Translation Disclaimer
Important Alert :  

Fare Changes Effective October 1, 2026. The new fares will take effect in two phases. On July 17, 2026, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Transportation Committee approved the […]

Survey
Important Alert :  

Free Ride Day. Wednesday, Oct 7. FREE rides on COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE and NCTD+ Celebrate California’s Clean Air Day by riding FREE all day on COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE, and NCTD+ […]

Survey

Translation Disclaimer

Select a language using the Google Translate feature to change the text on this site into other languages.

*We cannot guarantee the accuracy any information translated through Google Translate. This translation feature is offered as an additional resource for information.

If information is needed in another language, contact (760) 966-6500.

Si necesita información en otro idioma, comuníquese al (760) 966-6500.
如果需要其他语种的信息，请致电 (760) 966-6500。
如需其他語言版本的資訊，請致電 (760) 966-6500。
Nếu cần thông tin bằng ngôn ngữ khác, xin liên hệ số (760) 966-6500.
Kung kailangan ang impormasyon sa ibang wika, makipag-ugnayan sa (760) 966-6500.
정보가 다른 언어로 필요하시다면 760-966-6500로 문의해 주십시오.

Fares and Passes

Fares and Passes

So Many Places, So Many Options

The possibilities of where you can go are matched with a variety of fare options to get you there. From single rides or day passes, to cost-effective monthly passes, we offer choices to fit your travel and commuting needs. Children under 5 are free and must be accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. To qualify as a senior, you must be 65+.
Single Ride / One-Way
Adult Senior / Disabled / Medicare-Youth (S/D/M-Y)
Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)		 Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)
BREEZE $3 $3.25 $1.50 $1.50
SPRINTER $3 $3.25 $3 $3
FLEX $6 $6.50 $3 $3
COASTER $6.50 $7 $3.25 $3.50
Day Pass
Adult Senior / Disabled / Medicare-Youth (S/D/M-Y)
Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)		 Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)
Regional $7 $7 $3.50 $3.50
Premium Regional $14 $16 $7 $7
COASTER Regional $15 $17 $7.50 $8.50
Monthly Passes
Adult Senior / Disabled / Medicare-Youth (S/D/M-Y)
Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)		 Phase I
(October 1, 2026)		 Phase II
(October 1, 2027)
Regional $85 $95 $28 $30
Premium Regional $125 $140 $42 $45
COASTER Regional $185 $190 $60 $70
SPRINTER/BREEZE $65 $70 $20 $23
  • * Regional: BREEZE, SPRINTER, MTS Bus, Trolley, Rapid
  • ** Premium Regional: Includes Regional Pass modes, FLEX, and MTS Rapid Express
  • *** COASTER Regional: Includes Premium Regional Pass modes, and COASTER
  • + S/D/M: Senior 65+, Disabled, Medicare
  • + Y = Youth ages 6 through 18 ride free with PRONTO app account or card. Ages 5 and under ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

PRONTO is the NCTD and MTS regional fare payment system.

Riders can use the PRONTO app or a PRONTO card to ride NCTD buses and trains. Simply load money to your PRONTO card or app account, then tap or scan every time you ride!

Riders must tap their card or scan the app at validators located on board buses or on SPRINTER and COASTER station platforms before each trip.

PRONTO

Getting Started with PRONTO

  1. Get Your PRONTO Card

    • Use a PRONTO ticket machine
    • Stop by a PRONTO special event
    • Visit an NCTD Customer Service Center
    • Go to a participating retail outlet (for purchase)
    • Call the PRONTO Support Team at (619) 595-5636
    • Download the PRONTO mobile app to set up a virtual card

  2. Set Up Your Account

  3. Load Value / Link PRONTO Card

    • Stop at a PRONTO ticket machine
    • Open a PRONTO online account or mobile app
    • Go to a participating retail outlet
    • Visit NCTD Customer Service
    • Call the PRONTO Support Team at (619) 595-5636

    Link your PRONTO card to your account

    1. Sign into your PRONTO on-line account or mobile app
      • Go to ‘Manage’
      • Tap ‘+’ and select ‘Link Existing Card’
      • Input Card# and PIN# from back of card
    2. Don’t have a PRONTO card? Create a virtual card in the PRONTO mobile app

  4. Tap or Scan the PRONTO validator to Ride

    • Tap your PRONTO card

    • Scan the QR from the PRONTO mobile app

Ways To Pay

With PRONTO, customers have the ability to pay for fare in many different ways! Whether it’s through a direct tap with a debit or credit card, at ticket vending machines, through the PRONTO app or at NCTD Customer Service Centers.

