I like public transit and was curious where the Sprinter went. I took the hour ride all the way to Escondido. The ride was nice. The train was clean and comfortable. The scenery wasn't that good though. To board either use your mobile device or a Pronto card like me. Hit the button to enter or exit the train. It's like the MTS trolleys in San Diego. I felt safe taking Sprinter and would ride again. read more

Sprinter - Trains Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Jesus Christ dude. How are the schedules so bad right now??? Showed up for the 8:17 am train at college boulevard just for it to arrive 20 min later. Looks like I'm gonna be late for my class. "Delays up to 15 min." Yeah right. read more

Another reviewer has written: "No bathrooms, can't eat/drink on board . . . not much to view out the windows . . . offers NOTHING for tourists!" Hey, for a 22 mile trip, if you can't hold it you have a problem. Same with needing food/drink. And railroads by definition pass through "America's back yard" and so there isn't supposed to be a view. And Sprinter is GREAT for tourists who want to access attractions along the route. I don't live in Oceanside but I visit often, and I've always found Sprinter to be very useful. In short . . . Hurrah for Sprinter. There should be more services like it in other metropolitan areas. read more

My better half and I rode the sprinter light rail from Esco to Oside a few weeks back for two reasons: 1. We were heading to an event where parking is already an issue without the event 2. There was going to be A LOT of drinking..so let's be smart and responsible. Riding the Sprinter Light Rail is so freakin' easy...and I can't stop talking about it. Here's the way to do it: 1. Download the PRONTO app (that's for ios- not sure if it's different for android) 2. Add a payment method to your account 3. Add some funds (roundtrip from Esco to Oside and back was $5.00- LESS THAN A GALLON OF GAS!) 4. Park at the station 5. Scan your phone at the fee station (don't worry if you can't, someone on the train has a scanner and they'll help!) 6. Get on the train, sit on a comfortable padded seat (yeah, just like NYC subways- hahahah!), and enjoy the 52 minute ride from Esco to Oside. It's that easy. Seriously. I feel silly not knowing how easy it was. Big thanks to my better half for figuring out all the schedule details! Love this mode of transportation! read more

Beautiful, spotless, comfortable, bright n sunny commuter train, with polite, attentive staff! I wanted to get a look at its route to EAST San Diego County, and I did! I traveled on a Wednesday, before school resumed, so there were very few passengers. Gave me a chance for really good interior photos! The price is excellent, the ride is comfortable, the train is ALWAYS on time. But it lacks a few things, compared to it's sister train, the Coaster... no bathrooms, can't eat/drink on board, no tables, no trash bins, only 1 level of seats, and not much to view out the windows. So only 4 stars. It's designed for mostly working people and college students, and serves their needs completely. Has a designated Wi-Fi area. It stops at Mira Costa and Palomar Colleges. The scenery is, therefore, lacking. It runs BEHIND lots of businesses and apartments. Graffiti and trash are abundant in some areas, sadly. Oceanside to Escondido, and back, it's an excellent ride to work/school. It offers NOTHING for tourists! read more

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I'm not a commuter, just a weekender. This is good old fashioned cheap fun on a weekend if you have a small child that loves trains. Started the trip at Nordal Station and went down the line and back. We stopped off at the Vista Main station for some lunch at Sonic Burger. I never felt unsafe riding the sprinter, even though it cuts though some bad areas. The main stations have armed officers. And on the way back there were two officers checking tickets.Even if they weren't there ( the guards) I would still feel safe. Though I wasn't riding the sprinter at night. There are cameras everywhere, and there was someone monitoring the cameras at all times ( we were overhearing the officer's radio). - Only issue was where do you sit if you have a stroller? My wife on a different trip was harassed by a bicyclist who stated that the open area was for bikes and cripples only. What a jerk. I'll have to find out more info on where the strollers go. Maybe they have to be packed and stowed? Try it! Grab lunch somewhere along the line. read more

Sprinter - Nordal Station - Trains Near Me - Oceanside, California

Our train from Oceanside was cancelled but super helpful employee told us a bus would come to take us to our station. We finally got back on the Sprinter @ a station down the route!! Super great customer service!!! read more

