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Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Irvine, CA, USA from $24: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Barbara, United States of America
to
Irvine, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Barbara 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.

$24 - DriveBest price
221 kmDistance
2h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara 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
Train
Average Duration
5h 
Estimated price
$13-103
Recommended
route map
Distance: 221 km
Duration: 2h 20m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  23m
Estimated price
$17-72
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  20m
Estimated price
$24-40
Company
various
Bus
Train
Bus
Average Duration
5h  23m
Estimated price
$130-131
Company
United Airlines, Amtrak
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  24m
Estimated price
$209-476
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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Irvine

Traveling from Santa Barbara to Irvine offers a stunning transition from the laid-back coastal charm to the vibrant, urban energy of Orange County.

Best Neighbourhoods in Irvine

Irvine boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.

Woodbridge
• Scenic lakes and parks throughout the area.
• Family-friendly with top-rated schools.
Westpark
• Close to shopping and dining options.
• Great community events and activities.
University Town Center
• Vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment choices.
• Home to the University of California, Irvine.

Best Times To Visit Irvine's Attractions

Timing your visit to Irvine's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Irvine Spectrum Center
Visit early weekdays for serene shopping without the weekend crowd.
Pretend City Children's Museum
Mornings during weekdays are ideal for a quieter, engaging experience.
Bommer Canyon
Late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and stunning sunset views.

Irvine Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Irvine enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. The best times to visit are typically spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable, and outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Irvine’s vibrant culinary scene, try the Korean BBQ at The Meat District Co., where the lively atmosphere and interactive dining turn meals into an experience. This contrasts with Santa Barbara’s focus on fresh coastal fare, offering a bold flavor profile and a unique blend of traditional and modern dishes.

Santa Barbara - Irvine operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and Irvine, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$30-138

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Anaheim

Average Duration
40m
Estimated price
$33-173

Bus from Artic - Dock 4 to Main-Harvard

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$74-174

Bus from Artic - Dock 3 to Main-Paseo Westpark

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$74-174
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$133-134

Train from Los Angeles to Anaheim

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$1033-1034
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from L. A. Union Station to Tustin

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$170-171
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$132-400

Santa Barbara to Irvine: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Barbara 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.

🚗 Cruising from Santa Barbara to Irvine is a picturesque journey spanning 137 miles, offering stunning coastal views along the route. 💰 Travel costs for this road trip typically range between $24 to $40, making it an affordable and budget-friendly option for exploring Southern California. 🌴 With a relatively short drive time of around 2 hours and 20 minutes, the trip from Santa Barbara to Irvine allows for a convenient and enjoyable getaway to experience the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities.
Average price
$24 - $40
🚆 Starting from Santa Barbara travelers can enjoy a scenic train journey to Irvine. Although there is no direct train, passengers can easily transfer at L. A. Union Station for a total travel time of approximately 5 hours. 🚆 The train services from Santa Barbara to Irvine are operated by Amtrak and Metrolink Trains. Prices for the journey can vary between $13 to $103, offering passengers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences. 🚆 With distances of 148 miles between the two cities, the train route to Irvine from Santa Barbara offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel. The Pacific Surfliner train, managed by Amtrak, provides a reliable and enjoyable experience for passengers throughout the journey.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
Tustin station
🛫 Flying from Santa Barbara to Irvine is a convenient and efficient way to travel. The quickest flight from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which serves as a gateway to Irvine, takes just 58 minutes.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The bus journey from Santa Barbara to Irvine requires transfers at Los Angeles Union Station and Artic - Dock 4, taking approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Santa Barbara and Irvine ranges from $17 to $72, providing an affordable and convenient travel option for those making the journey.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Main-Harvard station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Irvine.

