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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Irvine and Santa Clara. The average train journey from Irvine to Santa Clara takes 13 hours and 37 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 12 hours and 21 minutes.
| Distance | 345 mi (555 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 21m |
| Lowest price | $76.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to Santa Clara?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Irvine and Santa Clara cost $106.02, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 20 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $8.55 more.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Irvine to Santa Clara is expected to fluctuate between $96 and $110 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Santa Clara in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Irvine is $97.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Irvine to Santa Clara on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $8.55 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Irvine to Santa Clara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Irvine to Santa Clara. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 13h 37m | $106.77 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Irvine to Santa Clara every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $76.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Irvine and Santa Clara is approximately 345 miles, or 555 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 21 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 Irvine to Santa Clara are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:00am 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 3 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 Santa Clara to Irvine.
City Information
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.
Santa Clara
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Clara is a city in the San Francisco Bay Area, home to Santa Clara University, the San Francisco 49ers, and many of Silicon Valley's prominent tech companies. The Intel Museum, at Intel's headquarters, is the perfect place to celebrate technological advances and see exhibits like a giant replica of an Intel computing chip. The Intel Museum is free to visit, as is the Triton Museum of Art, home to contemporary artworks from Bay Area artists.
If you'd rather escape the fast-paced world of tech, the Santa Clara Valley is also home to over 30 wineries that encourage visitors to take it slow and relax a while. Drink in the view as you sip the wines at Kirigin Cellars, one of the oldest wineries in California.
Santa Clara is a fabulous city for a family vacation, too, just maybe without the winery visits. Instead, treat the kids to thrills at California's Great Adventure amusement park and South Bay Shores water park.
Santa Clara is one of the stops on the Capitol Corridor train that runs from San Jose to Sacramento. Amtrak Thruway provides a few bus trips out of Santa Clara, but there are even more options departing from its neighbors, San Jose and San Francisco. The closest major airport to Santa Clara is the San Jose Airport, but it also convenient to fly into San Francisco or Oakland.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Irvine?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain 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 Santa Clara?
Main arrival station: 5099 Stars and Stripes Dr
Santa Clara receives travelers from Irvine at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Santa Clara:
5099 Stars and Stripes Dr
Caltrain ACE station - 1001 Railroad Ave
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