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Trains from Irvine to San Diego

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Irvine - San Diego Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 10 daily trains from Irvine to San Diego. Traveling by train from Irvine to San Diego usually takes around one hour and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 38 minutes.

Distance76 mi (123 km)
Fastest train1h 38m
Lowest price$26.25
Trains per day20
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Irvine to San Diego

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Lora

November 13, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Bought "1 Way' Train Ticket ~ Nit Sure Day Returning. Went On "Wanderu" App. & In 5 Minutes- Booked My 'Return' Train Ticket. No Fuss!! Tips: Wanderu App. Perfect For Traveling Ease.

Pros: Bought "1 Way' Train Ticket ~ Nit Sure Day Returning. Went On "Wanderu" App. & In 5 Minutes- Booked My 'Return' Train Ticket. No Fuss!! Tips: Wanderu App. Perfect For Traveling Ease.

5.0

Ruben G.

October 27, 2021- Business

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Beautiful clear day, smooth ride by the coast.

Beautiful clear day, smooth ride by the coast.

5.0

Alice

September 11, 2021- Business

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Excellent way to travel ! Very helpful and friendly staff ! Cons: As a first time travelor it was slightly confusing as to which side to be on but overall great trip.

Pros: Excellent way to travel ! Very helpful and friendly staff ! Cons: As a first time travelor it was slightly confusing as to which side to be on but overall great trip.

5.0

Keneth

August 1, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Wanderu is the most efficient and reliable online ticketing service... Cons: Free travel.. Tips: None.

Pros: Wanderu is the most efficient and reliable online ticketing service... Cons: Free travel.. Tips: None.

5.0

Carol

October 28, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Relaxing way to travel. Cons: DNA. Tips: None.

Pros: Relaxing way to travel. Cons: DNA. Tips: None.

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

In the last month, $26.63 was the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Diego. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 14 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $0.70 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$30$20$10MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Irvine to San Diego will vary between $27 and $30. Planning a train trip to San Diego within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Irvine over the next 7 days is $27. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JJASONDJFMAM
Traveling from Irvine to San Diego by train will cost you about the same regardless of the time of year for which you plan your trip. In general, train ticket prices for that route don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, so expect to pay around $27 whenever you decide to board the train to San Diego.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Since the average price of train trips from Irvine to San Diego remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Irvine to San Diego?

2 train services operate from Irvine to San Diego. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak51h 47m$26.88
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner51h 47m$26.87
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 5 Amtrak trains from Irvine to San Diego every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

    Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

    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 5 train trips from Irvine to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Irvine to San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Irvine to San Diego?

The distance between Irvine and San Diego is approximately 76 miles, or 123 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 38 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Irvine to San Diego are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Irvine at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Irvine to San Diego?

There are 10 scheduled trains on most days. 20 of these are direct connections to San Diego. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Irvine.

City Information

Irvine

Irvine, CA - IRV-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Irvine, CA - IRV-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Irvine, CA - IRV-2

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.

San Diego

San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.

Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.

Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Irvine?

Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy - IRVAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Irvine:

  • Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St

San Diego receives travelers from Irvine at its two active train stations.

All train stations in San Diego:

  • 4005 Taylor St

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

From the Wanderu blog

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