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San Francisco, CA, USA to Irvine, CA, USA from $31: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Francisco 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.

$31 by trainBest price
620 kmDistance
3h 2m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
3h  2m
Estimated price
$68-347
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
15h  35m
Estimated price
$31-198
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 620 km
Duration: 3h 2m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Bus
Train
Average Duration
10h  23m
Estimated price
$64-680
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
4h  7m
Estimated price
$81-388
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  6m
Estimated price
$86-256
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
11h  43m
Estimated price
$681-682
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
10h  5m
Estimated price
$683-684
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
7h  2m
Estimated price
$685-686
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Irvine

Your journey from the hilly landscapes and vibrant culture of San Francisco to the sunny, family-friendly environment of Irvine presents a fascinating contrast between urban charm and suburban tranquility.

Best Neighbourhoods in Irvine

Irvine features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Woodbridge
• Scenic lakes and parks provide ideal outdoor activities.
• Charming villages offer shopping and dining options.
Irvine Spectrum Center
• Vibrant shopping center with entertainment hotspots.
• Iconic giant wheel and lively atmosphere attract crowds.
Great Park Neighborhoods
• Expansive green space hosts farmers' markets and events.
• Family-friendly community with top-notch schools nearby.

Best Times To Visit Irvine's Attractions

Planning your visit around peak times can enhance your experience at Irvine's attractions.

Irvine Spectrum Center
Visit on weekdays in the morning to enjoy quieter shopping and dining.
Great Park
Sunday mornings feature fewer visitors, making recreational activities more enjoyable.
Tanaka Farms
Early spring is ideal for strawberry picking, avoiding busy crowds during peak season.

Irvine Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Irvine enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, making any time a great opportunity to explore. However, visiting during the spring or fall can offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enriching your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Irvine

Consider trying the street tacos at Taco Mesa, where vibrant flavors and fresh local ingredients create an inviting experience that's quite different from San Francisco's seafood-centric options. The lively atmosphere and focus on traditional Mexican fare offer a delightful contrast, allowing you to immerse yourself in a unique culinary adventure.

San Francisco - Irvine operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco 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 Oakland to Los Angeles

Average Duration
12h 2m
Estimated price
$1985-19840
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Coliseum

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$314-315

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$316-317

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$318-317
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Los Angeles Union Station to Tustin

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$319-1980
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

Average Duration
10h 25m
Estimated price
$3473-3470
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from San Francisco to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

Average Duration
8h 45m
Estimated price
$687-686
Plane Show flights
Website
http://www.alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco to Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$310-311
Website
http://www.southwest.com

Plane from Oakland to Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$686-3476
Website
http://www.united.com

Plane from San Francisco to Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$3470-6830
Website
http://www.spirit.com

Plane from Oakland to Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$3473-312
Website
http://www.jsx.com

Plane from Oakland to Santa Ana via Las Vegas

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$313-3476

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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 an exciting road trip from San Francisco to Irvine covering 426 miles of scenic California highways. Enjoy the diverse landscapes from the Bay Area to Southern California as you make your way south. 💰 The cost of driving from San Francisco to Irvine ranges from $75 to $120, offering budget-friendly options for travelers seeking a convenient and flexible transportation method. Explore the Golden State at your own pace while experiencing the freedom of the open road. 🌴 Reach Irvine in approximately 7 hours and 2 minutes, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and sunny weather of Southern California. Whether it's for leisure or business, the journey from San Francisco to Irvine promises a memorable and picturesque drive.
Average price
$75 - $120
🚆 Traveling from San Francisco to Irvine by train is a scenic journey with a total travel time of approximately 15 hours and 35 minutes. This trip involves transfers at Oakland and Los Angeles Union Station before reaching Tustin station. 🚆 The train services for this route are operated by Amtrak and Metrolink Trains. Passengers can board the train at Oakland station in San Francisco and arrive at Tustin station in Irvine prices for tickets range from $31 to $198, offering options for various budgets.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Tustin station
🛫 The quickest flight from San Francisco to Irvine is a direct one from Oakland Airport to Santa Ana Airport, taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. 🌴 The total travel time from San Francisco to Irvine by plane is approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes, with flight prices ranging from $68 to $347 depending on the airline and timing of booking.
Departure Point
Oakland Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Ana Airport
🚌 The bus journey from San Francisco to Irvine takes approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes, with transfers along the way. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route between the two cities. 🚌 Passengers departing from San Francisco Bus Station will need to transfer at the Artic - Dock 3 before reaching the final destination of Main-Harvard in Irvine. The trip covers a distance of about 400 miles. 🚌 Greyhound USA operates the bus services between San Francisco and Irvine, with ticket prices ranging from $48 to $104. Travelers can expect a lengthy but cost-effective journey through California's diverse landscapes.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Irvine is approximately 385 miles. If traveling by train, it takes around 15 hours and 35 minutes to reach Irvine from San Francisco. Taking BART and then a bus, the journey typically takes around 10 hours and 29 minutes. The quickest mode of transportation is by plane, which takes about 3 hours and 1 minute. However, if traveling by car, it takes around 7 hours and 2 minutes, and by bus, it takes approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for travel from San Francisco to Irvine is to take the night bus, which costs between $35 and $120 and takes approximately 10 hours. This option is the cheapest but also the slowest. If time efficiency is a priority, flying is the fastest way to reach Irvine from San Francisco, taking only 3 hours and 1 minute. However, flying can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $85 to $240. Both options offer different benefits depending on budget and travel preferences.
The prices for traveling from San Francisco to Irvine by train range from $31 to $198. On the other hand, the cost of a bus ticket from Irvine to San Francisco can vary between $48 and $104. It is important to note that these prices may change depending on factors such as availability, time of travel, and any promotions or discounts that may be available.
To travel from San Francisco to Irvine without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 426 miles, and it takes around 7 hours and 2 minutes to reach Irvine by car. Keep in mind that the prices to rent a car and cover the cost of gas can vary between $75 and $120, depending on factors such as the type of vehicle and current fuel prices.
To travel from San Francisco to Irvine without a car, your best option is to take the BART and bus and train route, which takes approximately 10 hours and 29 minutes and costs between $45 and $95. Another convenient option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 1 minute and costs between $85 and $240. You can also consider taking a bus, which takes 11 hours and 43 minutes and costs between $45 and $110, or a train, which takes 15 hours and 35 minutes and costs between $30 and $200.
No, there is no direct link between San Francisco and Irvine. However, there are options for travel between the two cities. You can take a train from San Francisco to Irvine, with a journey time of approximately 15 hours and 35 minutes, including transfers. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which takes about 11 hours and 43 minutes, including transfers. Both options require multiple transfers and are relatively time-consuming.
The flight between San Francisco and Irvine typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The prices for such flights can vary from $86 to $236. It is important to check with different airlines for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Irvine. With over 742 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices start at $69 per night, which provides a range of affordable options for travelers. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly option, you'll be able to find something suitable near Irvine.

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Irvine