- Must visit
Orange County Museum of Art
Major contemporary art museum in nearby Costa Mesa, widely visited for its architecture and changing exhibitions.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $2. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $2, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 5 miles (9 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price | $2 Average price Cheapest | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
40m Average total duration Fastest 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Irvine, CA:
A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $9 (€7).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 28m.
You'll arrive about 4m sooner (10m by train vs 14m by car). Tickets start at around $9 (€7) compared to roughly $2 (€2) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) but you can travel from only $2 (€2) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 5 miles (9 km) distance in 10m.
Distance 5 miles (9 km) |
Average train duration 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 10m |
First train 5:49 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Irvine — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Irvine trip today.
Major contemporary art museum in nearby Costa Mesa, widely visited for its architecture and changing exhibitions.
University museum focused on California art, with rotating exhibitions and a strong regional perspective.
Interactive children’s museum with a miniature city designed for hands-on learning and family visits.
Vast public park with sports fields, gardens, art spaces, and the city’s signature balloon attraction.
Tranquil wetland walking area with birdlife, reflective ponds, and easy trails close to central Irvine.
Scenic open-space preserve with hiking trails, oak woodland, and a more local feel than busier parks.
A Southern California staple of grilled or fried fish in tortillas with cabbage, salsa, and crema. Irvine locals commonly enjoy it as a casual coastal comfort food.
A regional favorite filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It reflects the Mexican American fast-casual food culture found across Orange County.
A popular Hawaiian-inspired dish of marinated raw fish over rice with fresh toppings. It is especially common in Irvine because of the city’s broader Pacific Rim food scene.
Popular ramen shop known for rich tonkotsu broth, handmade noodles, and a modern casual atmosphere.
Well-known Taiwanese restaurant famous for soup dumplings, noodles, and precise service in a polished, lively setting.
Stylish Italian restaurant serving housemade pasta, pizza, and cocktails, suitable for both casual dinners and date nights.
Irvine is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining, though casual meals are manageable.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for coffee jars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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.

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