Commuting Options in Carlsbad California

Carlsbad California offers a range of commuting options, depending on your preference and where you are going. But we have the luxury of a variety of roads and public transportation options, in addition to bird-like activity.

So here’s an overview from someone who spends a lot of time on the road.

CAR

Major Roads

5 Freeway – from San Diego north to the Canadian border. Major freeway with 3 – 6 lanes each direction. Want to check out the traffic?

There are a number of apps and websites to help. California is famous for its freeways (it's called "The 5" not just 5) and traffic and THE 5 lives up to the reputation. But non-rush hour it's pretty quick to get around and there are some great views.

78 Freeway – runs east/west from the 5 in Oceanside to the 15 freeway (north/south) in Escondido. Not in Carlsbad but along the north border with Oceanside

Secondary Roads

El Camino Real – “The Royal Road,” a.k.a. “The King’s Highway” runs from Oceanside to the Cardiff border through residential, shopping and agricultural areas. A great alternative to the 5 freeway at rush hour when traffic gets backed up

Historic Route 101 – also known as the Coast Road, as Carlsbad Boulevard (in Carlsbad) and by some the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway). Great ocean views in places, running along the ocean from Oceanside through Carlsbad Village and south to La Jolla.

Video Tour along Historic 101 in Carlsbad

Other secondary roads running eastwest from the coast/The 5 inland include Carlsbad Village Drive, Tamarack Avenue, Chestnut, La Costa Avenue, Poinsettia Avenue/Aviara Parkway, Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road 

TRAIN

The Coaster – commuter rail running between Oceanside and San Diego with 2 stations in Carlsbad

Amtrak – from San Diego to LA. You have to catch it in Solana Beach or Oceanside

The Sprinter – light rail running from Oceanside east to Escondido

BUS

The Breeze – part of the North Country Transit District transportation system (also the Sprinter and the Coaster), with routes all over town and all neighboring communities

AIR

Carlsbad's McClellan-Palomar Airport offers expanding air transportation schedules and destinations

And then you can just move around under your own power – bicycle, skate board, roller blades, wheelchair, walker or scooter.

Carlsbad offers lots of options to commute, and ways to enjoy the scenery getting from place to place.

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