- Must visit
Orange County Museum of Art
Major contemporary art museum in nearby Costa Mesa, widely visited for its architecture and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
10 h 2 m
Average duration
12 h 22 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
638 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
Of the 3 trains that leave Sacramento, CA for Irvine, CA on Wed, Jun 17, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 638 km distance in an average of 12 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 2 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 16 h 23 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $165.
Distance: 396 miles (638 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$100 Average price | $284 Average price | $88 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 39m Average total duration 10h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 12m Average total duration Fastest 6h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 5m Average total duration 9h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $100 (€81).
A bus is $195 (€158) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $284 (€230).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 35m.
Train takes on average 10h 9m.
Tickets start at around $100 (€81) compared to roughly $87 (€71) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.35 (€-10.01). The journey takes 10h 9m versus 6h 19m 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 Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 5:23 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 15h48 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 21h12 | 4:00 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 16h23 | 11:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 16h23 | 11:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:09 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 10h02 | 5:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 15h30 | 11:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 13h30 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:00 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h11 | 7:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:00 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h11 | 7:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:30 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 10h41 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:45 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 10h26 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:45 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 10h26 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:40 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 10h31 | 11:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 10h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 (€71) but you can travel from only $65 (€53) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 396 miles (638 km) distance in 10h 2m.
Distance 396 miles (638 km) |
Average train duration 10h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€71) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 10h 2m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Irvine — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine trip today.
Major contemporary art museum in nearby Costa Mesa, widely visited for its architecture and changing exhibitions.
University museum focused on California art, with rotating exhibitions and a strong regional perspective.
Interactive children’s museum with a miniature city designed for hands-on learning and family visits.
Vast public park with sports fields, gardens, art spaces, and the city’s signature balloon attraction.
Tranquil wetland walking area with birdlife, reflective ponds, and easy trails close to central Irvine.
Scenic open-space preserve with hiking trails, oak woodland, and a more local feel than busier parks.
A Southern California staple of grilled or fried fish in tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and crema. Irvine locals commonly enjoy it as a casual coastal comfort food.
A regional favorite filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It reflects the Mexican American fast-casual food culture found across Orange County.
A popular Hawaiian-inspired dish of marinated raw fish over rice with fresh toppings. It is especially common in Irvine because of the city’s broader Pacific Rim food scene.
Popular ramen shop known for rich tonkotsu broth, handmade noodles, and a modern casual atmosphere.
Well-known Taiwanese restaurant famous for soup dumplings, noodles, and precise service in a polished, lively setting.
Stylish Italian restaurant serving housemade pasta, pizza, and cocktails, suitable for both casual dinners and date nights.
Irvine is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining, though casual meals are manageable.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for coffee jars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, CA to Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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