- 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.
We are not able to find a bus between these two places.
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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 $58. 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 $58, and a flight costs an average of $103.
Distance: 383 miles (617 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price | $322 Average price | $85 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $0.28 (€0.23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $79 (€65).
A bus is $243 (€200) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $322 (€265).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 40m.
Train takes on average 12h 1m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 07:11PM | Duration 12h36 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 13h46 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $141 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 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.
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 $58 (€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.
Distance 383 miles (617 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€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 |
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 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.

Most San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, 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