- Recommended
Irvine Museum
Museum focused on California Impressionism and regional art. A worthwhile stop for visitors interested in local cultural history and landscape painting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
13 h 26 m
Average duration
16 h 46 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
617 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for Irvine, CA on Fri, May 29, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 617 km distance in an average of 16 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 26 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 20 h 5 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.
3:45 PM13h26San Francisco, CA5:11 AMIrvine, CA$671One-way0 transfers- 2:45 PM13h26San Francisco, CA4:11 AMIrvine, CA$691One-way0 transfers
11:00 PM20h05San Francisco, CA7:05 PMIrvine, CA$2101One-way0 transfers- 12:00 AM20h05San Francisco, CA8:05 PMIrvine, CA$2341One-way0 transfers
- 3:45 PM13h26San Francisco, CA5:11 AMIrvine, CA$671One-way0 transfers
- 2:45 PM13h26San Francisco, CA4:11 AMIrvine, CA$691One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 AM20h05San Francisco, CA8:05 PMIrvine, CA$2341One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 PM20h05San Francisco, CA7:05 PMIrvine, CA$2101One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 383 miles (617 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price | $329 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 10m Average total duration 10h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 31m Average total duration 12h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is a bus with an average price of $80 (€65).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $0.29 (€0.23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $81 (€65).
A bus is $248 (€200) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $329 (€265).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 34m.
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 40m.
Train takes on average 12h 1m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 07:11PM | Duration 12h36 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 09:11PM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:11AM | Duration 12h36 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $179 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA buses for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 20h05 | 7:05 PM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 29 | |||||
| 12:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 20h05 | 8:05 PM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:45 PM San Francisco, CA | 13h26 | 4:11 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:45 PM San Francisco, CA | 13h26 | 5:11 AM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 10h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $59 (€47) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 383 miles (617 km) distance in 12h 36m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 383 miles (617 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€47) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 12h 36m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA with FlixBus for as low as $59 (€47). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 40m
Cheapest Price
$83 (€67)
FlixBus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Irvine
Things to do in Irvine
Discover the best of Irvine — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine trip today.
- Recommended
Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
University-affiliated museum presenting California art and rotating exhibitions. It is one of Irvine's most significant visual-arts venues.
- Recommended
Pretend City Children's Museum
Hands-on children's museum with a kid-sized city and educational exhibits. Best for families traveling with younger children.
- Must visit
Orange County Great Park
Large urban park with trails, sports areas, gardens, seasonal events, and the famous balloon ride. One of Irvine's signature places to explore.
- Must visit
Great Park Balloon
Popular observation balloon offering wide views over Irvine and Orange County. It is highly photographed and widely shared on social media.
- Recommended
Bommer Canyon
Scenic open-space area with hiking trails, native landscape, and a quieter local feel than Irvine's larger parks.
- Gluten-free
Fish Tacos
A Southern California staple of grilled or fried fish in tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and crema. Common across Orange County and strongly associated with the region's coastal food culture.
California Burrito
A hefty burrito typically filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. While rooted in Southern California border food culture, it is widely loved in the Irvine area.
- Gluten-free
Poke Bowl
A popular local favorite across Orange County, featuring marinated raw fish over rice with fresh toppings. It reflects the area's Pacific Rim influences and casual dining style.
The Capital Grille
Classic fine-dining steakhouse with dry-aged steaks, seafood, and an upscale clubby ambiance. A reliable choice for celebratory meals in Irvine.
Houston's
Upscale American restaurant known for polished service, steaks, salads, and a refined but relaxed atmosphere. A longstanding favorite for dependable quality in Irvine.
North Italia
Popular modern Italian spot at Irvine Spectrum Center, known for handmade pasta, pizza, and a lively atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dinners.
United States Dollar
Irvine is pricier than many U.S. cities, with higher costs for hotels, dining, and daily services.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular latte or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA can start from as little as $59 (€47) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is $80 (€65) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is 12h 36m to travel the 383 miles (617 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA leaves at 4:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Irvine, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Irvine, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Irvine, CA are:
- Orange County Great Park, a large public park offering sports facilities, a carousel, and a giant helium balloon ride for panoramic views
- Irvine Spectrum Center, a popular outdoor shopping center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options including a Ferris wheel
- Bommer Canyon, a nature preserve with hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding hills
- Pretend City Children's Museum, an interactive museum designed for children to explore and learn through play
- Irvine Museum, a museum dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionist art.
The best things to do in Irvine, CA include:
- Tanaka Farms, a family-friendly farm offering seasonal tours and fresh produce picking
- Irvine Barclay Theatre, a venue offering a variety of performances including music, dance, and theater
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a peaceful place for bird watching and enjoying nature
- K1 Speed, an indoor go-kart racing track for thrill-seekers
- William R. Mason Regional Park, a large park with picnic areas, walking trails, and a lake for paddle boating.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor Irvine, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Irvine, CA, travelers should be aware of common safety concerns such as occasional vehicle break-ins and petty theft in parking areas. Scam attempts may include fake ticket sellers or unlicensed transportation services, so it is advised to purchase tickets from reputable sources and verify service credentials. Staying vigilant in crowded places and using official transportation options helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
San Francisco
Irvine
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections to Irvine, CA
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