- Recommended
Irvine Museum
Museum focused on California Impressionism and regional art. A worthwhile stop for visitors interested in local cultural history and landscape painting.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 38 m
Average duration
1 h 40 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
123 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 Diego, CA to Irvine, 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 San Diego, CA for Irvine, CA on Sun, May 31, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 38 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 1 h 41 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.
761 Pacific Surfliner
579 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific Surfliner
593 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
595 Pacific Surfliner
579 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. 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 train costs an average of $29, and a bus costs an average of $17.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price Cheapest | $31 Average price | $26 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 29m 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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA:
A train is $1 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $31 (€25).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 54m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-3.97 (€-3.20). The journey takes 1h 43m versus 1h 29m 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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 5:48 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 5:48 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 7:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 7:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 8:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 8:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 9:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 9:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 11:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 11:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 1:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 1:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 2:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 2:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 3:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 3:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 5:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 5:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 6:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 6:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 8:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 8:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 9:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 9:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 10:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 9:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 10:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, 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 San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 20 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 41m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average train duration 1h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 20 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Irvine — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine trip today.
Museum focused on California Impressionism and regional art. A worthwhile stop for visitors interested in local cultural history and landscape painting.
University-affiliated museum presenting California art and rotating exhibitions. It is one of Irvine's most significant visual-arts venues.
Hands-on children's museum with a kid-sized city and educational exhibits. Best for families traveling with younger children.
Large urban park with trails, sports areas, gardens, seasonal events, and the famous balloon ride. One of Irvine's signature places to explore.
Popular observation balloon offering wide views over Irvine and Orange County. It is highly photographed and widely shared on social media.
Scenic open-space area with hiking trails, native landscape, and a quieter local feel than Irvine's larger parks.
A Southern California staple of grilled or fried fish in tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and crema. Common across Orange County and strongly associated with the region's coastal food culture.
A hefty burrito typically filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. While rooted in Southern California border food culture, it is widely loved in the Irvine area.
A popular local favorite across Orange County, featuring marinated raw fish over rice with fresh toppings. It reflects the area's Pacific Rim influences and casual dining style.
Classic fine-dining steakhouse with dry-aged steaks, seafood, and an upscale clubby ambiance. A reliable choice for celebratory meals in Irvine.
Upscale American restaurant known for polished service, steaks, salads, and a refined but relaxed atmosphere. A longstanding favorite for dependable quality in Irvine.
Popular modern Italian spot at Irvine Spectrum Center, known for handmade pasta, pizza, and a lively atmosphere suitable for groups and casual dinners.
Irvine is pricier than many U.S. cities, with higher costs for hotels, dining, and daily services.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
The train connection between San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers scenic views of the coastline and easy access to both cities' attractions. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities while traveling approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes on their journey.
The train connection from San Diego to Irvine takes approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. There are a total of 7 connections per day available for this route. The trains do not run direct; therefore, passengers will need to make one transfer during their journey. Departure stations include Old Town Station and Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, while the arrival station is Irvine Station.
The first daily train journey departs from San Diego at 11:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Irvine. The last departure is scheduled for 11:26 PM, allowing late-night arrivals for those wishing to enjoy a full day in either destination before heading out.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between San Diego and Irvine is $18 (16.2€). The average ticket price tends to be around $24 (21.6€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Californian cities.
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) was established in 1965 and has since become a leading research institution known for its innovative programs and commitment to sustainability. Its significance lies not only in its academic excellence but also in the vibrant campus life that fosters creativity and collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. Unique features include the beautiful Aldrich Park at its center, which offers serene walking paths amidst lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or study.
The Irvine Spectrum Center is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a lively entertainment hub that opened in 1995 and quickly became one of Southern California's premier lifestyle centers. This landmark holds significance as a social gathering place where visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and various events throughout the year. One standout feature is the iconic Giant Wheel—an impressive Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of Orange County while providing an unforgettable experience for families and friends alike.
Great Park serves as both an expansive recreational area and a symbol of community revitalization on what was once part of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro before closing down in 1999. The park’s importance stems from its role as a green space promoting outdoor activities while preserving local history through remnants like the original hangars now repurposed into event spaces. Among its unique attractions are the Great Park Balloon—a tethered hot air balloon ride that provides panoramic vistas—and numerous sports facilities designed to engage residents with nature all around them.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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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