I love taking the Amtrak instead of driving and it's a short ride from SJC to the Irvine station. Easy on and off here and if you need to park, there's plenty of spots. It's walking distance to hotels and the conductor will give you any directions you need. Clean bathrooms in case you need to wash your hands or something lol read more

Took a weekend to go see the central Coast via Amtrak Pacific Surf liner !! Had a wonderful experience aboard Amtrak business class accommodations !! The train and seating was very clean. The staff was very friendly and attentive !!! The scenery on this trip is well worth the price of admission !! Book it , Do it, Enjoy it !! read more

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We purchased tickets online, so everything was a breeze! There were delays for our train's arrival today, but we understand that things happen. This station is beautiful and clean. Parking is free for the first 72 hours which is so great! I would leave a lower review for one of the ticket persons who was on the particular train we boarded, but I know they don't reflect all Amtrak trains or this particular station, so this poor interaction doesn't reflect in my review. I hope they have a better day. Train etiquette I learned today: if you board the train and see a red flag, do not cross the flag to find seating. You may get scolded and ridiculed by the train ticket person for not knowing! read more

This review is for the station only. I was in Fullerton and decided that I wanted to meet a friend who lives in San Diego. We decided to meet halfway so I took an Uber to the Irvine station and he picked me up. Initially, I'd planned to take the train from Fullerton to Irvine but the cost was the same for an Uber so I went with that option since it's faster. I waited for my friend in the station. It was clean, warm and comfortable. There were ample outlets I was able to charge my phone while I waited. The restroom was also clean. There was security on-site which was unexpected. She was really nice and made sure everyone had everything they needed. I don't ride the train (haven't done so in years) so this was my first time in a station in a long time. It's nice to know that it's still a viable option if needed. read more

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My favorite part about this station is the ample amount of parking and proximity to the Irvine Spectrum. The bathrooms are also clean. Yay. This station is pretty easy to navigate, which is nice. It's also currently the last stop going south. If you're going to San Diego you will get off here at transfer to a bus. However, this is temporary as the train tracks are being fixed south of Irvine. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Exterior - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

Honestly a great station to get on the Pacific Surfliner and it super clean and well kept. Nicer then other Amtrak stations and parking was free for us and we left for two nights to Santa Barbara it was about a 4.5 hour train ride. There usually is security guard at the station and occasionally there is Amtrak Police that roam around near the train station. Make sure you get to the station at least 20+ min early because sometimes trains come early and late and if your on the other side of the tracks you have to go up and over in the elevators and they take awhile. The parking lot is probably a 2 min walk to the train station from the parking garage. Literally there right next door to each other. Aboard the train it is quite small so keep your luggage honestly to a minimum because stairs and walkways are narrow. read more

Reservations mean nothing. Get ready to stand. What a joke!l Kids on their first train ride and they think it's horrible.

The one star is so I can send this review, otherwise it would be no star. The guard told me that my train was delayed and to double check the monitor I checked it and confirmed it was delayed. Another passenger for that train later informed me that the train arrived early and left on time. I called about getting a refund on my tickets but was told I could only get a refund on my return. AMTRAK screwed up and I get to pay almost $80 for it. That is stealing money from me! Ride Amtrak and pay for their mistakes! read more

Business class just do it!! Snack box and free wine and beer so worth it for literally 10 bucks more!!!

One of the rudest staffing here. Spoke to 3 different staff members and they were all so very rude. Not only were they not trying to help but they answered with such a rude attitude. Puts you off just thinking about how rude these workers are. Probably don't recommend this station, only came here because the current Amtrak route to SD is closed due to the tracks being shifted from a mud slide. They resume down to SD from Oceanside. read more

I've only ever come here late at night when everything has closed. It looks nice, however it is very dark. I often find myself just picking one spot under a light and not moving until my ride shows up. I really wish they had better illumination for after hour travelers. read more