I just started riding the Sprinter regularly and I really like it. It goes from the Escondido transit center to Oceanside in less than an hour and it's clean. There is room for bikes, backpacks and it's clean. it's nice when I want to visit breweries in Vista (the stop is really close to Backstreet Brewing and Mother Earth), or visit friends in Oceanside (also close to Stone's tap room and Breakwater Brewing). At $5.00 for a full day pass (discount for seniors and disabled people) it's a great deal. So if you have a plan or just feel like riding a train, this is a great opportunity to do so. read more

I rode the sprinter both ways to see the scenery and experience the ride. It is a very good deal of $2 one way or $5 for a day pass. It takes about 56 minutes to go the complete distance from Oceanside transit center to the Escondido transit center. It is clean, comfortable, and very relaxing. I would definitely recommend it. It is faster to drive but if you are going to something close to a stop or the beach, it is definitely worth it. Leaving Oceanside, I saw many families with beach gear heading home. The beach is walking distance from the Oceanside stop. In Escondido you can connect with different bus services. Same thing in Oceanside with the addition of the Metrolink, Amtrak, and Greyhound. Noticed security at the main transit stops in Escondido, Vista, and even 3 security personal at the Oceanside sight. Easy, cheap, and fun way to get across North County. read more

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Just passed through San Marcos blasting the horn about 27 times (it's 2:56 am). Fuck you guys.

I can walk from my house, take the Sprinter to Oceanside or to Palomar College. Very convenient and worth the money. Can't wait for the bike path to be finished next to the tracks too. read more

Aww, gotta show the Sprinter some love. It gets the job done, and I am so grateful for its existence! What a peaceful way to commute to work. It's public transportation-- be prepared to interact with all of "the public" on your ride! I take this train daily, and I am consistently impressed by NCTD staff in their interactions with all of the various personalities on board. They do a good job of balancing enforcing the rules (have a ticket, no feet on the seats, etc.) with being friendly and personable. If there were a coffee kiosk at the Escondido Transit Center, I'd be willing to round up to five stars. :) read more

Great fun ride for kids, just $2 for one-way trip -- my kids looooved it. We rode from Escondido to O'side. Had an afternoon of fun at the beach play structure, lunching at the main drag and then took a ride back. The kids were dog tired and immediately went to bed when we got home. I just got to alternate this ride with the famous toy train ride at Balboa Park. Sprinter is very safe (mainly college students), relaxing and no-hassle, fun. As a parent, I appreciate one-hour each way of just watching the world and not worrying about the kids (they themselves are so engrossed looking outside.) . . .and the rhythmic sounds of wheels talking to the tracks is so hypnotic, i'ts a concert on wheels. read more

Might as well review the Sprinter since I have about 30 minutes to kill a couple times a week. I have ridden the Sprinter off and on over the past two years, sometimes out of convenience and other times out of necessity. Either way, it is a great way to get to work, as it drops me off right at the corner of the CSUSM campus, and I either walk or use the shuttle bus to get to my office. The Sprinter has an awesome AC, and it's a welcoming feeling to walk in when it's hot and humid outside. I tend to ride in the morning and afternoon "rush" hours, so I to run into more students and worker bees heading off to their respective places of employment. While I occasionally run into an uncomfortable character, I think it is a safe and easy way to get around, and if you are like me you can get some work done on the laptop. Or a couple of yelp reviews to post later. Either way, $2 one-way or $5 All day pass gets you on and off this bad boy. read more

