This place is convenient to central Solana Beach. Easy to have a car-free visit if you come by train. Track is accessible by stairway, ramp, bridge, and escalator from street level. There is a bit of seating inside and restrooms of moderate cleanliness. Signage inside the station and down at track level provide ETAs for each train. This station is serviced by Amtrak and the Coaster, so make sure you get on the right one! read more

We boarded the train in Solana Beach and paid extra for Business Class for three reasons: it's less crowded, it includes a snack box, and it includes wine service. Unfortunately, the experience we received was nowhere near the standard Amtrak claims to provide. The conductor, Martin, did not scan our tickets until we were nearly arriving in Oceanside. By that point, several other Business Class passengers had already received their snack boxes and drinks. We were hungry, so I asked Martin when we would be served. Instead of providing service--or directing someone who could--he told me I needed to get up, walk two cars forward, and request our snacks and drinks myself. That alone was disappointing. When I reached the service area, the Amtrak employee, Jenice, greeted me with a curt "What do you need?" I asked for wine and snacks. She shoved two bottles of wine and plastic cups toward me, then refused to give me the snack boxes, insisting she would "bring them later." I even offered to take them myself to save her time, but she refused. As the train continued--Oceanside, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano--no snacks. She eventually came through our car serving drinks at an excruciatingly slow pace. I asked again about the snack boxes (this was the third request), and she told me she was "busy" and would come back later. Approaching Irvine, we walked toward the luggage car and passed Jenice again. She was leaning against a counter, laughing, gossiping, and chatting casually with passengers in that area--clearly not "too busy" to BS with them. We also saw another gentleman approach her, visibly irritated that he too had asked for snacks and never received them. We noticed as we exited the train that SEVERAL people were not served snack in the business class cars. Apparently, "Jenice" just couldn't be bothered. It is painfully obvious that this employee is lazy, dismissive, and openly rude to Business Class customers. Her work ethic and attitude are unacceptable. This is not a one-off incident. The last time we traveled this same route, it was also a bad experience. My wife and I are travel agents. We would be appalled if any of our clients were treated with this level of disrespect. Based on this experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend Amtrak to my clients--doing so would risk our professional reputation and potentially cost us customers. This is not the service Amtrak promises, and certainly not the service Business Class passengers are paying extra for. read more

Easy to access tracks and get on train heading to Fullerton. From that point I take the Amtrak bus to Palm Springs, Ca. It's a great way to spend a bit of time with my daughter who lives in Solana Beach. Had a fabulous time! read more

Solana Beach Station - Next stop... - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Solana Beach Transit Station serves both the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and coaster, both below ground level; Track 1 is on the East side. Track 2 is on the west side. Buses stop at ground level. A big surface parking lot is free for same day travel. There's also overnight parking. read more

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My son had driven up earlier in the week to spend time with his sister and since I had planned to support the two of them running the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K, I decided to take the Amtrak train for the very first time because I didn't want to have two cars driving back home on Saturday. I had anxiety riding the Amtrak because I had never taken it before, but an experienced young student from UCSD gave me the 411 about the train and he helped this old man navigate my first train trip. I started at the Solana Beach train station and took a scenic, relaxing, no stress, and non-traffic congestion ride to Union Station Los Angeles. After my first trip, I'm sold on taking train rides to Los Angeles. The Solana Beach train station is obviously located in Solana Beach just a short walk from the beach, it's across from a plaza where you can grab a bite from Chief's Burgers & Brew, and a stroll to Pizza Port on the west side of the tracks. The main reason I chose the Solana Beach station was that you can park your car in their free public parking lot over the weekend. There is plenty of parking at this station. There are two tracks here at this station. Track 1 is southbound and Track 2 is northbound. If you're traveling to Los Angeles, take the elevator down to the waiting area for Track 2. There aren't that many concrete benches to sit on, so expect to stand while you're waiting for the train. I purchased my Amtrak ticket from the Amtrak website where you can choose to ride Coach for $31 one way to Union Station or Business Class for $46. I highly recommend taking Business Class because for $15 extra, you'll have a higher chance to have a seat, the seats are more comfortable, you have more space, and you get free snacks and drinks. When I got to my business class seats, I noticed that there were many riders who had a snack box. When I went to grab some snacks and drinks, they had run out of the snack box. All they had left at the time were Goldfish crackers, sodas, and water. One of the train staff was able to find extra snack boxes and I was able to grab one. The snack boxes come with pretzels, beef jerky, fruits and nuts, a mini fig bar, and cheese spread. A good snack to hold you down until your last stop. During my trip, I saw beautiful sights, really cool stops, Angel stadium, and I didn't have to worry about navigating through LA traffic. It only took a little over 2 hours to go from Solana Beach to Union Station. I really enjoyed my first Amtrak trip, the comfort of it, the beauty, the free snacks, and the stress-free experience. read more

