- Recommended
Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
Orange County’s leading contemporary art museum, presenting rotating exhibitions and acclaimed modern artists near UC Irvine.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
€24
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€24
Fastest journey on Aug 29
1 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
1 h 40 m
Trains on Aug 29
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 €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 26 trains from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA, including 26 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 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 Sat, Aug 29 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.
765 Pacific Surfliner
587 Pacific Surfliner
579 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
593 Pacific Surfliner
595 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
587 Pacific Surfliner
579 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 an average ticket price of €24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €24, while a bus costs an average of €42.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €42 Average price | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 25m Average total duration 1h 55m 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 €18 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average €42.
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 55m.
Tickets start at around €24 compared to roughly €21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-3.61. The journey takes 1h 44m 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, Friday, August 28. 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 24 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
There are 24 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 44m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 24 |
Fastest train 1h 38m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Irvine, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine, CA trip today.
Orange County’s leading contemporary art museum, presenting rotating exhibitions and acclaimed modern artists near UC Irvine.
University art museum featuring exhibitions of contemporary and historical works, with thought-provoking programs and free admission.
Historic farm site with interpretive exhibits, original structures, and programs that bring Orange County’s agricultural past to life.
Major civic park with trails, sports areas, art spaces, and the iconic balloon, popular with both visitors and locals.
Lakeside shopping and entertainment district with landscaped plazas and a lively pedestrian setting day and night.
Circular park at the heart of UC Irvine with mature trees and paths, ideal for walking, picnics, and campus atmosphere.
Fish tacos are a Southern California staple: battered or grilled fish in corn tortillas with cabbage, crema, and salsa. They reflect the region’s Baja and coastal influence.
California rolls were popularized in Southern California sushi culture. Crab, avocado, and cucumber make them approachable and iconic to the region’s Japanese influence.
Avocado toast is a modern California café classic. Fresh avocado on artisan bread showcases the state’s produce culture and everyday brunch habits.
Established Japanese restaurant in Diamond Jamboree known for quality sushi, izakaya dishes, and a polished yet comfortable setting.
Well-known upscale-casual venue serving seasonal Californian cuisine. Stylish room and dependable service make it a strong fine dining option.
Highly regarded Taiwanese bakery café famous for sea salt coffee, breads, and desserts. Casual, busy, and representative of Irvine’s café culture.
Irvine is pricier than many US cities, with higher hotel and dining costs. Transit is limited, so visitors often need taxis or rental cars, raising daily spend.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is appreciated.
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.

Most San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Irvine Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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