- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$68
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$68
Fastest journey on Aug 29
12 h 36 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
13 h 1 m
Buses on Aug 29
2
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 $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA without transferring at least once.
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner7:45 AM13h26San Francisco, CA9:11 PMIrvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA$681One-way1 transfer- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner10:35 PM12h36San Francisco, CA11:11 AMIrvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA$681One-way1 transfer
- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner10:35 PM12h36San Francisco, CA11:11 AMIrvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA$681One-way1 transfer
- 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner7:45 AM13h26San Francisco, CA9:11 PMIrvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA$681One-way1 transfer
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 an average ticket price of $66 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $66, while a flight costs an average of $182.
Distance: 383 miles (617 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $182 Average price | $87 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* | 3h 34m Average total duration Fastest 1h 34m Onboard + 2h 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 $66 (€54).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $71 (€57).
A bus is $116 (€94) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $182 (€148).
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 | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 07:11PM | Duration 12h36 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 09:11PM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:11AM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:11AM | Duration 12h36 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $178 |
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, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 11h30 | 10:00 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:35 PM San Francisco, CA | 12h36 | 11:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
| 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:45 AM San Francisco, CA | 13h26 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 $54 (€44) 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 40m.
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 $54 (€44) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 12h 40m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 $54 (€44). 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 FlixBus Duration
12h 40m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$54 (€44)
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, CA
Things to do in Irvine, CA
Discover the best of Irvine, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine, CA trip today.
- Recommended
University Art Gallery at UC Irvine
University art museum featuring exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, with thought-provoking programs and free admission.
- Recommended
Irvine Ranch Historic Park
Historic farm site with interpretive exhibits, original structures, and programs that bring Orange County’s agricultural past to life.
- Must visit
Orange County Great Park
Major civic park with trails, sports areas, art spaces, and the iconic balloon, popular with both visitors and locals.
- Must visit
Irvine Spectrum Center
Lakeside shopping and entertainment district with landscaped plazas and a lively pedestrian setting day and night.
- Recommended
Aldrich Park
Circular park at the heart of UC Irvine with mature trees and paths, ideal for walking, picnics, and campus atmosphere.
- Gluten-free
Fish Tacos
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 Roll
California rolls were popularized in Southern California sushi culture. Crab, avocado, and cucumber make them approachable and iconic to the region’s Japanese influence.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a modern California café classic. Fresh avocado on artisan bread showcases the state’s produce culture and everyday brunch habits.
Habuya Okinawan Dining
Established Japanese restaurant in Diamond Jamboree known for quality sushi, izakaya dishes, and a polished yet comfortable setting.
North Italia
Well-known upscale-casual venue serving seasonal Californian cuisine. Stylish room and dependable service make it a strong fine dining option.
85C Bakery Cafe
Highly regarded Taiwanese bakery café famous for sea salt coffee, breads, and desserts. Casual, busy, and representative of Irvine’s café culture.
US Dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-18 for fast food or casual meals.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is appreciated.
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 $54 (€44) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA is $66 (€54) ; 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 40m 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.
When departing from San Francisco, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA, Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA, Hayward BART Station . When arriving in Irvine, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station), Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr), CA .Passengers board the bus most frequently from San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Irvine, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 40m 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 February.
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, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA for bus company FlixBus.
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.
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
Most San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) 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.
Departure bus stations in San Francisco
Arrival bus stations in Irvine
Which San Francisco, CA station do buses to Irvine, CA leave from?
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA leave from San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from San Francisco, CA city centre at Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus397 · 8m · $2
14, 14R · 13m · $2 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · $6 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · $2 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · $2 · every ~27 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 bus station facilities and services
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · $2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $2 · every ~11 min
Which Irvine, CA station do buses from San Francisco, CA arrive at?
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA most often arrive at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). Some services arrive at Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Irvine, CA arrival station.
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr)Crawford Hall, 903 W Peltason Dr, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) from Irvine city centre
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) is 3 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) bus station facilities and services
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr). ATMs are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Accessible to persons with disabilities.
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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