The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
1 h 41 m
Average duration
1 h 41 m
Trains per day
1
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 $30.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Irvine, CA on Mon, Dec 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 01 the direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 41 m .
On Mon, Dec 01 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
Omio 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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 €23, and a bus costs an average of €15.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €27 Average price |
2h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration 1h 47m 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
San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA trains for today, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 1:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 1:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 3:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 3:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 5:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 5:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 7:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 7:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
577 NA | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 9:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
577 NA | 8:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 9:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
779 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h47 | 10:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
779 Pacific Surfliner | 9:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h38 | 10:48 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 11:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 11:51 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, December 1 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 1:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 1:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1h50 | 2:51 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 1:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1h41 | 2:51 AM 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 prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Irvine, 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.
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Why should you book San Diego to Irvine trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from San Diego to Irvine. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- 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 Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego to Irvine.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Diego to Irvine.
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
There are 17 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 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 1h 41m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 23:12 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA from $18 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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.
Train Connection: San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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.
San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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.
Train Tickets Price for San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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.
Exploring Irvine: A Blend of Education, Entertainment, and Community
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.
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA
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