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First time visiting Solana Beach (passed thru many times), so I was very impressed with the small and clean Amtrak Station. Its location on Cedros drops you in North Rios (tourist area) and is very close to Lomas Santa Fe Drive (main drag from the 5 freeway to PCH or the beach). It was pleasant inside since the doors face the ocean & mountains/hills, so a strong breeze cuts through no matter how hot it is. There are 2 Amtrak staff who are very helpful and friendly. The train tracks are located on the lower "deck" so you either take the ramp or stairs. The station is on Track 1 (Southbound/SD) side. While Track 2 (Northbound/OC) side is located across a bridge (take the elevator, trust me on this one) crossing over the tracks. This makes for a great vantage point viewing the trains as the tracks are pretty straight. Highly recommend downloading the Amtrak mobile app and doing everything on it since it's pretty robust. read more

Safe and has overnight parking, which you can't say about the Old Town station. Definitely great when taking the Pacific Surfliner or the Coaster. Saves a bunch of time if you're in North San Diego and cheaper too since it's one less stop. My preferred train station! read more

The Solana Beach Station is on the Coaster line. It is about three miles from Delmar Racetrack. If you attend Breeders Cup, a shuttle will pickup at the station and take you to the track. It is my understanding, the shuttle is available throughout the race meet. Do call to confirm. 105 read more

My part Two to the Solana Beach San Diego Fair review and the walk through of the station that I had and the services that are there in Solana Beach Station. With the Coaster train that I had taken to Solana Beach I wanted to get a general picture of the station with the past fairs you know when things change, and some remain the same its wen you go up and see for yourself with the time frame and with the many services that will be going to the Solana Beach Station. With the San Diego Fair one of the largest and the most widely used events with many outside states that bring their food trucks to and the return of the Infomercials. As a customer and traveler, you will want to know the train schedules and the prices of the tickets that will get you into the San Diego County fair with the North County Transit they are running specials that you can purchase online and at the ticket machines and the station terminals. You can either drive to the Solana Beach station and you can brave the long line of traffic that will be going up the Coast Highway and when you arrive at the Del Mar Race Track that parking is going to be very expensive. At the Solana Beach station when you arrive on the Coaster Traveling from the Santa Fe Station you will be arriving at the below platform when you come up on the elevator that will take you upstairs to the shuttle busses that will take you to the San Diego Fair with the shuttle busses that will stop at the back side of the park. When you arrive at the Solana Beach Station there are several restaurants that are nearby you will have to take the elevator up from the platform. At the Solana Beach station its very clean and the parking is very good with the large number of parking spaces with the 101 Bus that does stop on the street out front of the station. Time to get ready for the fun time and the great food that you will find at the fair with the many rides, and the great time you will have the kids will love. Traveling by the Coaster or driving up to the San Diego Fair you can cut down the time with the travel time to Solana Beach of 40min by the use of the Coaster. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer with the use of the Coaster train and the sprinter train you can travel too the many areas of the North County and for those that are traveling from San Diego Santa Fe Station. With the weeks of the summer months, you have some of the best times to enjoy with the great times before college. Have a great time at the San Diego Fair with the best travel on the coaster you can sit back and enjoy the ride to Solana Beach have a great time. read more

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When taking Amtrak to LA, I prefer this station over downtown -- cuts off a bunch of time. Definitely a fan. read more

Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Perfect place for a zombie apocalypse trap. You walk down or up a steep walkway, the elevator is one of the slowest on the planet. If you kickazz @ skateboarding, they have a nice steep downward ramp that Z's. Clock signs will tell ya when the train arrives. You might spot a few weirdos, be sure to get there a bit b4 train to avoid them. read more

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This is definitely the prettiest outdoor train station I've been to all year!! It's so much easier than getting on and off in downtown SD or anywhere else I've been this year!! The north train is downstairs so give yourself enough time to find the train!! read more

Solana Beach Station - Parking - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Faulty information. Aggressively rude and dismissive. Hope you're never stranded there. Mass transit will always suck in our region. Call an Uber. read more

The parking lot is huge here. It would be better if they fixed the pavement because it is so run down and warn out. Its a good spot to leave your car because Ive seen a few patrol officers around. I wouldnt parking too far away. read more

Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I prefer this station over the other local ones because it's so easy to get to. Pay attention on signage. Read signs careful so that you end up on the right side of the track. If going North (towards Irvine) go across the bridge. Parking is kind of easy but if there is no room on the lot go out and park on dirt facing th lot. Free WiFi on train and business class is up front- FYI ;) read more

Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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This is one of the cleaner train stations in San Diego. And it is across the street from the best coffee in California. . . Lofty coffee! Alternatives are Claire's on Cedros if you want good coffee and filling brunch dishes. There is an inside seating area on the rare occasion you get cold or it rains in San Diego. read more

Solana Beach Station - Seating inside - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Number one tip: these trains leave exactly on the dot!! If you are running late, expect to buy a new ticket if the office is closed. Good thing most of these run on the hour and there is plenty of good food close by. The parking lot appears safe and well lit. There is a "long term" parking area on the right although I don't know if they enforce which cars get to park where, as I didn't see a parking attendant. TRACK 1: southbound TRACK 2: northbound *** & probably the one most folks from San Diego are going to hop onto (unless they want to take a train 1 or 2 stops to go downtown..) The elevator going to track 2 doesn't make sounds so you may think it's broken (like I did) but the doors will open. :) Also there is a little Amtrak machine closer to the office that has more options than the 2 machines immediately facing the parking lot. I couldn't find the "Irvine" station in the first two machines and luckily found the third machine closer to the office area. From Solana to Irvine one way it cost $20. Not sure how much more it costs to go up to NorCal stations. read more

Solana Beach Station - Easy schedules on mobile interface if you know your destinations - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

The Solana Beach Station serves Amtrak and Coaster (regional) rail and North County Transit bus routes.   My wife and I use it to for Amtrak trains to/from Los Angeles or Irvine, as well as Coaster trains to Oceanside, where we change to Metrolink trains into Orange County.  The ticket counter services only Amtrak; Coaster tickets can be purchased from kiosks outside.  Overall, the station is rather bare bones.  Parking in the station lot is free. read more

If you're heading north to L.A. Union Station on the Pacific Surfliner you'll be on track 2, so you'll need to take the bridge from the parking lot over the tracks and then go downstairs. As you're facing the track the train pulls up from your right and the Business class car will be on the tail end. Line up by G and H. The train flips around at Union Station, so keep that in mind if you're going past LA. Especially if you get sick going backward. Prepare yourself to change seats. Hope that helps! Happy travels! read more

Solana Beach Station - Taken on the track 2 side waiting for the northbound Pacific Surfliner. Looking south. - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I took my first west coast Amtrak ride on Saturday. I had originally purchased a 4:40 ticket with a BIKE RESERVATION but finished my ride early, so I wanted to get on the 2:40. Cycling friends told me this would be a no-go, but I decided to talk with the staff. They told me that there was only one spot of the six bike spaces generally available, so me and my friend were SOL. But they did not discourage me from going to Track 2 (northbound side) to see if no-shows would provide the bike slots I needed. Lo & behold Amtrak employee, Jeff Smith, came by to assist us! Jeff's assistance was AWESOME as I did not know how the bikes were actually 'stored' in the train. Turns out the occupy 6 positions in the front car. They are held together with some seatbelt bands. 5 slots were available and we were on our way. Kudos to Jeff - if he sees this. I did unfortunately - my bad - lose my bike computer, a WAHOO, on the 581 train, but hope it'll turn up! So if you want to take your bike on the train - you SHOULD make a bike reservation (no charge but limited spaces) but not everyone always shows so you might luck out! read more

