San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA Train

Train from San Diego, CA, to Irvine, CA

The train from San Diego, CA to Irvine, CA, lasts on average 1 hr 43 min. Around 2 trains depart a day between San Diego and Irvine, the average price is $33.26 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $31.85.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from San Diego to Irvine. All the trains run on the Pacific Surfliner Route. All the connections are direct, but due to unforeseen circumstances, your journey may be cut into segments so that part of the journey is substituted by a bus or a shuttle from the Amtrak Thruway bus service.

The Pacific Surfliner train line is the direct service between Louis Obispo and San Diego. Before reaching San Diego, the line serves Fullerton, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente Pier, Oceanside, and Solana Beach. The average speed is 41.2 miles per hour (66 km/h), but it can reach speeds up to 90 miles per hour (145 km/h)

Be prepared for stunning South Californian scenery. The train will take you along the coast, and some of the country's best surfing spots, and the trains feature enough racks to bring your surfing board or bicycle along. All trains also feature free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a Market Cafe with snacks, beverages, and fresh food. All cats and dogs up to 20 pounds are welcome on board.

In San Diego, you can board on two stations.

Old Town Station is a nice place to arrive, as it is located close to the Old Town San Diego, a state historic park, and one of the earliest settlements in the U.S., as well as to Presidio Palace, the site of the Old Spanish fort. San Diego Trolley, local buses, and the Coaster commuter rail that links northern San Diego County's oceanside communities also use Old Town as one of their stations. 

Sante Fe Depot is the city's main train terminal. Also built in a Spanish Colonial style, reflecting San Diego's turbulent past, it serves as a station of the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service. 

In Irvine, you will board at the Irvine transportation center. The station serves the Pacific Surfliner, the local commuter line Metrolink, and bus lines connecting Irvine with the rest of Orange County. In the stations, you will find vending machines, ticketing kiosks, and accessible bathrooms. The station also has day and overnight parking.

You can start in Irvine with the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Quail Hill, and Bommer Canyon. You may like Wild Rivers water park and Pretend City Children's Museum if you are with the family. And for shopping and dining, head to The District at Tustin Legacy or Irvine Spectrum Center. 

So if you plan to travel to Irvine from San Diego by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between San Diego and Irvine.