Very clean and kept station. Taking a trip to San Diego in about an hour and 40 minutes vs an almost 3-hour car drive, especially on the weekends, is a no brainer. We took the Pacific surfliner and the train was clean and the seats were comfortable. I was surprised to see how many people were taking the train. Lots of single riders so finding seats for two was impossible. This is a great way to enjoy and relax and not have to worry about traffic. Great for a day excursion and not too heavy on the wallet. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Waiting platform - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

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This place is better than the amtrak station in Oceanside. If you are waiting for the train to go to LA though, bring an umbrella on rainy days; you will be standing outside with nothing overhead. Overall, not bad. read more

Parking garage. Just off freeway. Landscape good, trees, covered seating area. Has steps that go in various directions. Nice station

If you want to decrease your carbon footprint, chill out, enjoy the scenery, and not have to wait in the infamous California traffic, then taking the Amtrak is the way to go. It is not the most elegant but it is not bad. You can either buy the ticket at the train station or via app. When I was at the stop, there was no service worker there to help w/ buying the ticket but it's pretty straightforward. I bought my ticket for $10.00 for a one way, which I thought was pretty steep, but I'm sure public transportation took a huge loss in sales because it was a hot spot for COVID. However, there wasn't a lot of people on the train and we got to enjoy a whole cart to ourselves! We were also able to bring our dog in a carrying case. She loved it read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Storage for bikes and surfboards - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

Visited here onto see what the station was like. The conductors selling the tickets were very helpful providing details on how and what to do. They could have easily referred me to the brochures and on-line/app, but they did not, and this was a pleasant surprise. The customer service was great. The station is relatively clean including the restrooms. It appears they have a maintenance crew to keep things clean and moving. This station can get busy, but is usually calm. There is ample parking with limited outdoor spaces and a huge 4-story indoor garage spanning the length of the entire station (IMPRESSIVE). read more

Love using the Amtrak. This station is pretty well kept and the parking is plentiful. It is a bit "out of the way" and not near anything but it's a safe area overall. Truly wish the trains were more up to date but what can you do. Because Irvine is in the middle of most stops you can expect to stand for a bit before you reach your destination and people get off. That is the only downside of this location. read more

The Irvine train schedule is confusing and digital screen with train number and south bound vs north bound is UNCLEAR.

I am so frustrated. My Handicap Mom took a train from Irvine to San Diego. It broke down in Solana Beach. Her back problems and handicap does not allow her to sit very long. My brother had to go pick her up. I called the next day for a refund or voucher for the inconvenience, especially with the insane gas prices. I was bounced around on hold for over an hour. Nobody helped me. I emailed. Almost a month later, no response. I called again today. Bounced around again. I waited on hold for 2 HOURS 45 MINUTES with nobody answering!!! Is there anyone that cares about treating their customers with respect. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Almost 3 hours on hold! No answer! - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

Awesome location. Clean bathrooms. Friendly workers. Right by Five Points and you can walk straight to any concert.

It's a nice transportation hub. I usually come here to catch an Amtrak train down to San Diego or up to Union Station in Downtown LA. The trains are on time if you catch the early morning ones. The evening ones tend to get behind schedule. They have a pretty nice parking structure at this station. You could also catch several bus lines at this location. The restroom has always been kept very clean. read more

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It was the Matrix all over again, but instead of the blue and red pill, I now had the elusive 1, 2, and 3 buttons. The first, leads you back to reality, here they call it the ground floor. The third, takes you to a place up and beyond; "the other side" they say. But, the second, oh the second is what gets me. It could take you anywhere. The possibilities are limitless. Where does it go? What awaits on the other side? Is it another dimension that has never been explored? Or could it be absolutely nothing? Button number two leaves me with more questions than answers... Then there's the mind and thinking behind the vast emptiness. It used to be a bubbling place. Full of activity, noise, and life, but now....deserted and barren. Just a little sign, but capable of extinguishing all life forms. What special creature can meet the demands of its time limits? I envy those creatures. Such prestige. Alas, onward and upward we go. Only distant memories and nostalgia remain. No stopping here for the weary. Maybe one day, those little signs will disappear and this place again will be bubbling with life again. One can only wish and dream. read more