Wow! Such a selection of uniqueness! Love that the plants are living out in natural elements not a green house. The owner Jeff was friendly, knowledgeable and he has really decent prices. Los Angeles the prices are two - three times the price! I bought some customs ceramic pottery I just couldn't resist. I have never seen any pottery like this anywhere! Next time I am down this way I will come by again to see what I can't live without!!! I highly recommend coming here! read more

Solana Beach Station - Beautiful - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I love this station and it is so clean, safe and user-friendly. Just off Interstate 5 and architecturally designed to mimic the old Quonset huts used in the area in the old days. I love the nice, tall, healthy Torrey Pines trees that surround the station. They are lovely and obviously well-tended. Short term and a long term parking lot with handicapped parking is right up front. I will say I was surprised that there was no entrance ramp for wheelchair patrons who would need to ascend a few stairs to get into the station from the front door. That's why I took off 1 YELP STAR. Keep in mind this is a small station and the trains stop and take off again quickly. I would urge passengers here to not cut it short and get to the station in time and make your way down, in a timely manner, to the platform and sit on the benches to await your Amtrak coach. There is a big sign advising potential suicide people to call a toll-free suicide hotline number right above where the trains run. read more

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Gorgeous station!!! ....yet not a lot of waiting room. This is a no mess, get the job done, all while looking fabulous and everyone is happy kind of place. It is not a confusing station and everything is right there for helping you make your trip easier. People are helpful and very polite and nice. The station is immaculate, and that could be due to the fact that there is no food or snack sales. Like I said, very small yet beautiful and does the job of getting you aboard (or departing) your train. This is the stop for Del Mar racetrack, so you've got the double decker busses outside waiting to take you to the track if that is your destination. On the other side of the tracks (so to speak) you've got the lovely Solana Beach to explore and take in its beauty. If you arrive at the station hungry, may I suggest Chief's Burgers across the street too... YUM!! There are also small little shops and other places to eat scattered along that opposite side of the street. Thanks for keeping it classy Solana Beach Station! CHEERS! read more

Solana Beach Station - Solana Beach Amtrak - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

This is a lovely station - conveniently located in the heart of Solana Beach so you can walk to lots of cute shops and restaurants while you wait for your ride- or even down to the beach! There is a very convenient accessible ramp you can take to get to the top where the parking lot is - such a relief to me as I was toting a very large rolling suitcase the last time I was here! I ended up getting dinner a few blocks away at an amazing salad place with my aunt and her friend and then going up the hill to see a funny play. The sky's certainly the limit when you take the train to this beautiful station! read more

These guys are legit. They have the largest selection in the area. Always friendly Staff. Also check out their bigger location in Oceanside! read more

I went here last night to pick up my mom from her trip up north to San Francisco (though she didn't realize that the Amtrak also stops at Sorrento Valley - which is much closer to our place. But I digress...) - the Solana Beach Amtrak Station is relatively clean, with plenty of parking spaces. There really aren't too many seats inside the station itself, but the Amtrak staffer behind the counter was a lot more helpful than the ones I've encountered in Fullerton and Anaheim. Not a fan of having to go down two flights of stairs to reach the track, but at least I got my steps in! read more

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Solana Beach wins the "best looking train station" award. It was completely redone a few years back and boasts a modern building with a nice rounded roof. The entire stretch of road along the railway has various art, sculpture, paintings and a walking trail. This train station is top notch in my book. When I travel to Ventura or Santa Barbara on the train I drive south to catch the northbound train. I could easily depart from Oceanside but this way is just much better for me. The station itself is fun to go to and the added benefit is that there still may be some seats on the west side of the train which is a great way to view California's gorgeous coastline. I would love to give this train station 5 stars but there is a big reason that i can not. There is a physical barrier separating the tracks for safety reasons and if you get off of a southbound train you have to hoof it up and down a bazillion stairs to get to the other side of the tracks. read more

