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Carlsbad is just a short trip from San Diego, making it easy to start your adventure. Fly in, take the train along the coast or grab a rental car and hit the road for a true Southern California getaway.
Located just minutes from Carlsbad’s beaches, hotels and attractions, McClellan-Palomar Airport is a great alternative for travelers who want to fly closer to their destination.
Travelers can fly directly into Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) with United Airlines from Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). United offers twice-daily nonstop service on both routes.
Denver (DEN) Nonstop flights between Carlsbad and Denver make it easy to connect to destinations throughout the United States.
San Francisco (SFO) Nonstop service between Carlsbad and San Francisco provides convenient access to the Bay Area and connections throughout United’s extensive domestic and international network.
JSX offers flights from Carlsbad’s McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) to destinations including Las Vegas, Oakland, Reno, Scottsdale, Taos and Monterey. With a convenient local terminal and a streamlined check-in experience, flying from Carlsbad makes getting away even easier.
Book direct flights to Carlsbad from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) through American Airlines, with convenient connections to destinations across the U.S. and beyond.
Whether you're looking for the fastest route or the most budget-friendly option, there are several convenient ways to travel from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft are available at San Diego International Airport and provide direct service to Carlsbad. Pickup locations are clearly marked outside both terminals, making rideshare one of the easiest ways to reach your final destination.
Public Transit: Airport Shuttle + COASTER
For a scenic and affordable option, take the free San Diego Flyer shuttle from the airport to the Old Town Transit Center. From there, board the COASTER commuter train, which travels along the coast and stops at two stations in Carlsbad:
-Carlsbad Village Station: Ideal for visitors staying near Carlsbad Village.
-Carlsbad Poinsettia Station: Convenient for visitors staying near South Carlsbad.
The COASTER offers a relaxing ride with beautiful coastal views, making it a great alternative to driving.
Rental Cars
If you plan to explore Carlsbad and the surrounding region, renting a car is a convenient option. The San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center features a variety of major rental car companies and is accessible via a complimentary shuttle from both airport terminals.
Taxi
Taxis are available at designated taxi stands outside both airport terminals and they provide direct transportation to Carlsbad.
The COASTER, run by the North County Transit District, runs from Oceanside to downtown San Diego with two stations in Carlsbad - Carlsbad Village and Carlsbad Poinsettia.
The Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast of Southern California, starting in San Luis Obispo and ending in downtown San Diego. This offers easy access between Los Angeles and San Diego.
BREEZE buses provide public transportation in North San Diego County, and offers convenient, comfortable options for getting around. BREEZE Route 444 provides weekday peak-only bus service connecting the Carlsbad Poinsettia COASTER station via Faraday Avenue and Rutherford Road.