Contactless Payment

Contactless Payment offers customers the ability to pay a transit fare with the direct tap of a debit or credit card and payment enabled smartphones and devices. Tap and go!

  • An Adult one-way fare for that mode will be deducted and is valid for two hours.
  • You will be charged a one-way fare each time you tap outside a two-hour window or for transfers to premium modes, such as COASTER, FLEX and COASTER Connection.
  • Daily and monthly fare caps are not available for Contactless Payments.
  • VISA
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)

Load your PRONTO card or purchase tickets at NCTD and MTS ticket vending machines located at SPRINTER and COASTER platforms, and outside the Customer Service locations.

TVMs accept cash and credit/debit cards–Visa and Mastercard.

  • Paper tickets purchased at TVMs are valid for the day of purchase only.
  • In the event that a TVM cannot dispense change, a voucher will be printed that can be redeemed for cash at Customer Service at the Oceanside Transit Center.
  • Use small bills or exact change when possible.
  • Pennies, bills over $20, and tokens are not accepted. Change will be provided in $1 coins.
  • No refunds or exchanges given for tickets purchased at a TVM.
  • Mastercard, Visa, Discover and Transit Benefit Cards accepted at all TVMs.

Please note: Reduced Fare PRONTO Card (Senior/Disabled/Medicare) users must purchase their first Monthly pass from an NCTD Customer Service location for verification purposes.

To report issues with a TVM, contact Customer Service at (760) 966-6500.

Stored Value

With Stored Value you can load a dollar value to your PRONTO card to use whenever you want.

  • Fares on BREEZE and SPRINTER are capped at a Day and Monthly Pass amounts, so you’ll always get the best fare no matter how much you ride throughout San Diego County.
  • COASTER one-way and round-trip fares can also be purchased with Stored Value.
  • Stored value is available at all ticket vending machines, NCTD Customer Service locations, the MTS Transit Store and select participating retail outlets.
  • Values from $3 to $300 are available.
  • For NCTD and MTS buses, SPRINTER, and MTS Trolley, simply tap your PRONTO card on the PRONTO validator to deduct your fare.
Customer Service Centers

Load money into your PRONTO card, purchase a monthly pass or for any questions, visit NCTD Customer Service Centers in-person!

  • Oceanside Transit Center205 S. Tremont Street, Oceanside, CA 92054
  • Vista Transit Center101 Olive Avenue, Vista, CA 92083
  • Escondido Transit Center700 W. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
PRONTO App

Purchase tickets ahead of time and activate immediately when needed.

The mobile ticketing app is valid on NCTD and MTS modes of transit. Search “PRONTO-San Diego” to download the PRONTO mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Passengers must have valid fare. Failure to have valid fare on NCTD services results in a citation/fine pursuant to NCTD Ordinance 3 and Public Utilities Code 125450.

Helpful Tips

What’s the fare?

With PRONTO’s pay-as-you-go capabilities, riders will always earn the best fare! *

Fares on BREEZE, SPRINTER and FLEX are capped at Day and Monthly Pass amounts, so you’ll always get the best fare no matter how much you ride throughout San Diego County. *

Ride all day, you’ll never pay more than a Day Pass. Keep riding all month, and you’ll never pay more than a Monthly Pass!

Free Transfers with PRONTO

With PRONTO, one-way fares offer unlimited transfers within two hours. Riders using a PRONTO card or PRONTO virtual card can transfer free from Regional to Regional, Premium Regional to Regional, or Rural to Regional within two hours of paying a one-way fare.

A single transfer is allowed from COASTER to SPRINTER, BREEZE or FLEX (not MTS service) within two hours of paying a one-way COASTER fare.

Tap your card or scan the QR code in your mobile app every time you ride, and you will not be charged more than once within two hours.

Transfers are not allowed for MTS Access and NCTD LIFT services. BREEZE one-way cash fares and SPRINTER one-way paper tickets are not eligible for transfers.

Loading PRONTO with Cash

You can load value to your PRONTO card with cash at PRONTO ticket machines, NCTD Customer Service Centers, or select retail outlets. Visit RidePRONTO.com to see a list of participating retail outlets.

Passes/value stored on PRONTO physical cards and virtual cards are kept separate, so make sure to load your pass/value on the one you use.

