The Inland Rail Trail is a multiuse path that runs through the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and a portion of the unincorporated County of San Diego. Multiuse paths are physically separated from vehicle traffic to accommodate bike, pedestrian, and other nonmotorized traffic. The Inland Rail Trail is an important element of the San Diego Regional Bike Plan which makes active transportation safer, easier, and more accessible throughout the region.
Inland Rail Trail
Project Phases
Pre-work
In 2009, SANDAG constructed the easternmost portion of the multiuse path in the cities of Escondido and San Marcos. This segment extends seven miles between the Escondido SPRINTER Rail Station and the intersection of West Mission Road and North Pacific Street in the City of San Marcos.
Phase 1: Pacific Street to Cherimoya Drive
STATUS: Complete
Project Overview
This is 1-mile segment of the Inland Rail Trail between North Pacific Street and Cherimoya Drive is located on the north side of the North County Transit District (NCTD) rail tracks.
Schedule
In cooperation with the City of San Marcos, SANDAG completed this segment of the Inland Rail Trail in 2017.
Budget
The total cost of Phases 1 and 2 was $54.1 million.
Phases 1 and 2 were funded by various sources including Bicycle Transportation Account grants, TransNet, the Transportation Enhancement Act, and the State Transportation Improvement Program.
Phase 2: Cherimoya Drive to Mar Vista Drive and North Drive to North Melrose Drive
STATUS: Complete
Project Overview
South Segment: Cherimoya Drive to Mar Vista Drive
The south segment extends 2.5-miles on the north side of the NCTD rail tracks between Cherimoya Drive and York Drive in the City of Vista, and on the south side of the NCTD rail tracks between Woodland Drive and Mar Vista Drive in the unincorporated County of San Diego.
North Segment: North Drive to North Melrose Drive
The north segment extends 0.5 miles between North Drive in the City of Vista and the intersection of North Melrose Drive and West Bobier Drive in the City of Oceanside. This segment of the multiuse path is located on the north side of the NCTD rail tracks.
Schedule
Phase 2 was completed opened to the public in January 2021.
The completion of this phase provided a 10.5-mile continuous, separated, multiuse path for people who walk, ride, or roll between the Escondido Transit Center and Mar Vista Drive in the City of Vista.
Budget
The total cost of Phases 1 and 2 was $54.1 million.
Phases 1 and 2 were funded by various sources including Bicycle Transportation Account grants, TransNet, the Transportation Enhancement Act, and the State Transportation Improvement Program.
Phase 3: Mar Vista Drive to Civic Center Drive
STATUS: In Progress: Construction
Project Overview
Like the entire Inland Rail Trail, this 1-mile stretch along Mar Vista Drive to Civic Center Drive is a multiuse path for riding, walking, and rolling that is completely separated from traffic.
Schedule
In June 2024, we began construction on Phase 3 of the Inland Rail Trail, and we completed it in September 2026.
Budget
The total cost of Phase 3 was $27.924 million.
Phase 3 is funded by various sources, including TransNet and grants from the California Transportation Commission's Active Transportation Program (ATP).
SANDAG regional bikeway projects are reflected in our annual Program Budget. View the entire budget map to explore all our mappable projects.
Phase 4: Civic Center Drive to North Drive
STATUS: In Progress: Design
Project Overview
Civic Center Drive and North Drive are two of the busiest streets in Vista. As part of the 21-mile Inland Rail Trail project, this 2-mile segment will transform to accommodate a safe path for those who walk, ride, and roll.
Schedule
The project is in the final design phase and the project team is currently working through budget and schedule details.
Budget
SANDAG regional bikeway projects are reflected in our annual Program Budget. View the entire budget map to explore all our mappable projects.
Connect with Us
Subscribe to receive email updates with information about this project and opportunities to provide feedback that helps shape SANDAG’s work. For more information, contact gobybike@sandag.org or 858.899.2453.
Project Partners
