- 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 Oct 30
$71
Average ticket price on Oct 30
$106
Fastest journey on Oct 30
10 h 2 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
10 h 43 m
Trains on Oct 30
9
Distance
617 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA without transferring at least once.
4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
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718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus
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6642 Connecting Bus · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus
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710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner
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714 Gold Runner · 5714 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
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718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus
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714 Gold Runner · 5714 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
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712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
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710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner
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6642 Connecting Bus · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 Connecting Bus
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Trains from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 13h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $102 but you can travel from only $57 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 383 miles (617 km) distance in 13h 33m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:18 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 10h53 | 7:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 Connecting Bus | 8:39 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 19h21 | 4:00 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
6612 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 11h20 | 9:00 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3 transfers | |
712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:28 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 10h43 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
714 Gold Runner · 5714 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:28 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 10h43 | 11:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 2 transfers | |
6610 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 11h41 | 7:11 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
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Irvine, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Irvine, CA trains use the to Irvine Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Irvine, 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.