- Must visit
Museum of Making Music
Hands-on museum focused on music making, instrument exhibits, and family activities. Worth visiting for interactive galleries and live demonstrations.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$30
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$30
Fastest journey on Oct 10
1 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
1 h 56 m
Trains on Oct 10
4
Distance
129 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 4 trains from Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct trains cover the 129 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 54 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest trains will take 1 h 57 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€25) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:10, the last at 22:57. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (129 km) distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€25) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 4:10 AM |
Last train 10:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h54 | 8:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 9:07 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 10:07 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 9:29 AM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h38 | 12:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 14h13 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 12:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 1:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 11:26 AM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h41 | 2:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 2:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 5:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 3:28 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h39 | 6:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 6:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 7:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 9 | |||||
![]() | 12:10 AM Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 2:07 AM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 8 | |||||
786 Pacific Surfliner | 5:34 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h33 | 8:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 8:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h57 | 9:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:20 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h44 | 10:04 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h54 | 10:04 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 9 | |||||
![]() | 3:10 AM Los Angeles, CA | 1h54 | 5:04 AM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 AM Los Angeles, CA | 1h54 | 6:04 AM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 8 | |||||
794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:28 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 2h36 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1h54 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Carlsbad, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carlsbad, CA trip today.
Hands-on museum focused on music making, instrument exhibits, and family activities. Worth visiting for interactive galleries and live demonstrations.
Compact local history museum in a former house with exhibits on farming, rail, surf culture, and the growth of Carlsbad.
Art center and gallery presenting contemporary regional exhibitions and cultural programs. A good stop for current local art in the village.
Lively downtown district near the beach with shops, public art, and an easygoing coastal atmosphere. Ideal for walking and local browsing.
Scenic state beach popular for walking, sunsets, and broad ocean views. A classic coastal stop with easy access from central Carlsbad.
Popular sandy beach beside the village, great for strolling, swimming, and watching surfers. Easy to combine with nearby shops and rail access.
Fish tacos reflect Carlsbad’s coastal Southern California style, with battered or grilled local fish, cabbage, salsa, and lime in tortillas.
California burritos are a regional favorite filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa, showing the area’s Mexican-American border food culture.
Carne asada fries are a popular SoCal late-night staple: fries topped with grilled beef, cheese, guacamole, and salsa.
Stylish restaurant serving modern American dishes, steaks, and cocktails in an upbeat setting close to central Carlsbad.
Popular casual eatery for hearty breakfast burritos, brunch plates, and comfort food in a relaxed local setting.
Casual seafood spot known for fresh fish tacos, oyster bar offerings, and a lively coastal atmosphere near the village.
More expensive than many U.S. beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and car-dependent transport costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Carlsbad, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Los Angeles, CA to Carlsbad, CA trains use the Union Station to Oceanside Transportation Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and Carlsbad, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need