Where the Turf Meets the Surf
Ride the Pony Express with MTS, NCTD and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. With a Pony Express ticket you can get discounted admission that includes a ride on transit - the ultimate 2 for 1 deal!
The Races runs from Sunday, July 21, 2024 through Sunday, September 8, 2024 and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Pony Express
Pony Express tickets include a round trip ride on the MTS Trolley with a transfer to NCTD COASTER to the Solana Beach Station, and entry to the Del Mar Racetrack for a reduced fee. There’s a free shuttle that runs to the Del Mar Racetrack exclusively for transit riders.
Tickets are available for day of use sale only on the PRONTO app and MTS or NCTD ticket vending machines located at Trolley and COASTER stations (no advanced sales).
Pony Express Pricing
| Adult | SDM | Youth |
| $15 | $12 | $12 |
How to Get Pony Express
You can purchase Pony Express on your PRONTO app or at MTS Trolley ticket machines or NCTD COASTER ticket machines. Here’s how:
Purchasing Your Pony Express Ticket
If you have a PRONTO Physical Card or purchasing through a ticket machine:
- You cannot load the Pony Express pass onto a physical PRONTO card – you will receive a paper ticket.
- Use a ticket machine to purchase your paper ticket. On ticket machines, it will display as "Regional Pony Express" under the “Promotional Passes” button on the main screen.
- Please keep your ticket with you for the day and present the paper ticket at the racetrack when you arrive. You will need this same ticket for your return trip.
- Be sure to purchase the ticket on the same day that you are going to the races - it’s only good for the day that you buy it!
If you have a PRONTO Virtual Card / App:
- Purchase your Pony Express pass on the PRONTO app. Be sure to purchase the ticket on the same day that you are going to the races - it’s only good for the day that you buy it!
- When adding a new pass for Pony Express on your PRONTO app, select "NCTD" as the agency and then "Adult Regional Pony Express" (or "Youth" or "SDM").
- Use your PRONTO app to scan before boarding the Trolley, before boarding the COASTER, and when deboarding the COASTER. You will show your barcode under the Use tab at the gates for your race admission.
Getting on Board
- Park & Ride at one of our Trolley Stations and then take the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line to Santa Fe Depot or Old Town. Be sure to scan or tap before you board the Trolley.
- Transfer to the COASTER and get off at the Solana Beach station. Be sure to scan on and scan off at the COASTER station!
- Take the Free Pony Express Shuttle to the Del Mar Racetrack.
- Enter the races and have fun!
- If you have a paper ticket, keep it for your return trip or tap or scan your pass on your app.
Pony Express FAQs
Where do I buy my Pony Express ticket?
You can either buy it at an MTS ticket vending machine on the Trolley platform or on the PRONTO app.
Can I store multiple Pony Express tickets on my app?
Unfortunately no. Each person needs to have their own Pony Express ticket on the app, or you can purchase paper tickets at Trolley stations.
How long is a Pony Express valid for?
A Pony Express is valid for the entire MTS service day. It is only valid the day of purchase.
Will MTS inspect my Pony Express ticket?
MTS Security officers provide random inspections on Trolleys. Keep your Pony Express paper ticket handy for inspection. Or have your PRONTO app available with the Pony Express activated for a quick inspection.
How do I get to the Del Mar Racetrack on MTS services?
UC San Diego Blue Line and Green Line Trolley
Take the Trolley to Santa Fe Depot or Old Town Transit Center via the UC San Diego Blue Line or Green Line.
Orange Line Trolley
Take the Trolley to the Courthouse Station in downtown San Diego. Walk two blocks west to Santa Fe Depot.
From there, take the COASTER train north to the Solana Beach COASTER Station. The Racetrack will have shuttles running throughout the day from the train station to the Racetrack entrance. MTS also has employees dedicated to helping you plan your trip. Please contact MTS information & Trip Planning office at (619) 233-3004.
How do I use the Free Pony Express Shuttle?
Free Pony Express shuttles are available for Pony Express riders between the Solana Beach COASTER Station and the Del Mar Racetrack. Shuttles will run continuously and should arrive approximately every 30 minutes. Racetrack shuttles are ADA accessible. Please show your shuttle driver the Pony Express ticket prior to boarding.
I lost my Pony Express ticket! What do I do?
Unfortunately Pony Express tickets are non-refundable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Schedules and Real-Time Information
Trolley
Check the Trolley schedule here:
UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley Schedule
COASTER
Check the schedules for the COASTER and get real-time updates: