Summary: NCTD rail shutdown will suspend COASTER coastal rail service from February 21–22, 2026 for routine maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Trains pause from 12:30 a.m. on Feb 21 and are expected to resume around 12:30 a.m. on Feb 23; riders should use alternate transit during this period.

The North County Transit District (NCTD) has announced a planned two-day closure of all coastal rail operations on February 21–22, 2026. The pause affects the COASTER commuter rail that links Oceanside and San Diego, with service halting at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 21 and scheduled to resume in the early hours of Monday, February 23.

Scope and schedule of the shutdown

All passenger service on the coastal route will be suspended for the two-day window. NCTD says the last scheduled COASTER departure will operate until 12:30 a.m. on February 21, after which no passenger trains will run on that corridor. Normal COASTER operations are expected to restart at approximately 12:30 a.m. on February 23, 2026.

Why the closures are necessary

NCTD describes the pause as a routine maintenance window that allows crews to carry out repairs, preventative work and major construction upgrades. These scheduled shutdowns give teams uninterrupted access to tracks and stations so they can perform tasks that are harder to complete while trains are running.

How the shutdown affects travelers and local travel

Commuters and visitors who normally rely on the COASTER should plan alternative routes during the closure. NCTD is urging riders to prepare in advance and consider different transit options for trips between Oceanside and San Diego while passenger trains are paused.

  • Use BREEZE bus services for coastal travel where available
  • LIFT paratransit will remain operational for eligible riders
  • Bus timetables will be adjusted to help bridge the gap during the rail pause
  • Check the NCTD website and social media for real-time service alerts
COASTER train at a coastal San Diego station during maintenance work
NCTD will pause passenger COASTER service to allow crews to perform maintenance and construction along the coastal route

Safety and activity on the line during the closure

Although passenger trains will be off the tracks, NCTD warns that construction vehicles and test trains will still be active on the corridor while work is underway. The transit district asks the public to use only official crossings and remain vigilant around work zones to keep both workers and travelers safe.

  • Other scheduled closures this year include: March 7–8 and March 21–22
  • Further planned shutdowns are set for October 17–18 and November 7–8
  • These windows are part of NCTD’s ongoing maintenance calendar

When to expect regular service again

NCTD plans to restart COASTER passenger operations in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026 — around 12:30 a.m. Riders should monitor official NCTD channels for final confirmations and any adjustments to the resumption time.

Why this matters to travelers and the region

Short-term disruptions enable longer-term improvements: by taking planned outages, NCTD can complete repairs and upgrades that help prevent more serious breakdowns and delays later. For travelers, that means a safer, more reliable COASTER service in the months ahead — but it also requires short-term adjustments to travel plans and logistics for events, commuting and tourism along the North County coast.

Plan ahead: If you rely on the COASTER between Oceanside and San Diego during Feb 21–22, check NCTD alerts and arrange alternate transport such as BREEZE buses or rideshares.