The cheapest and fastest trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
6 h 51 m
Average duration
7 h 12 m
Trains per day
11
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 $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 11 trains that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Irvine, CA on Sat, Nov 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct trains cover the 316 km distance in an average of 7 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 51 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 31 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.
774 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare bus and train for San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
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 prices starting from €43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €43, and a bus costs an average of €28.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€44 Average price Cheapest | €44 Average price |
7h 35m Average total duration Fastest 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA trains for today, Friday, November 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
774 Pacific Surfliner | 2:11 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h00 | 9:11 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner | 6:15 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h56 | 2:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner | 6:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h36 | 2:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:20 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h51 | 5:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h36 | 5:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 11:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 12h13 | 11:50 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h34 | 7:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h31 | 7:11 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, November 8 | |||||
794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:20 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h51 | 7:11 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 Luis Obispo, 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average train duration 7h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 6h 51m |
First train 03:45 |
Last train 18:04 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA start from as low as $53 (€43) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $54 (€44) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Amtrak from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Luis Obispo, CA and Irvine, CA from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Novo Restaurant & Lounge
- Firestone Grill
- Outside the main entrance.
- $1
- Apple Farm Inn
- Hotel San Luis Obispo
- Granada Hotel & Bistro
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single platform with a waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: SLO Transit Route 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5
- RTA Route 9
- 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 Luis Obispo, CA
More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
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