North County has a new east-west mobility link between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido: the SPRINTER rail line. This investment in our community is significant; it's one of the largest public works projects this region has seen. The SPRINTER makes North County a nicer place to be, here's why: The SPRINTER runs 22 miles along the Highway 78 corridor effortlessly transporting passengers to work, school, shopping centers and other activities. Riders have the freedom to read, work or relax as these European-style light rail vehicles sprint to the 15 stations. With significant population growth coming, we're all worried about congestion and the resulting pollution. The SPRINTER will reduce traffic by eliminating hundreds of cars and will offer North County residents a green alternative. The predictable, reliable service is easy to use, practical and consumer friendly. It's easy to reach North County's top destinations using the BREEZE bus system, which serves all fifteen stations. Additionally, the COASTER trains connect with the SPRINTER in Oceanside. The SPRINTER also encourages transit-oriented development in the cities along the route, a prospect that supports the principles of Smart Growth. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPRINTER rides are priced by either one-way trips or Day Passes (no zones like the COASTER). Tickets are sold through station TVMs for one-way trips, Day Passes and $54 monthly passes (Senior/Disabled/Medicare, Youth and other regional passes must be purchased at Customer Service windows). SPRINTER TVMs are similar to those machines currently being used at San Diego Trolley and COASTER stations. Tips SPRINTER TVMs accept cash, debit cards and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard only). Exact change is not required, but TVMs give a maximum of $10 in change. Click here to learn more about SPRINTER fares. Before you purchase your ticket, find your departure time using the schedule. One-way tickets expire two hours after purchase, Day Passes expire at the end of the day. Day Passes and monthly passes purchased from SPRINTER TVMs can be used on both the SPRINTER and the BREEZE buses. Tickets and passes are non-refundable and non-replaceable. SPRINTER TVMs do not sell COASTER tickets. You must have your ticket in hand when boarding the train. Arrive at your station ten minutes before your train departure time. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Only bad thing about the Sprinter is that it only travels from Oceanside to Escondido. read more

Took the Sprinter with my boys from the Palomar Station to Oceanside Transit Station. $4.00/each roundtrip. The beach and pier are within walking distance from the train station. The Sprinter itself is air conditioned and pretty clean. They also offer free Wi-Fi onboard. I highly recommend taking the Sprinter with your kids if you just want to explore Oceanside, the beach, the pier, or grab some lunch. It was nice to not have to drive on a Sunday and just relax and look out the window. The ticket machine takes credit cards and cash although they recommend small bills if you are paying cash since it doesn't refund more than $10.00. Overall a great experience. We will definitely do this again over the summer. read more

The schedule isn't bad and the train is pretty well maintained. Unfortunately, the vast majority of patrons fall into one or more of the following categories: 1. Transients/addicts; 2. The mentally ill (often related to #1); 3. [fill in ethnicity] trash; and/or 4. Community college students (which isn't categorically bad). The crazy thing is they all have bicycles. And opinions -- loud and frequently unreasoned ones. Then again, it's public transportation; public transportation that connects the populations of Oceanside and Escondido. What can I expect? read more

I rode the Sprinter for the first time ever and I can't say I was disappointed. I've ridden light rail in several cities but wasn't sure what to expect from the Sprinter. First thing I noticed is the platform was pretty clean and there was plenty of available parking. The ticket kiosk was quick and fairly simple and takes multiple forms of payment. Wait, what?!?!?! A paltry $2 to get from Oceanside to Escondido AND I don't have to drive? Win! I get on the train on it's first stop after the O'side transit center and it's pretty much right on time. I go inside and the train is clean and tidy. I pick a seat and in no time we're off! Typical light rail ride in that it makes frequent stops and people come and go. The female recorded voice tells you what stop is approaching so you have time to gather your belongings before it actually stops and make it to the door. I finally make it to the transit center in Escondido and get off and there's a plethora of people waiting to go west. All in all a great inexpensive system that works if you have an hour to make the trip. I'd use it again if the need arises but for me it doesn't stop anyplace I'm usually in need of going. Great for students since it stops near all 3 colleges along the route. The one odd thing I found is that it's fuel powered so you hear the motor and it shifting. All the other light rail I've used is electric. Try it, you'll like it! read more

6/24/2014 9:30 pm The North bound train from San Diego arriving the Poinsettia Station Carlsbad stopped and the doors DID NOT OPEN, so the Passengers including a group of Students ages 12 - 16 were forced to stay on the train to the next stop. This is a serious SAFETY ISSUE and a problem that should be fixed TODAY read more

Cheap and fun to ride. You can explore north county in one day for only a few dollars.

