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Cheap train tickets from Irvine to San Diego

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Irvine to San Diego Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Irvine to San Diego?

There are usually 35 daily bus trips available from Irvine to San Diego.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$38.76
Avg. Price
$26.50
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
35
Daily Trips
22
Duration
Duration
1h 36m
Duration
1h 45m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 12 daily train trips between Irvine and San Diego. The average train journey from Irvine to San Diego takes one hour and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as one hour and 36 minutes.

Distance76 mi (123 km)
Fastest train1h 36m
Lowest price$26.00
Trains per day25
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Irvine to San Diego

(Based on 18 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Stanley

March 31, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Going by train. More people should do this. Tips: We took the train to avoid driving at our age. Maybe just as important. I just love traveling by train. This trip didn’t disappoint me. It even ended in San Diego at a very historical station a ten-minute walk from USS Midway. We returned home later the same day. Can’t get better than this.

5.0

Charles Ryan

September 13, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Smooth and clean. Cons: Offer more free food. Tips: Bring their on food.

5.0

Alijah

July 17, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: The space and that it had a outlet. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Reuel

January 7, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Early arrival, wonderful view along the coast, comfortable. Tips: Saved money by not paying for gas.

5.0

Maggie

September 28, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: It was a fun, easy trip! Cons: The communication before getting on the train in San Diego good be much better. Tips: Arrive early.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Irvine to San Diego is $26.50, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 22 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $0.11 more.

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

$30$20$10JulJul

The cost of a one-way train trip from Irvine to San Diego is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $26 for your ticket.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10ASONDJFMAMJJ
The price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Diego remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $27 throughout the year.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The average price of train tickets from Irvine to San Diego is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.

Which train should you take from Irvine to San Diego?

2 train services operate from Irvine to San Diego. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak61h 46m$26.51
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner61h 47m$26.50

  • 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 6 Amtrak trains from Irvine to San Diego every day, as well as 13 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Irvine to San Diego

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Irvine to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
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 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 36 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Irvine to San Diego 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 traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

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.

There are 12 scheduled trains on most days. 25 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?

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

Image credit: Doug Letterman

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.

All train stations in San Diego:

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

  • 4005 Taylor St

Get around town with Moovit

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