Getting from San Diego to Hollywood on a weekday evening (Oceanside: home, train)

[esmith143]

I need to be in Hollywood (two blocks from Hollywood Blvd. exit off 101) at 6:30 .. 6:45 pm on a weekday. I'm coming from San Diego. I don't have the fondest memories of the traffic on the 101, despite the fact that I've only been there on weekends.

- Can I get there in time if I cross the Orange County line at 4 pm, or is it too much of a gamble?

- Is there any way to avoid the traffic by using public transportation? Say, leave the car somewhere at the park-and-ride in south OC and take the train the rest of the way?

[uptown_urbanist]

Do you need to be back that same night, or will you be returning at another time? Check the train schedules; you could either take Amtrak, or could catch Metrolink (LA's commuter train) in Oceanside. Not all the Metrolink trains go as far as Oceanside, though, so you could either pick it up farther north in Orange County or stick with Amtrak. I believe Amtrak and Metrolink alternate times to cover that route (since once they hit Oceanside they both stop at the same stations), and they both end up in Union Station. From there it's a very quick subway ride on the Red Line to Hollywood. I've done that ride a number of times, as have had some of my San Diego relatives looking to avoid traffic.

If trying to get home late on the same night you'll be have limited options with train rides.

[Troof]

Originally Posted by uptown_urbanist

Do you need to be back that same night, or will you be returning at another time? Check the train schedules; you could either take Amtrak, or could catch Metrolink (LA's commuter train) in Oceanside. Not all the Metrolink trains go as far as Oceanside, though, so you could either pick it up farther north in Orange County or stick with Amtrak. I believe Amtrak and Metrolink alternate times to cover that route (since once they hit Oceanside they both stop at the same stations), and they both end up in Union Station. From there it's a very quick subway ride on the Red Line to Hollywood. I've done that ride a number of times, as have had some of my San Diego relatives looking to avoid traffic.

If trying to get home late on the same night you'll be have limited options with train rides.

This. If you can map a route using the metro, I'd suggest that, but as Urbanist pointed out, any plans for a late night return will be limited / impossible.

[esmith143]

There are no trains going back the same night, and I wasn't comfortable risking the drive ... so I chose to stay home. Next time Blind Guardian comes to the US, they'll have to schedule a gig in San Diego if they want to get my business.