- Recommended
Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
Orange County’s leading contemporary art museum, presenting rotating exhibitions and acclaimed modern artists near UC Irvine.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
9 h 55 m
Average duration
11 h 20 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
638 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 3 buses that leave Sacramento, CA for Irvine, CA on Thu, Jul 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct buses cover the 638 km distance in an average of 11 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest buses will take 14 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $162.
Distance: 396 miles (638 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$87 Average price Cheapest | $98 Average price | $279 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 5m Average total duration 9h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 39m Average total duration 10h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 12m Average total duration Fastest 6h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $98 (€81).
A bus is $192 (€158) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $279 (€230).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 35m.
Train takes on average 10h 9m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:53PM | Arrival Time 11:11AM | Duration 16h18 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $113 |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:05 AM Sacramento, CA | 9h55 | 11:00 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:05 AM Sacramento, CA | 9h55 | 12:00 PM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:55 AM Sacramento, CA | 14h10 | 7:05 PM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 9h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€53) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 396 miles (638 km) distance in 9h 55m.
Distance 396 miles (638 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€53) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 9h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Irvine — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine trip today.
Orange County’s leading contemporary art museum, presenting rotating exhibitions and acclaimed modern artists near UC Irvine.
University art museum featuring exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, with thought-provoking programs and free admission.
Historic farm site with interpretive exhibits, original structures, and programs that bring Orange County’s agricultural past to life.
Major civic park with trails, sports areas, art spaces, and the iconic balloon, popular with both visitors and locals.
Lakeside shopping and entertainment district with landscaped plazas and a lively pedestrian setting day and night.
Circular park at the heart of UC Irvine with mature trees and paths, ideal for walking, picnics, and campus atmosphere.
Fish tacos are a Southern California staple: battered or grilled fish in corn tortillas with cabbage, crema, and salsa. They reflect the region’s Baja and coastal influence.
California rolls were popularized in Southern California sushi culture. Crab, avocado, and cucumber make them approachable and iconic to the region’s Japanese influence.
Avocado toast is a modern California café classic. Fresh avocado on artisan bread showcases the state’s produce culture and everyday brunch habits.
Established Japanese restaurant in Diamond Jamboree known for quality sushi, izakaya dishes, and a polished yet comfortable setting.
Well-known upscale-casual venue serving seasonal Californian cuisine. Stylish room and dependable service make it a strong fine dining option.
Highly regarded Taiwanese bakery café famous for sea salt coffee, breads, and desserts. Casual, busy, and representative of Irvine’s café culture.
Irvine is pricier than many US cities, with higher hotel and dining costs. Transit is limited, so visitors often need taxis or rental cars, raising daily spend.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Irvine, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need