- 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 Sep 20
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$53
Fastest journey on Sep 20
7 h
Average journey duration on Sep 20
7 h
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
316 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 316 km distance in an average of 7 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $70 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 21m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $70, while a bus costs an average of $80.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA:
A train is $10 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $80.
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 51m.
Tickets start at around $70 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.72. The journey takes 6h 51m versus 4h 4m 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:11 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h00 | 8:11 PM Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 but you can travel from only $41 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 18:04. The fastest train covers the 196 miles (316 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average train duration 6h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 6h 35m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 6:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to Irvine Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Irvine, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
San Luis Obispo Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Firestone Grill
Free.
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo Station.
Nearby hotels include Apple Farm Inn, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need