Cheap train tickets from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe. Traveling by train from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe usually takes 16 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 13 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 383 mi (616 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 20m |
| Lowest price | $114.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Irvine to South Lake Tahoe Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe was $114.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $126 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe by month
Ticket prices for the train from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $123. If you're thinking of traveling from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe during February, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $127 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in February, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
Which train should you take from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Irvine to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 16h 59m | $125.55 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $114.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe
Trains leave the station in Irvine twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from South Lake Tahoe to Irvine.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Irvine and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 383 miles, or 616 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 20 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)
383
Distance (km)
616
The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:52pm 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
5:52pm
Last train
11:55pm
Trains from Irvine to South Lake Tahoe 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
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 South Lake Tahoe?
Main arrival station: Transp Ctr
South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from Irvine at its two active train stations.
All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
- Transp Ctr
- South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
Need a return trip from South Lake Tahoe to Irvine?
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