The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 38 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
123 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 24 trains that leave Irvine, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Nov 20, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 1 h 38 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.
790 Pacific Surfliner
586 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
582 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
586 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
784 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare bus and train for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 39m. 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 €24, and a bus costs an average of €20.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €27 Average price |
2h 13m Average total duration 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 3:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 5:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 3:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 4:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 6:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 5:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h41 | 6:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h41 | 8:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h41 | 9:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 9:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 10:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 9:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 11:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 20 | |||||
580 Pacific Surfliner | 12:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 1:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 12:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 2:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
582 Pacific Surfliner | 1:09 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 3:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
582 Pacific Surfliner | 1:09 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h41 | 2:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
784 Pacific Surfliner | 2:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
784 Pacific Surfliner | 2:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 3:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
586 Pacific Surfliner | 3:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 4:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
586 Pacific Surfliner | 3:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 5:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h36 | 6:48 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 7:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:41 AM Irvine, CA | 2h23 | 9:04 AM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 8:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:41 AM Irvine, CA | 2h23 | 10:04 AM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Irvine, CA | 2h52 | 1:07 PM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:41 AM Irvine, CA | 2h26 | 2:07 PM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:15 PM Irvine, CA | 2h49 | 3:04 PM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by bus.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 76 miles (123 km) distance in 1h 38m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 23:12 |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA from $25 (€20). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple lots around the station.
- Del Frisco's Grille
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
- Located in the main hall
- 54 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak
- Bus: Several lines available
- Shuttle: Local shuttle services
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA
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