Reduced Fare – Senior/Disabled/Medicare (SDM)

Those eligible to receive reduced fares need to have their PRONTO account designated for reduced fares to receive the discount. If you qualify for a reduced fare, visit an NCTD Customer Service Center or call the PRONTO Support Team at (619) 595-5636 to get your PRONTO Card or account switched to a reduced fare category. Please have proof of eligibility ready.

Those eligible for reduced fares may get a reduced fare PRONTO card that includes a photo ID in person at the Oceanside or Escondido Transit Centers, or the MTS Transit Store.

Riders traveling with a reduced fare must carry proof of eligibility at all times.

Monthly Passes

PRONTO Monthly passes are based on the calendar month and are only valid through the last day of the month.

Passes/value stored on PRONTO physical cards and virtual cards are kept separate, so make sure to load your pass/value on the one you use.

COASTER Riders

Are you a COASTER rider? Here are important things to know about PRONTO:

  • Buy COASTER Monthly Pass through PRONTO. Monthly passes are valid through the last day of the calendar month.
  • Monthly Passes stored on PRONTO physical cards and virtual cards are kept separate, so make sure to load your pass on the one you use.
  • Purchase your Day and Monthly passes before you ride.
  • Fare capping does not apply to COASTER.

Need More Help?

If you need more help with PRONTO, call the PRONTO Support Team at (619) 595-5636. You can also visit an NCTD Customer Service Center. For more information about how PRONTO works on MTS buses and Trolley, visit RidePRONTO.com.

Programs

NCTD offers programs that make transit free or more affordable for those who qualify — for foster youth, young riders, and student groups exploring San Diego.

PRONTO Extend

A pilot program for individuals 18 through 24 who have exited the foster care system on or after their 18th birthday, or who have elected the Extended Foster Care Program. Eligible individuals get free transit passes on NCTD and MTS services.

Interested participants must apply and be approved for the program prior to receiving free transit access.

Program Guidelines

Individuals must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for the PRONTO Extend Pilot
Program:

  • You are 18 through 24 years old.
  • Individuals who were previously in a foster care system through the County of San Diego or in a foster care system outside of the County of San Diego, and who have exited foster care upon or after their 18th birthday
  • Individuals who have elected to participate in the Extended Foster Care Program

Documents to Provide

Provide one of the following eligibility letters/forms from applicable County Foster Care System:

  • Proof of Dependency/Wardship Letter
  • Notice of Action – Approval, Change, or Discontinued Form

Provide a valid form of identification

  • Government issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, state issued ID, passport, etc.)
  • Birth certificate
  • Other (e.g., social security card, current school ID)

How to Apply

Visit SDMTS.com / PRONTO-Extend

NCTD offers reduced fares and passes for:

  • Senior citizens (65+)
  • Medicare recipients (not MediCal)
  • People with disabilities who qualify for a reduced fare under federal and state law
  • Youth ages 6–18 (school ID, transit identification, or government-issued photo ID required): The Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program offers free transit for youth with a PRONTO app account or card, through June 30, 2026. Learn More
Reduced Fares

dsd

  1. Fill out an application

  2. Certify Your Qualification/Disability

    You may automatically qualify for reduced fare by providing at least one of the following proofs of eligibility:

    • Applicants age 65+ with valid driver’s license, or government issued Identification card or other government issued identification that shows proof of age and a picture
    • Current (within six months) Social Security Income (SSI) letter with valid corresponding photo identification
    • Current Medicare card (not Medi-Cal) with valid corresponding photo ID
    • Current letter from the Veterans Affairs Office (VA) proving at least a 50% disability with valid corresponding photo identification
    • Disabled Person Placard identification card or Disabled Veterans Placard identification card with valid corresponding identification (placard alone is not accepted)
    • MTS or other California transit agency unexpired reduced fare disabled or complementary paratransit identification and valid corresponding identification (if no photo included on disabled identification)
    No instant qualifier? If you do not have one of the above instant qualifiers, you may qualify by having a licensed healthcare professional complete their part of the application form (Section 2 of the application)

  3. Visit a Customer Service Office Location

    Once your application has been completed, turn the application into any of the three Customer Service locations.

    For those who do not instantly qualify for a reduced fare pass, NCTD staff will verify applications with listed health care providers. Staff will notify you of your application status within 10 days after receipt.

    NCTD Customer Service Office Locations

  4. Receive a Reduced Fare Card

    • Approved applicants will receive a Reduced Fare Photo PRONTO Card during their visit to any of the three Customer Service locations.

    • All PRONTO cards and replacements are $2.00

    • If you have an existing PRONTO card and wish to continue using it, Customer Service will change the fare category to Reduced Fare.

