Cheap train tickets from Irvine to San Francisco

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Trip Summary

There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Irvine to San Francisco. Travelling by train from Irvine to San Francisco usually takes 12 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance: 384 mi (617 km)
Fastest train: 11h 35m
Lowest price: NOK 566.61
Trains per day: 8
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

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Irvine to San Francisco Train Timetable

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Irvine to San Francisco (Based on 1 rating and review)

5.0

Krishnavasu

28 July 2022 - Business

Amtrak

Pros: The journey was very comfortable. Didn’t have to spend lots of money on air ticket and airport ride Cons: na

There are several train options that can take you from Irvine to San Francisco:

Amtrak tickets: NOK 567 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Francisco?

In the last month, train tickets from Irvine to San Francisco cost about NOK 765 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 87.07 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Francisco by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Irvine to San Francisco will cost between NOK 746 and NOK 897. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Francisco by month

Ticket prices for the train from Irvine to San Francisco often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only NOK 737. If you're thinking of travelling from Irvine to San Francisco during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 812 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Irvine to San Francisco on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 87.07 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Irvine to San Francisco?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Irvine to San Francisco. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	8	12h 36m	NOK 801.73

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 8 Amtrak trains from Irvine to San Francisco every day, as well as 8 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 566.61.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Irvine to San Francisco

While the train is the main method of transport from Irvine to San Francisco, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a coach or express shuttle.

There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your hand luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Francisco to Irvine.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Irvine and San Francisco is approximately 384 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 35 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

384

Distance (km)

617

The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:49 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:55. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:49am

Last train

11:55pm

Trains from Irvine to San Francisco are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Friday

City Information

Irvine

Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.

When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!

It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity coaches or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.

San Francisco

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed “Karl the Fog” by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian “Painted Ladies.” After all, San Francisco is one of the best holiday destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether travelling by coach, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Irvine?

Main departure station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy

Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy - IRVAMT-0

Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.

All train stations in Irvine:

Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy

Where is the train station in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a coach station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway coaches, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travellers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

Train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Irvine?

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