1map logoGo to main page

San Diego, CA, USA to Irvine, CA, USA from $15: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego to Irvine: 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 San Diego to Irvine 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
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  44m
Estimated price
$7-78
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  25m
Estimated price
$15-22
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 135 km
Duration: 1h 25m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
3h  6m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
3h  9m
Estimated price
$0-0

Traveling From San Diego to Irvine

Traveling from San Diego to Irvine offers a shift from the vibrant coastal energy of the city to the organized, family-friendly atmosphere of Orange County.

Best Neighbourhoods in Irvine

Irvine boasts a selection of vibrant neighborhoods ideal for exploration.

Woodbridge
• Scenic lakes and walking paths attract outdoor enthusiasts.
• Family-friendly parks host community events year-round.
Northwood
• Known for its excellent schools and educational facilities.
• Safe, quiet streets perfect for leisurely strolls.
Old Town Irvine
• Charming shops and eateries reflect local culture.
• Historic sites add a touch of nostalgia to your visit.

Best Times To Visit Irvine's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience in Irvine's attractions.

Irvine Spectrum Center
Visit on weekdays during mid-morning for fewer crowds.
Pretend City Children's Museum
Early afternoons on weekdays offer a quieter experience for families.
Great Park
Go during early mornings or late afternoons to enjoy scenic views.

Irvine Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Irvine enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while summer heat can influence the timing of your experiences.

Dining Recommendation in Irvine

Try the Korean BBQ at Hanjip, where you can grill your own meats at the table, offering an interactive dining experience distinct from the seafood-focused fare of San Diego. With its vibrant flavors and use of locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant immerses you in a culinary adventure that reflects Irvine’s rich cultural tapestry.

San Diego - Irvine operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Irvine, 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 San Diego to Irvine Station

Average Duration
1h 47m
Estimated price
$3-75
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Irvine Amtrak Station

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
0-0
all-pages.transport_night bus
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

all-pages.transport_night bus from San Diego to Irvine

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
0-0

San Diego to Irvine: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Irvine 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from sunny San Diego to vibrant Irvine, spanning a moderate distance of 84 miles and just a 1 hour and 25-minute drive along the California coastline. 💵 Budget-friendly travelers will appreciate the cost efficiency of driving from San Diego to Irvine, with prices for the trip typically ranging between $15 to $22, offering flexibility for varying travel budgets.
Average price
$15 - $22
🚆 Traveling by train from San Diego to Irvine may require a transfer at Irvine station, as there is no direct route available. The journey with transfers typically takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes to complete. 🚆 The train services for this route are operated by Amtrak, with departures from San Diego station and arrivals at Irvine station. The ticket prices can vary between $7 and $78 for the trip between these two Southern California cities. 🚆 Routes for the San Diego to Irvine train journey include options with a travel time of about 1 hour and 47 minutes, covering a distance of 82.4 miles. Passengers can choose between trains heading towards Los Angeles or San Luis Obispo, both offered by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Irvine station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip from San Diego to Irvine are provided by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner. The train offers a café car featuring a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals, including coffee, soft drinks, beer, wine, and prepared sandwiches. Remember to check the hours of operation for the café car, as they may vary throughout the day.
• The Pacific Surfliner offers different seating options including Business Class and Standard Economy. Business Class features spacious seating with additional legroom, complimentary beverage service, and priority boarding. Economy Class is comfortable for standard travel, but lacks some of the amenities of Business Class. Be sure to select your seating based on your preferences for comfort and service.
• For your route, you can travel with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (amtrak.com) and Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com), which also provides commute options in Southern California. For local transport schedules in Irvine, you may visit the Orange County Transportation Authority’s website (octa.net). Additionally, check out the station map for Irvine to familiarize yourself with its layout upon arrival.
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from San Diego to Irvine, travelers can take a bus service operated by Amtrak with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes, including transfers. 🛣️ Route 1 involves a 3-hour 24-minute trip covering a distance of 107 miles. The journey requires a transfer with the first step being a Greyhound bus from San Diego to Santa Ana & Santiago and the second step with Orange County Transportation Authority from Costa Mesa to Irvine Station-Dock 5. 🚆 Route 2 offers a quicker 1-hour 47-minute option over 82.4 miles, with a single step involving an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train journey from San Diego to Irvine.
Departure Point
Santa Fe Depot, CA station
Arrival Point
Irvine Amtrak Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to Irvine for a more direct and scenic route, which takes about 1 hour and 47 minutes; check the schedule and book your tickets at amtrak.com
• If you opt for the bus route with a transfer, ensure you transfer at the Santa Ana & Santiago stop for the quickest connection to the Costa Mesa - Mission Viejo bus; details can be found at greyhound.com and octa.net
• Upon arriving at the Irvine Amtrak Station, head towards the main exit and check for the transit maps available at the station; various Orange County Transit Authority buses operate from there, which you can view at octa.net to assist you in navigating your onward journey.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Irvine.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Diego and Irvine is approximately 77 miles by road. It takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach San Diego from Irvine by car, making it the quickest mode of transportation. The train journey between the two cities takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, while the bus ride takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Irvine is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes to travel between the two cities by car. The cost of fuel and tolls for this distance is estimated to be around $15 to $22. Other modes of transportation such as train and bus may take longer, ranging from 2 hours and 44 minutes to 3 hours and 6 minutes, and may not be as cost-effective.
The prices for a train ride between San Diego and Irvine can range from $7 to $78. It is important to note that the prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, class of service, and availability. It is recommended to check with the specific train service provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To travel from San Diego to Irvine without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 84 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to drive from San Diego to Irvine. The cost of driving from San Diego to Irvine can vary, typically ranging from $15 to $22 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Diego to Irvine without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes, and the ticket prices range from $7 to $80. Taking the train allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way without the stress of driving.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and Irvine. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes, with services departing from San Diego and arriving at Irvine station. However, there is no direct bus between the two cities. The journey by bus takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes, with services departing from San Diego Santa Fe Depot and arriving at Irvine Amtrak Station, with transfers at Irvine Station-Dock 5.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Irvine. With over 742 hotels to choose from, you'll have a wide selection to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $69, providing affordable options for travelers. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone in Irvine.

Trips from San Diego

Trips to Irvine