Irvine, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $15:Β 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Irvine to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$15 by carBest price
135 kmDistance
1h 25m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Irvine to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Irvine - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Irvine and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Irvine station to San Diego station
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$3-75Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
https://metrolinktrains.com
Train from Tustin station to Oceanside station
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$8-76Train from Tustin station to L. A. Union Station
Average Duration
1h 8mEstimated price
$8-6Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282Website
http://octa.net
Bus from University-Ent 3773 Mariposa Villa to The Depot At Santa Ana Dock 3
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego station
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$8-73Website
https://gonctd.com
Bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to UTC Transit Center
Average Duration
1h 53mEstimated price
$1-2Website
delta.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
54mEstimated price
$190-320Website
united.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$70-380Irvine to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Irvine and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youβre sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
π Traveling from Irvine to San Diego by car offers a scenic coastal route that spans 84 miles. π The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway option.
π° Prices for the journey between Irvine and San Diego by car can range from $15 to $22, allowing for flexibility depending on your budget and preferences. π£οΈ Whether for business or leisure, the drive offers a comfortable and affordable way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Southern California.
Average price
$15 - $22
π Traveling by train from Irvine to San Diego is a convenient option, despite the lack of a direct route. With services departing from Tustin station and a journey time of approximately 3 hours, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride with Amtrak.
π The Irvine to San Diego train services, operated by Amtrak, offer a smooth and scenic journey between the two cities. Travelers can expect a range of ticket prices, starting from as low as $7 and going up to $80, depending on the class and time of booking.
π« Whether taking the 1 hour 55 minute route or the slightly quicker 1 hour 52 minute journey, passengers will experience a pleasant trip onboard the Pacific Surfliner train. With Irvine as the starting point and San Diego as the final destination, this train ride provides a stress-free and enjoyable way to travel between these Southern California cities.
Departure Point
Irvine station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
β’ Onboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, you can enjoy a variety of catering services. The cafe car offers light snacks, beverages, and meals, including sandwiches, salads, and regional treats. Make sure to check the menu options as the train makes its way along the beautiful coastal route.
β’ The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers multiple seating options. First Class passengers enjoy larger seats and complimentary snacks and beverages. Business Class features more spacious seating and enhanced amenities. Economy Class offers comfortable seating at a lower fare but with fewer services. Decide based on your budget and preference for comfort!
β’ Two main operators provide service on this route: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (amtrak.com) and MTS Trolley for local transport upon arrival (sdmts.com). For detailed schedules and maps, check (pacificsurfliner.com) for train schedules and (sandiegomtb.com) for local transportation options.
π« Embark on a quick and convenient journey from Irvine to San Diego by catching a flight from Los Angeles Airport. The direct flight path between these two vibrant California cities takes just 52 minutes, making it an efficient option for travelers. Both Delta and United Airlines provide flights on this route, offering a variety of choices for your trip.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
π The journey from Irvine to San Diego by bus involves transferring at Santa Ana Bus Stop. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes.
π Route 1 offers a quicker alternative, taking 1 hour and 55 minutes to cover the 82.4-mile distance between the two cities. Step 1 involves taking the Pacific Surfliner train operated by Amtrak, departing from Irvine and arriving in San Diego.
Departure Point
University-Ent 3773 Mariposa Villa station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
β’ Consider taking the Pacific Surfliner train operated by Amtrak for a scenic route with beautiful coastal views, as the bus option will involve a transfer and may lengthen your travel time; you can check train schedules and book tickets at amtrak.com
β’ Plan for a transfer at the Santa Ana Bus Stop, and ensure you have adequate time between connections; check the OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) schedules at octa.net to minimize your wait times.
β’ Upon arrival at the San Diego Bus Station, be prepared for a busy terminal; familiarize yourself with the station layout using the map available at sandiegoldencorridor.com and consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to navigate the city seamlessly.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Irvine to San Diego.
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The distance between Irvine and San Diego is approximately 123.9 km. It typically takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to drive this distance by car. Alternatively, it takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes by bus and 3 hours by train to reach San Diego from Irvine. If you opt for a combination of train and bus, the travel time increases to about 4 hours and 6 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Irvine to San Diego is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs around $15 to $22.
The prices for a train ticket between Irvine and San Diego can range from $7 to $80, depending on the type of ticket and the class of service.
To travel from Irvine to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 135.2 km. Without traffic, it takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach San Diego by car. The cost of this journey can vary, but it typically ranges from $15 to $22 for fuel and tolls.
The best way to travel from Irvine to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes and the cost may vary. Another option is to take a train from Irvine to San Diego, which takes about 3 hours. If you prefer a combination of train and bus, it would take you about 4 hours and 6 minutes to reach San Diego from Irvine.
Yes, there is a direct link between Irvine and San Diego by train. The train journey, operated by Amtrak, takes approximately 3 hours with transfers. There is also a direct bus service between the two cities, also operated by Amtrak, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 56 minutes.
The flight duration from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport is approximately 59 minutes. However, it is important to note that there are no direct flights from Irvine to San Diego as there are no airports in Irvine. To travel between these two cities by air, one would need to first travel to Los Angeles and then catch a flight to San Diego. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 per person.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $53 per night, ensuring that there is something for every type of traveler.