research has never conclusive answered this question: Can one actually take the Metrolink to Oceanside, then transfer onto the Coaster (paying all fares, of course).

I remember that the last time I check, the times were completely off... but I don't even know if they stop at the same terminus.

(And of course as I'm writing this, the Surfliner just rumbled past :))

Both Metrolink and Coaster stop at the Oceanside Amtrak station.

It is theoretically possible to use both systems in a single trip, but, as you
may have noticed, they do not connect particularly well (expect a long wait
in Oceanside....)

Where are you trying to go from/to? and when?

Both Metrolink and Coaster stop at the Oceanside Amtrak station.

It is theoretically possible to use both systems in a single trip, but, as you
may have noticed, they do not connect particularly well (expect a long wait
in Oceanside....)

Where are you trying to go from/to? and when?
Nowhere in particular... just wondering if there's a viable alternative to my driving down to SD. I'm looking for OC to downtown SD to trolley.

I have thought of taking the train to SD, but my problem is what do I do when I arrive at the station? I have to drive around to various companies, but a taxi would be prohibitively expensive. I haven't found a rental car company in close proximity to any useful station. I'd love to take the train to the Oceanside of La Jolla area, but it's just not practical.

The Oceanside Station has Metroliner, Coaster, and Amtrak all coming in on the same tracks. Solana Beach has Amtrak and Coaster, and downtown San Diego has Coaster and Amtrak.

I've taken the redline from K-town to Union Station -- transferred to Amtrak and got off at Solana Beach where there's a bus stop across from the station. This bus ($1.75) takes you to UC San Diego where I always get off so I don't know where it goes from there... Some friends used to transfer at SD union station from the Amtrak to the coaster that goes all the way down to TJ.

It's actually quite easy given the horrid state of public transportation in S. California.

Continental Fan - there used to be a car rental in UTC right off UCSD campus -- I think connected with the Radisson hotel on La Jolla Village Blvd. This was many years ago so not sure what's available anymore but worth a check.

fishee, are you currently a UCSD student. If so, you should come to one of our SAN dinners!

I've noticed a National car rental office on the Coast Highway, close to the Amtrak Station in Solana Beach. I'm not sure if it is walking distance, but I suspect it is.

fishee, are you currently a UCSD student. If so, ou should come to one of our SAN dinners!

I've noticed a National car rental office on the Coast Highway, close to the Amtrak Station in Solana Beach. I'm not sure if it is walking distance, but I suspect it is.

Finished my grad degree at UCSD and got a job in Chicago several years ago -- but thanks for the invite! Many of my friends live in L.A. now so when I visit I still go to San Diego to visit with my advisor (hard to cut the cord...) and then continue South for tacos el pastor 3/$1 and a giant horchata in TJ. old habits die hard... :p

That's good news, so there are some rental car companies near train stations. I think I will get online and investigate for myself. Hertz continues to open their local editions all over the place; actually, I think they will drive to pick you up, so that could work fine!

Some friends used to transfer at SD union station from the Amtrak to the coaster that goes all the way down to TJ.

You mean transfer to the trolley which goes down to TJ? I was under the impression that Amtrak and Coaster went no farther south than Santa Fe station.