- 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
€21
Average price
€56
Fastest journey
1 h 39 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
123 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around €56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.
Of the 17 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Irvine, CA on Fri, Jul 31, 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 39 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 1 h 39 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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0Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €23, and a bus costs an average of €14.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€25 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA:
A train is €1 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average €25.
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 54m.
You'll arrive about -1h -25m sooner (1h 54m by bus vs 1h 29m by car) and save roughly €-4.38 compared to fuel and tolls (€25 vs €21). 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 FlixBus, Infobus.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51AM | Arrival Time 09:33AM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:51AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 1h39 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:51AM | Arrival Time 01:33PM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 01:51PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 1h39 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 03:51PM | Arrival Time 05:33PM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:51PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h39 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 1h39 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €23 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 2h25 | 2:20 PM Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:15 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2h05 | 2:20 PM Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
0 | 7:51 AM San Diego, CA | 1h39 | 9:30 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 7:51 AM San Diego, CA | 1h42 | 9:33 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 9:51 AM San Diego, CA | 1h39 | 11:30 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 9:51 AM San Diego, CA | 1h42 | 11:33 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 76 miles (123 km) distance in 1h 20m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 1h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Irvine, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine, CA 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 San Diego, 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.

Most San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA buses use the San Diego to Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need