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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Goleta to Irvine. Traveling by train from Goleta to Irvine usually takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 127 mi (205 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 32m |
| Lowest price | €36.75 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Goleta to Irvine
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Goleta to Irvine?
2 train services operate from Goleta to Irvine. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 4h 41m | €37.15 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 1 | 4h 40m | €36.75 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Goleta to Irvine every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €37.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 1 train trips from Goleta to Irvine every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from €37.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Goleta and Irvine is approximately 127 miles, or 205 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 32 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Goleta to Irvine are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Goleta at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Goleta to Irvine.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Irvine to Goleta.
City Information
Goleta
Image credit: Unsplash
Goleta is a city in southern Santa Barbara County, popularly called 'The Good Land.' It comes from the Goleta Valley, a fertile farming region where delicious avocados and citrus grow. The city features family-friendly activities and local fun on picturesque coastal land. The Goleta Beach Park is one of the city's highlights, with a fishing pier. Nature lovers can check out the butterfly preserves in the city or visit Lake Los Carneros. The Sandpiper Gold Club is the best place to enjoy golf at the oceanfront. As for exploring history in Goleta, the South Coast Railroad Museum and Art, Design & Architecture Museum are popular spots in the city.
As a farming city, one of the most popular celebrations in Goleta is the yearly Goleta Lemon Festival, the biggest one in the city. But you don't always have to wait for the festival to come around. Goleta features fun activities and clubs, including The Imperial Lounge. You should visit Goleta between April and November if you want to enjoy the beaches and beach parties.
It is easy to visit Goleta from tens of other cities by train or bus. Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provide train routes to Goleta. Buses are a little rarer, with only a few routes provided by FlixBus US.
Irvine
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Goleta?
Main departure station: 25 South La Patera Ln
There is one train station in Goleta.
All train stations in Goleta:
25 South La Patera Ln
Where is the train station in Irvine?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
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.
Train stations in Irvine:
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
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