It's been a year or so without a car, so my experience using NCTD's various options has been a rollercoaster of emotions, mostly due to the Breeze bus schedules not working out quite how they were printed in the schedule. My experience with the Sprinter, though, has been really good. It's a convenient way to get around most of the main streets in the 4 cities that North County make up. It runs every 30 minutes, both Eastward and Westward at the designated terminals, making it easy to wait for if you miss your ride the first time. The ticket counters onboard are very good about not hassling me for my ticket the entire time I'm on the Sprinter. They also feature armed police, if not on the Sprinter, at most of the stops to secure your well-being as you transport. The fare is $5 for a daypass, which includes the Breeze buses, which is an excellent price for all of the methods I have to take to get to work. There seems to be a problem with the bike situation, though, because when you get on towards the back, you might have 5 bikes at one time standing up next to each other. What if your stop is next, and you have to dig your bike out from against the window? I feel precautions should have been built to harness the bikes from falling down into the aisle...next to the handicapped spaces no less. Another reviewer mentioned the stroller situation as being another inconvenience, which could be handled by breaking down the stroller and stowing it above on the luggage rack...but I wouldn't trust that thing for a second. It's another problem onboard; I witnessed a surfboard falling off those white bars into the aisle, which could've caused a problem or injury. There have been a couple of times when the Sprinter has to change tracks or requests a different train late on its arrival, which screws up up people's schedules royally because those buses wait for no man. Also having to deal with tight quarters as a large man like myself is a little less than comfortable at times on the Sprinter. I still respect what it gives North County, though, as an option. We need every transportation option now that we can get, so thank you for hooking us up with this, NCTD. read more

My first time riding the sprinter. I have only ridden the coaster or amtrack. This is cheap fairly safe travel. I paid $2 from San Marcos to the main station all the way in O'side. I was happy to take it because the A/C was bumping inside and it was 100 degrees outside. I can tell this is reliable transpiration for people without cars. read more

Employs the rudest drivers imaginable. On Dec 22 on the Oceanside Sprinter headed to Escondido I assisted my handicapped mother onto the sprinter. As I attempted to leave the doors closed on me. I asked the driver to let me off, as I was not a passenger. He ignored me, pointed to a sign that said you shouldn't talk to the driver. He would not open the doors and prompt took off, leaving me no choice but to get off at the next stop...miles from where I had parked. read more

This is a really nice train! Food is not allowed onboard which is understandable because it's very clean inside. The price is $5 per adult and free for kids 5 and under, so it was a good deal for my family of small children. We took this train for fun on a Saturday. We rode from Escondido to Oceanside (end to end). It took an hour for the whole ride. Of course, it would've been faster if we drove, but it was more for a fun day train ride anyway. read more

My son loves trains! I take him on sprinter ride just from Oceanside Blvd. to Escondido and back. We don't even get off the train...lol. Its only $2 per ride and my kid is free. Its nice coz is clean and and secured. read more

You learn something new every day. For example, you are not able to buy tickets online like you can with the coaster. Officer Puente who explained that to me was respectful and pretty by the book. He was understanding and I bought my ticket when I got off. All in all, semi-clean way to get around North County. I've never had any complaints. read more

The sprinter is the worst form of transportation, always delayed therefore I'm constantly late for work. The ticket checkers are pretty annoying also. read more

The sprinter is so relaxing. Mellow and easy way to get to work. There is alot of weirdos but thats oside for you. Lived here my whole life and it has actually gotten worse. Not NCTDs fault. The engineers are nice and the train enjoyable. read more

I like the fact that North County San Diego is no longer on-par with a 3rd world country in regards to its lack of public transportation. But there are more negative than positive that NCTD needs to work out. First of all, the stop for Escondido Avenue in Vista is not open YET THEY STILL ANNOUNCE THE STOP. First time riders get royally screwed as they get ready to detrain and the Sprinter just keeps going. I missed a job interview because of this and had to get off at Buena Creek and find my way back down to Escondido Ave. Secondly, they have a shuttle that takes people from Vista way to Escondido ave but they don't announce it. There is not enough room for bikes because they put them in the same area as the handicap and stroller area so there is a pile of wheeled devices you have to maneuver through. They don't run later than 8pm so its not really decreasing the number of drunk drivers on the road. Finally, they only gave Cal State San Marcos ONE HUNDRED Sprinter student passes. 100! There are eight thousand students who attend this school and they think this is acceptable? read more

