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Irvine, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $15: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Irvine, United States of America
to
San Diego, United States of America

How to Get from Irvine to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
Pacific Surfliner
Train
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$7-80
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  25m
Estimated price
$15-22
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 135 km
Duration: 1h 25m

See more options

Company
OCTA, FlixBus
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  21m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Metrolink, various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$12-37
Company
Amtrak, various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  3m
Estimated price
$70-339
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Irvine to San Diego

The journey from Irvine to San Diego offers a delightful contrast, with Irvine's suburban charm and family-friendly atmosphere giving way to San Diego's vibrant coastal energy and diverse cultural experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Lively nightlife and entertainment options.
• Historic architecture with modern flair.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastline and upscale shopping.
• Renowned for its art galleries and dining.
Little Italy
• Bustling weekend farmers market.
• Vibrant restaurants and Italian culture.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your San Diego experience.

Balboa Park
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
San Diego Zoo
Weekdays in the off-season provide a more leisurely experience with shorter lines.
USS Midway Museum
Late afternoons on weekdays offer quieter exploration of this historic aircraft carrier.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, with sunny days and cool breezes, making it an appealing destination at any time. The best months for beachgoers are typically late spring through early fall, while cooler winter months offer a perfect climate for sightseeing without the crowds.

Dining in San Diego: A Culinary Adventure

For an unforgettable experience, try the fish tacos at Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where the fresh, local ingredients and casual seaside atmosphere contrast sharply with Irvine's more polished dining scene. This vibrant spot captures San Diego's coastal essence, offering bold flavors and a laid-back dining experience you won't find in the suburbs.

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.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Irvine station to San Diego station

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$3-75
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Tustin station to Oceanside station

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$8-76

Train from Tustin station to L. A. Union Station

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$8-6
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282
Website
http://octa.net

Bus from University-Ent 3773 Mariposa Villa to The Depot At Santa Ana Dock 3

Average Duration
41m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego station

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$8-73
Website
https://gonctd.com

Bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to UTC Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 53m
Estimated price
$1-2
Plane Show flights
Website
delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$190-320
Website
united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$70-380

Irvine 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, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Traveling from Irvine to San Diego by car offers a scenic coastal route that spans 84 miles. 🌊 The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway option. 💰 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. 🛣️ 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
🚉 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. 🚂 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. 🎫 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
• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
🛫 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
🚌 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. 🚆 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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 77 miles. The typical travel time by car is about 1 hour and 25 minutes. If you prefer to take the train, it will take around 3 hours. Taking the train and then a bus will take approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes. Finally, traveling by bus alone takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Irvine to San Diego is driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the cost is around $15 to $22. Driving not only provides the quickest route but also gives you the flexibility to explore the area and make stops along the way. Other modes of transportation, such as taking a train or a bus, might take longer and may not offer the same level of convenience.
The prices for train travel between Irvine and San Diego range from $7 to $80, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of day. It is advisable to check with the specific train provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Additionally, there may be discounts available for certain groups such as students or seniors.
The best way to get from Irvine to San Diego without using public transportation is by driving. The distance between the two cities is 84 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to drive. The cost of driving from Irvine to San Diego can vary, but generally ranges from $15 to $22, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Irvine to San Diego without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket may vary. There are multiple bus companies that operate this route, offering convenient and affordable transportation options for travelers without a car.
Yes, there is a direct link between Irvine and San Diego. The most convenient mode of transportation is the train, which takes approximately 3 hours. Passengers can board the train at Irvine station and arrive at San Diego station. However, there is no direct bus from Irvine to San Diego, but there are bus services available with a transfer at Irvine Amtrak Station, taking approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes.
The flight between Irvine and San Diego typically takes around 59 minutes on a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 for a round-trip ticket. It is recommended to check with different airlines for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels available, travelers can find a variety of choices to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $53 per night, providing affordable options for those looking to stay in the area. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels, there are plenty of options for travelers to choose from.

Trips from Irvine

Trips to San Diego