Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri 18 Sept
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Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£21

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£21

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

1 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

1 h 40 m

Trains on 18 Sept

5

Distance

123 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around £21 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 5 trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak
    21:121h40
    Irvine, CA
    22:52San Diego, CA
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    2:121h40
    Irvine, CA
    3:52San Diego, CA
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    20:121h40
    Irvine, CA
    21:52San Diego, CA
    £211One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    19:121h40
    Irvine, CA
    20:52San Diego, CA
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    18:121h40
    Irvine, CA
    19:52San Diego, CA
    £221One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 123 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£22

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

£13

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 24m

Average total duration

1h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 21m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is a coach with an average price of £21.

This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA:

A coach is £0.87 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average £22.

The fastest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is by train with an average journey time of 1h 43m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £22 compared to roughly £13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.31. The journey takes 1h 43m versus 1h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak5627:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h37
8:49 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5627:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h52
9:04 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5648:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
10:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5648:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
9:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5669:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
11:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak5669:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
10:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak77011:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
12:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak77011:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
13:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak57212:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
14:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak57212:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
13:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak77413:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
15:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak77413:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
14:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak58016:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
18:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak58016:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
17:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak78217:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
18:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak78217:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
19:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak58418:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
20:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak58418:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
19:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak78619:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
20:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak78619:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
21:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2:12 Irvine, CA
1h40
3:52 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Thursday 17 September
Amtrak58820:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h40
21:52 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak58820:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
22:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak79021:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h39
22:51 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak79021:12 Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA
1h55
23:07 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Journey information

Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 22 times per day, taking around 1h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 22 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 123 km distance in 1h 36m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10
Distance
123 km
Average train duration
1h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
£21
Trains per day
22
Direct trains
22
Fastest train
1h 36m
First train
3:50
Last train
23:12
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
1h 36m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£21
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Metrolink Trains Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest Metrolink Trains Price
£22
Metrolink Trains frequency
10 a day

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
1h 36m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£21
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

What's included in each class

Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.

Bedroom
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Business Class Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Wide seats
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
  • WC
Business Travel Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Coach Lower Level Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Coach Reserved Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Coach Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
Coach Unreserved Seat
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Meals to buy
  • Snacks to buy
Family Bedroom
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Superliner Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
Viewliner Roomette
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Metrolink Trains Duration
2h 16m
Cheapest Metrolink Trains Price
£22
Metrolink Trains frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to San Diego, CA

Things to do in San Diego, CA

Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

USS Midway Museum

Extensive naval aviation museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier. Visit for flight decks, restored aircraft, and hands-on maritime history.

  • Recommended

San Diego Museum of Art

Major Balboa Park art museum with Spanish old masters, Asian art, and sculpture. A strong choice for architecture and varied collections.

  • Recommended

Museum of Us

Interactive Balboa Park museum exploring anthropology, culture, and race. Climb the tower for city views with a separate ticket.

US dollar ($)

San Diego is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel and dining costs, though tacos, casual eats and public transport can help keep daily spending manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual tacos.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if table service or special prep is involved.

FAQs: Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £22.
The train journey from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA covers a distance of 123 km and takes approximately 1h 36m. Trains run 22 per day.
The train distance from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is 123 km.
The first train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50.
The last train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA departs at 23:12.
Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA run approximately 22 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA. The service operates 22 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Irvine, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA, and it arrives at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is considered scenic, as it runs along the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning coastal views, picturesque beaches, and glimpses of charming seaside towns.
Yes, a day trip from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA is feasible, with a travel time of 1h 36m and a distance of 123 km. There are 17 train services available per day for this route.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and enjoy a harbour cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships. Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation, and experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast. Discover Balboa Park with its museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, explore the USS Midway Museum, and take in the picturesque views at La Jolla Cove. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and relax at Coronado Beach.
To fully explore San Diego, CA, and enjoy its main attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the beaches, a stay of three to five days is typically recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA

Most Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Irvine Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Irvine
Arrival train stations in San Diego

Which Irvine, CA station do trains to San Diego, CA leave from?

Trains from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA leave from Irvine Station. The station is 8 km from Irvine, CA city centre at 15215 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.
Irvine Station15215 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618, USA+1 800-371-5465WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Irvine Station from Irvine city centre

Irvine Station is 8 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainOC Line, IE-OC Line · 7m · £5 · every ~2 min
Bus86 · 24m · £2 · every ~1 min
86 · 25m · £2 · every ~1 min
86 · 28m · £2 · every ~1 min

Irvine Station train station facilities and services

Irvine Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Del Frisco's Grille, The Cheesecake Factory

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Irvine Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Irvine Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Irvine Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Irvine Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum, DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum.

Most popular train connections from Irvine, CA

More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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