Terrible. The only reason I don't give it 1 star is because there's a blonde with a nice rack and rear that works on it from time to time. Anyways, the train is usually filthy and half the time they don't check tickets, so any homeless or crackhead can hop on and start being their usual crazy selves. Also, love the feature where Sprinter decides to cheap out and only send out a single train (saves fuel), so everyone gets cramped onto it! Really, great job, Sprinter! (I would think that since they've been charging more money, they wouldn't have to cheap out so often, especially since there's only 2 trains out at a time). The only reason I still ride this is because parking costs only slightly more, but at the rate that Sprinter is increasing prices, it'll be cheaper to pay the 600 yearly parking. read more

The sprinter light rail runs from Escondido to Oceanside. The fares are $2 single ride, $5 all day, $1 Senior/disabled $2.75 SD all day. Seniors are considered 60+ years. You cant beat thise prices with a bat. The down side is the traveling time. It takes on average from Escondido This Oceanside 56 minutes. Plus the occasional unsavory characters. They police the trains pretty well so its pretty safe. Just don't forget to buy a ticket. No $2 ticket could result in a $250 fine and a day in court. read more

Love how easy using the train is for work. You can multi task by working and commuting simultaneously!!! And with business class you get a free drink in the way back!!!! read more

I used the sprinter a couple of time between Oceanside and Escondido and while it is not as fast as driving, it was on-time, cheap and reliable if you need to get between cities or to/from UC San Marcos. The trains I was on were only about 10 percent full, so not crowded at all. Also you can use a compass card for all trains and buses in San Diego County which is really convenient instead of having to pay cash every time. I am looking forward to riding again. read more

Easy way to get from Escondido and Oceanside with a train every 30 Minutes. Easy to get to Go anywhere in Southern California by transferring to another train at Oceanside read more

The Oceanside station is only a couple blocks away from the beach, so the Sprinter is really useful for getting to Oceanside Pier/the beach without driving. It's clean, always on time, and cheap. read more

Took this the other day from inland and was amazed by how fast it was and how clean it was. Super awesome how it brings me rite to my house on the beach and is not that expensive. Would suggest anyone from inland wanting to go to the beach for the day should take this and not drive since parkin is a nightmare at times in oceanside read more

My first time ever riding on this was June 13th at around 11:30 A.M. . I immediately fell in love with it. For those super hot days the AC is very refreshing and cooling. This is a major part of history to where I used to live San Marcos & Escondido like on the "border" of the two towns. You cant however play music, eat, or put your feet on the chairs across from you. They have security on patrol all the time and people on patrol to check your tickets. I Take it all the way from The Escondido TC to the Oceanside TC which drops you off right at the beach. read more

I take the Sprinter very frequently. It's incredibly clean, and the interior is aesthetically pleasing. It's the most pleasant train I've taken, overall. The passengers on the very early trains seem the most professional, clean and opposite of creepy, as they're mostly people on the way to work. Later on in the day there might be the occasional discomfiting passenger, but less often than on buses, and I've never felt actually unsafe while on the Sprinter. The price is reasonable, and it is easy to make connections with buses. The train is almost always on time, to the dot. read more

You can't beat $4 round trip from esco to Oceanside. I use it a couple of times a week to get to csusm for classes from Oceanside. The transit gives me about 40 mins each way to prepare for class or just relax. Even if it was cheaper to drive and buy a parking pass, I'd still ride the Sprinter. read more

WOW! Is all I can say! I was very skeptical riding the sprinter but it's SO nice! Clean, AC, nice scenery, not a lot of people, inexpensive, & comfortable! Definitely recommend it and saves on gas! read more