Solana Beach Station - Our train station is photogenic! - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I don't take the train too often...but when i do i always use the solana beach station.. tons of free parking... easy access clean waiting area drop off zone if you have more luggage than you want to tote through the lot... pub across the street if you have more time to kill. read more

Although the Golden age of trains is gone, and Amtrak is a government subsidized, little-used provider of public transportation, there's no reason that the station can't be attractive and utilitarian. This place is a great example of that. There are oodles of free parking (wow, free!), friendly and attentive staff, and trains that tend to run generally on time. What more could you want? read more

Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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Convenient station, waiting area inside the station and bathrooms are clean, attendants are helpful, friendly. The tracks are at the bottom, use stairs, elevator or ramp for wheelchair. Amtrak and Coaster stop here. Automatic machines to buy tickets for the coaster and Amtrak, accepts credits cards. Posted coaster times. Within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and bars. Parking available. Track 1 Southbound Track 2 Northbound read more

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I can honestly say without hesitation that coming to this train station was one of the best things I've ever done since living in California. LOCATION: 5 stars Without a doubt, after visiting this city, I could definitely see myself as retiring or moving down here if work is available. The city of Solana Beach is a cross between the surf towns around California and modern, clean architecture. Imagine Seattle's cleanliness and modern aesthetics with the local flare and atmosphere of Huntington Beach. If you mash that up, you get Solana Beach. The place looks like a paradise and on a clear, beautiful day, with the wind blowing it's cool beach breeze and the sun shining amazingly above, it's easy to fall in love. DESIGN: 5 stars The design for this station is fantastically fascinating. The station building itself is a giant half dome with a peak (imagine half a football), made of glass, wood, and stainless steel. The aesthetics work beautifully with the rest of the theme of the city: modern meets beach. With a huge, very high vaulted ceiling and plenty of light pouring through the glass walls, this place is romanticized and easy on the eyes. To head to the platforms, you cross a bridge fitting the same motifs as the city, and head down to the tracks below. The large dip down into the sides of the above city make for train tracks that get plenty of sunshine, but stay cool throughout. You won't be sweating while you wait for your train. The platform is clean, glamorous, and mellow. It's serene. PRICE: 4 stars I don't know what the pricing for every trip is, but to get from Solana Beach to Anaheim (or vice versa), the ticket fare is only $20. That's a great deal of savings because not only do you save yourself gas money, but you also avoid all the annoyances of traffic and bad radio music. CONCLUSION I've been stuck at a station before in Hawaii (of all places) and was miserable. However, I can honestly say that if I was ever stuck at this station, I would be glad to have the time to explore. With plenty of things to see and visit around the station, being abandoned doesn't seem so bad. This is a great stop for anyone heading down to San Diego and I recommend you take some time here if you can. Otherwise, if anyone from Solana Beach is reading this and willing to give me work, I'm your huckleberry. Help my dream come true! read more

Solana Beach Station - The road to freedom - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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I have never used the train myself, but friends and family use it quite often and this is the station where I pick them up. It's located right at a major intersection and there is a bus stop right at the train station if you are trying to get to it. I've lived here a long time and remember when the tracks were above ground and such a traffic nightmare. Eminently better with the tracks underground! There is free parking and typically plenty of parking. Buying a ticket is incredibly easy. Online, phone app or right at the tracks. They even have ticket vending machines that are incredibly easy to use, but if you insist, there are people inside that can help answer questions. Once we got to the station just a few minutes late and they just exchanged our tickets for the next train. No charge... no hassle. If you are waiting for a train, there are several places to eat withing walking distance. Great burgers at Chief's, fantastic pizza at Pizza Port and sushi at Station Sushi. Likewise, if you are getting in and want to grab a bite to eat right away, these are fantastic places to eat. During the summer, there is easy transportation to and from the fairgrounds for the Del Mar Fair and for horse racing season. read more

Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

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It's a train station. It does its job at that. It has fairly clean restrooms, a small seating area, and some covered waiting areas down in the trench. It smells better than many other train stations. The Amtrak ticket employee is sometimes helpful, and there are machines outside if you're taking the Coaster. Parking is almost always available in the lot, although it can be a walk during fair or racing season. Now, listen up and pay attention! The number one thing you need to know about this station is that it has a little Wee Britain going on. Yes, trains drive on the left when they come through here: for northbound trains, cross the bridge, for southbound, down the stairs. Woe to ye who find themselves on the wrong side of the trench when the train pulls in. The Coaster is usually on time, but Amtrak trains can get delayed. As it's no fun waiting for your northbound train to eventually arrive, why not head across 101 to Pizza Port and grab some food and beers, then wait on the Pizza Port Patio until you hear the train horn? It's a straight sprint across 101 to the stairs that lead down to the platform. Advanced skill: doing above while waiting for southbound train. read more

Train is late with no notification. I signed up for text alerts, but did not receive any notice. Got to the train station, and you can bet if I was late, they'd leave without me. Right at 12:43, the scheduled departure time, they let us know that it was going to be late. (Yeah NO kidding Mr Obvious)....but the kicker- 30 minutes late! How long do you think they knew? You don't find out that you're 30 minutes late right at the expected departure time. Very poor communication, not on time and now I'll be late for my appointment. By the way, parking is terrible at Solana Beach station...make sure you plan ahead, I had to walk almost a half a mile after parking. My experience so far? Pretty poor. Let's see how their customer service is- if they apologize, offer some kind of refund or way to make it right, I'll update this review....but for now, I'm thumbing a ride...and likely won't rely on these bozos in the future. read more

Solana Beach Station - Solana Beach Station....late train... - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

Clean and safe train station. Large and safe parking lot. Has a bathroom inside the Amtrak station unlike Sorrento Valley. Great ADA accommodations. read more

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This station is close to the Del Mar Fairgrounds where they host the San Diego County fair! They have shuttles that will drop you off at the fairgrounds. Same day tickets were $30 each way from Los Angeles. You can either buy your tickets online, in-person, or via phone, but you cannot buy them on the train. Note that if you're buying tickets within a few hours of departure, you will need to do so on the phone as the website will not allow you to make the purchase. Tips: If you're planning a day trip, take an early train because it takes 2.5hrs to get to SD. And pack a flask and some playing cards so that you can make the most of the cafe seats on the lower level. The last train headed to LA leaves at 9:30pm and will get you in just before midnight. read more

It would be so convenient if the trains were on time or the stations weren't closed for maintenance. I haven't taken the trains very many times, maybe 4 but they have been late every time or the trains weren't running the weekend I needed it. Very frustrating. I hope one of these times I take it, it's running on time, it makes life stressful when you need to be somewhere at a certain time. read more

This was my first train ride experience and I enjoyed myself. We travelled to Orange County (about an hour away) and it was nice not having to drive and avoiding the traffic. I would recommend riding business class to enjoy better seating along with the snacks. I had a good time and will definitely travel by train in the future. This is a also a great way to get a good view of the countryside and other areas you might normally miss. read more

Solana Beach Station - Solana Beach Station - Train Stations Near Me - Solana Beach, California

I love this station. It's clean and has plenty of parking. The Amtrak employees don't mind if you pop in to use their restroom and they are always so friendly. You can take the Coaster or the Amtrak from this station, which is nice. Track 2, away from the station close to Coast Highway, is the Northbound side. Track 1, closest to the station is Southbound. I don't know how many people I've seen at this station miss their train due to poor planning. It's a bit of a walk from the ticket machine to the Northbound track, so if it's almost time for your train, do not lazily walk over. As the trains only stop briefly at this station, If the train's already pulling in, you most likely won't make it unless you're already on the platform. For the most part, trains are on time and leave exactly when the time table say they will. Don't be late. read more

Nice little train station. It's clean and the cement benches inside the station are surprisingly comfortable - I know, weird, right. There is a pretty big parking lot. The Amtrak staff was nice and provided a lot of announcements. She was directing people to their trains over the loud speaker. The station is pretty convenient to the beach and all the great restaurants and bars in Solana. Definitely a nice transportation option. read more