Train Irvine, CA - San Francisco, CA prices from $53.27

04/28/2024
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$53.27

Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train

The journey from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train is 383.64 mi and takes 12 hr 35 min. There are 10 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:57 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train for as little as $53.27 or as much as $132.71. The best price for this journey is $53.27.

Lowest Price$53.27
Journey Duration12 hr 35 min
Connection per Day10
Lowest Price$53.27
Highest Price$132.71
First Departure12:57 AM
Last Departure11:46 PM
Distance383.64 mi
DepartureIrvine, CA
ArrivalSan Francisco, CA
CarriersAmtrak

Take the train from Irvine, CA, to San Francisco, CA

The train from Irvine, CA, to San Francisco, CA, lasts on average 12 hr 35 min. Around 10 trains depart a day from Irvine to San Francisco. The average price is $67.02, and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $53.27.

Amtrak operates the train journey from Irvine to San Francisco. There is no direct train connection between Irvine and San Francisco because Sanfran doesn't have a railway. Its construction is planned, but Amtrak currently secures a bus link to the closest Amtrak railway stations. Their buses transfer passengers from stations serving San Joaquin and the Pacific Surfliner in Oakland and Santa Barbara. Other nearby train stations are in Emeryville and Hayward. The prices remain in the same price range. 

The San Joaquin Amtrak service is a rail service that runs between Bakersfield and Oakland, California. It operates seven days a week and serves various cities along the route of the San Joaquin Valley, the leading agriculture area of California, equally stunning as the coast. It usually guarantees coach seats and has an onboard cafe if you are in the mood for refreshments.

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.

The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended. Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains.

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.

San Francisco does not have a railway station (yet!). Amtrak secures a bus connection from the nearest Amtrak station to the Salesforce Transit Center. The station is served by local lines such as BART, Muni, AC lines, and Golden Gate Transit, which take you downtown or to the broader Bay Area. The station has diverse coffee places, restaurants, and free wifi. Keep in mind there is no luggage storage or parking at the station. 

San Francisco is the city of cable cars, hilly streets, fog, tech and gay culture, and culture in general. Whether you decide to catch a show at North Beach, check out the Museum of Modern Art, or stroll the city and take in sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, you will understand the immense cultural aura this Sanfran has and still possess. The waterfront is an integral part of the city's identity -fantastic seafood dishes at the Fishermans Warf, seals at Pier 39, and of course, Alcatraz, the most famous prison in the world. Take your pick.

So if you plan to travel to San Francisco from Irvine 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 Irvine ad San Francisco.

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Cheap train tickets from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA

The cheapest Irvine, CA - San Francisco, CA train tickets can be found for as low as $30.01 if you’re lucky, or $77.22 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $109.96.

Find the best day to travel to San Francisco, CA by train

When travelling to San Francisco, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
43.22kg
Bus
46.31kg
Flight
123.48kg
Car
98.79kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA are 43.22kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA? By taking the train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA you will save 80.26kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 3.09kg compared to a bus and 55.57kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA?
A train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is $67.02. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $53.27.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is $53.27. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA by train?
Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is 383.64 mi.
How long does the train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA take?
Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is on average 12 hr 35 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 10 hr 37 min.
How many train connections per day go from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA?
Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA has 10 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA leave?
The earliest train from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 12:57 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA depart?
The latest train from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 11:46 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $53.27 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA is 10 hr 37 min.
Is there a direct train from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by train?
The train journey from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA creates 43.22kg of CO2 emissions.

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