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Cheap train tickets from Irvine to San Jose
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Irvine to San Jose. Traveling by train from Irvine to San Jose usually takes 11 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 33 minutes.
- Distance
- 342 mi (550 km)
- Fastest train
- 10h 33m
- Lowest price
- $81.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Irvine to San Jose Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Irvine to San Jose?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Irvine to San Jose.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$127.83 | Avg. Price$126.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration11h 15mFaster | Duration14h 23m |
There are several train options that can take you from Irvine to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Jose was $123.58. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $15.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Irvine to San Jose will cost between $120 and $135. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Irvine to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $105. If you're thinking of traveling from Irvine to San Jose during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $119 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Irvine to San Jose on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $15.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Irvine to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Irvine to San Jose. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 11h 15m | $127.83 |
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 7 Amtrak trains from Irvine to San Jose every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $81.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Irvine to San Jose
There are 7 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 carry-on 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 Jose to Irvine. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Irvine to San Jose for $126.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
0
The distance between Irvine and San Jose is approximately 342 miles, or 550 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 33 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.
Distance (mi)
342
Distance (km)
550
The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:49am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:55pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
5:49am
Last train
11:55pm
Trains from Irvine to San Jose 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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 buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
San Jose
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Irvine?
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 Jose?
Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Need a return trip from San Jose to Irvine?
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