Get a discounted college pass

If you’re a college student, you know that every penny counts. Avoid expensive campus parking permit fees by taking transit to your campus.

The prices below are available for Adult Regional passes purchased at your school office. Additional discounts may be available directly through your college. Please check with your school office.

Students
Cal State San Marcos
  • $57.60 Monthly Pass
  • $184 Semester Pass

How to buy

Adult Regional monthly passes are sold for CSUSM students with valid I.D. and enrollment verification through Parking and Commuter Services (University Police Building at 425 La Moree Road). Passes available online through CSUSM Parking!

Buy through CSUSM Parking

Getting to campus

The SPRINTER features an elevated station on the northeast corner of campus. The BREEZE 347 links the CSUSM SPRINTER station with the heart of campus during the regular school year.

  • SPRINTER
  • BREEZE 347
MiraCosta College
  • $57.60 Monthly Pass

How to buy

Adult Regional monthly passes are sold for MiraCosta College students with valid I.D. and enrollment verification at the Student Accounts Office on the main campus. Call (760) 757-2121 x6835 for specific sales locations.

Call (760) 757-2121 x6835

Getting to campus

BREEZE bus routes 302, 311, 315 & 325 serve the main MiraCosta College campus.

  • BREEZE 302
  • BREEZE 311
  • BREEZE 315
  • BREEZE 325
Palomar College
  • $57.60 Monthly Pass

How to buy

Adult Regional monthly passes are sold for Palomar College students with valid I.D. and enrollment verification at the cashier windows (Administration Building) on the main campus.

Getting to campus

Many BREEZE bus routes serve Palomar College in both San Marcos and Escondido. The main campus in San Marcos conveniently has a SPRINTER station located just south of Mission Road.

  • Many BREEZE routes
  • SPRINTER
UC San Diego
  • Triton U-Pass Auto-enrolled

How to buy

UCSD students are automatically enrolled in the Triton U-Pass, which expands transit access for UC San Diego students, offering unlimited ridership during the fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Getting to campus

With the U-Pass, UCSD students have access to all regional mass transit bus and trolley/light rail routes provided by MTS and NCTD, with some exclusions.

  • MTS bus
  • Trolley / light rai
  • NCTD bus

COASTER, LIFT, FLEX and MTS Rapid Express are not included

Vista Adult School
  • $57.60 Monthly Pass

How to buy

Adult Regional monthly passes are sold for Vista Adult School students with valid I.D. and enrollment verification at the school office on the Sunset campus.

Getting to campus

The main campus is conveniently located less than half a mile from a SPRINTER station at the Vista Civic Center.

  • SPRINTER
Transfer with PRONTO

With PRONTO, one-way fares offer unlimited transfers within two hours. Riders using a PRONTO card or PRONTO virtual card can transfer free from Regional to Regional, Premium Regional to Regional, or Rural to Regional within two hours of paying a one-way fare.

A single transfer is allowed from COASTER to SPRINTER, BREEZE or FLEX (not MTS service) within two hours of paying a one-way COASTER fare.

Tap your card or scan the QR code in your mobile app every time you ride, and you will not be charged more than once within two hours.

Transfers are not allowed for MTS Access and NCTD LIFT services. BREEZE one-way cash fares and SPRINTER one-way paper tickets are not eligible for transfers.
Metrolink Transfers to NCTD Services
  • Metrolink one-way ticket – valid for one transfer to SPRINTER or BREEZE originating from Oceanside Transit Center. Ticket must be stamped for the same day of travel.
  • Metrolink round-trip ticket, 7-day, Weekend, Day, and Monthly passes are valid for one round-trip transfer on SPRINTER or BREEZE.
  • Transfer must originate from Oceanside Transit Center and be time stamped for the same day of travel.
  • Metrolink tickets and passes are not valid for transferring between NCTD routes or between NCTD and MTS.
  • Metrolink tickets are not valid for transfers to the COASTER, FLEX, or LIFT.
  • Transfer agreements between agencies are subject to change at any time.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Transfers to NCTD Services
  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets are valid on NCTD SPRINTER or BREEZE when transferring at the Oceanside Transit Center or Solana Beach Station. Ticket must be stamped for same day of travel.
  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner monthly pass holders may ride any COASTER train between the Oceanside Transit Center and the San Diego Santa Fe Depot within the origin and destination listed on their monthly pass.
  • Transfer agreements between agencies are subject to change at any time.