- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 37 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Trains per day
26
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 26 trains that leave Irvine, CA for San Diego, CA on Sun, Aug 23, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 40 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.
770 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
562 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific SurflinerOmio 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 bus with prices starting from $18. 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 bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $18 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $30.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 54m.
Tickets start at around $30 compared to roughly $18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.46. The journey takes 1h 43m versus 1h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h37 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h40 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h55 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h39 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h52 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:12 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1h38 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 19 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 39m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 19 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
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.

Most Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Irvine Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Irvine Station is 8 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:
Irvine Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Del Frisco's Grille, The Cheesecake Factory
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Irvine Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Irvine Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Irvine Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Irvine Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum, DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need