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The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara to Irvine is by driving. The approximate cost for the fuel and tolls for this journey is around $24 to $40. The driving distance is approximately 135 miles and can be covered in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This option allows for flexibility and also provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenic drive along the California coast.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara to Irvine is by car. It takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of gas and tolls may range from $24 to $40, but it is the quickest option to reach your destination. Alternatively, if you prefer not to drive, you could also consider taking a flight, but this may be more expensive and could involve additional travel time to and from airports.
From Santa Barbara to Irvine the cheapest way to travel is by driving. The estimated cost of the trip ranges from $24 to $40, and the journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes. This cost-effective option allows you to have control over your schedule and provides flexibility during your trip.
The best way to travel from Santa Barbara to Irvine without a car is by taking a train. Amtrak operates a service that connects the two cities, with several departures daily. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and ticket prices range from $13 to $110, depending on the class and type of train. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a bus, which offers slightly cheaper fares but can take longer due to traffic conditions.
The average travel time from Santa Barbara to Irvine is around 5 hours, including any transfers. This time may vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Driving is typically the fastest option, taking approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, while public transportation options may take longer due to transfers and schedules. It's always best to check for any current travel restrictions or delays before planning your trip.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Irvine. There are over 742 hotels available to choose from, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices for these hotels start at $69 per night. Whether you are looking for luxury resorts, budget-friendly motels, or cozy guesthouses, you will find a suitable place to stay in Irvine.
Yes, you can drive from Santa Barbara to Irvine. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 137 miles. It usually takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the journey by car. Please note that travel times may vary based on traffic conditions and the route taken.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Santa Barbara and Irvine. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey starts at the Santa Barbara Bus Stop and involves transfers at Los Angeles Union Station and Artic - Dock 4 before reaching the final destination at Main-Harvard. The total travel time for this route, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours and 8 minutes.
To catch the bus from Santa Barbara to Irvine you will need to go to the Santa Barbara Bus Stop station. The bus services for this route are operated by Flixbus USA. Make sure to check the schedule and purchase your ticket in advance to ensure availability.
The Santa Barbara to Irvine bus services, operated by OCTA, arrive at the Main-Harvard station in Irvine. This station is located at the corner of Main Street and Harvard Avenue. It is a convenient location in the heart of Irvine, offering easy access to nearby attractions, businesses, and residential areas. The Main-Harvard station is well-served by local buses, and there are also taxi and rideshare options available for further transportation within the city.
To get to Irvine from Santa Barbara Airport, you can take a flight to John Wayne Airport in Orange County. The flight duration is approximately 55 minutes and tickets can range from $100 to $300 depending on the airline and booking time. Once you arrive at John Wayne Airport, you can opt for a taxi, ride-hailing service, or rent a car to reach Irvine, which is about 10 miles away. The journey by road takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
United Airlines offers flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which is the closest airport to Irvine. From LAX, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or shuttle to reach Irvine. There are no direct flights from SBA to Irvine, so connecting flights or ground transportation options are necessary. It is recommended to check with airlines for the most up-to-date flight schedules and options.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara to Irvine is by taking a direct flight from Santa Barbara Airport to Los Angeles Airport. The flight duration is approximately 55 minutes. United Airlines offers flights between these two airports. Once you arrive at LAX, you can take a taxi or shuttle to reach Irvine, which is about 40 miles away.
The flight from Santa Barbara to Irvine is approximately 55 minutes. This is the quickest option for traveling between the two cities. However, it is important to note that this time may vary due to factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. It is recommended to check with the airline for the most up-to-date and accurate flight schedules.
Trains from Santa Barbara to Irvine arrive at Tustin station. Tustin station is conveniently located in the city of Tustin, which is just a short distance from Irvine. Metrolink Trains operates this train service, providing a reliable and convenient transportation option for travelers. Upon arrival at Tustin station, passengers can easily find transportation to their final destination in Irvine.
Yes, there is no direct train between Santa Barbara and Irvine. However, you can take a train from Santa Barbara to L.A. Union Station and then transfer to another train that goes to Tustin station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours.
To catch the train from Santa Barbara to Irvine, you can head to the Santa Barbara station. This is where the Amtrak train services operate from. Make sure to check the train schedule in advance to ensure you arrive at the station on time. Once you reach the Irvine station, you will be able to easily access the city and its surrounding areas.
The cost of a train from Santa Barbara to Irvine can range from $13 to $103, depending on the type of ticket and class you choose. It is recommended to book your train tickets in advance to get the best deals. Additionally, there may be discounts available for certain groups such as students or seniors. Timings and availability of train services may vary, so it is advisable to check the schedule and book your tickets accordingly.
The cost of a bus ticket from Santa Barbara to Irvine can range from $16 to $70, depending on the bus operator and the type of ticket purchased. It is recommended to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deal. Additionally, some bus companies may offer discounts for students, seniors, or children, so it is worth checking for any available promotions.
The cost of driving from Santa Barbara to Irvine can range from $24 to $40, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. The distance between the two cities is approximately 143 miles, and the drive takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It is the most cost-effective way to travel between these two destinations, providing flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy scenic routes along the way.

Trips from Santa Barbara

Trips to Irvine