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Really convenient, safe and beautiful transit station. Antrak, Metrolink, bus and taxi service available. Two restaurants: StarWok and Strawberry's Coffee and Bakery, but neither were open on the Sunday morning I was at the station. Ample FREE parking in the adjacent parking garage, but also curbside pick-up/drop-off nearer the tracks. Very modern well-appointed station. Stairs and elevators available to cross tracks to get to northbound trains. The only negative I found was that the elevator windows were so dirty it was not possible to see out; layers of dirt covered them. It's spring now so I'm hoping this will be a priority. Other than that one small picky thing I found this to be a lovely station. read more

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My first time here and am I ever impressed! I had no idea how nice and convenient this amtrack station is! Staff is really helpful and parking is a breeze. No food on sue other than vending machines but no big deal. Restrooms are clean! Go ride the train! read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

What an amazing experience! I was taking train to Union Station, and the conductor Joe- gave exceptional service. Made the hour trip go by fast with the amazing service and hospitality. Definitely recommend! read more

I want to give this place 5 stars because all the gentleman here are kind and accommodating. There are gentleman that work outside, inside, a black guy who works behind the counter who is professional, helpful, genuine, good customer service. He has a goatee (I think a white goatee). He's bald and he's awesome. Class act. The only problem here, is the black woman who works behind the counter (she has short hair, above her shoulders, black rim glasses). She's rude, not helpful, she's on her personal cell phone outside, she once very rudely snapped me when I was waiting in line: what do you need because I have to go outside. (She was the only one working the counter and was missing the entire time so I walked up when she finally returned and she blew me off): When I returned another time she was a loud mouth when there was actually someone working the counter with her. She works during the day shift. I see her around the 1 pm ish, for example, are the times I see her on the weekend. One time she was loudly talking to her co-worker saying: that was before we were micromanaged. She appeared to be talking about unprofessional work things and you could clearly hear her from in the lobby. She seems disingenuous and treats customers unequal. Heard her talking theoretically about someone who thought they were "so educated". I think she needs to get "educated" on customer service and class. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - This is her behind the glass window actually helping someone instead of hanging out outside w/ no one behind the glass like usual - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

This station is located off of Barranca Parkway and Ada, which is between Technology Drive and Alton Parkway. It's hard to miss when traveling south on Barranca since the "Irvine Station" sign and big clock are visible. This station is also served by the Metrolink and OCTA. The station lobby is open 4:00am-11:00pm daily, and the Amtrak counter is open 5:15am-6:00pm daily. Parking is free, but limited to 72 hours. I wanted to make sure I got tickets so I bought them on Amtrak's website ahead of time. It turns out that this might've been a better choice as some reviews say that the lady behind the ticket counter is rude (and could've changed my rating, lol). Regardless, purchasing online was easy, and I was able to just walk through the lobby and up to the train tracks (just needed to show my ticket to the conductor once I sat down and the train started moving). Southbound Pacific Surfliners arrive on the platform straight ahead outside the lobby, and northbound Pacific Surfliners arrive on the platform across the bridge. Amtrak recommends arriving 45 minutes prior to departure if checking in baggage or need assistance, and 30 minutes prior otherwise. I took a morning train to Oceanside and returned mid afternoon on Veteran's Day (a little shy of an hour one-way), and both trains were pretty much on time (if anything, the return train arrived back in Irvine maybe a few minutes late, which wasn't a big deal). The round trip cost for this day was about $35. This station can be confusing for first timers like myself, but it's clean, parking is free, and my first time Amtrak experience went well, so I'd definitely like to use it more often from now on. read more

I don't like bad mouthing Amtrack. But I tried calling and got a representative who didn't speak English very well, he sounded like he was from India and his accent was so bad we couldn't understand him. I had to drive to the Station in Irvine and spoke to a very nice Security Guard who gave me a train schedule booklet. The booklet was so confusing he had to help me get the train schedule on leaving Irvine and only going as far south as Oceanside. My destination was Old Town San Diego. Frankly I was so uncomfortable with the entire process I ended up driving myself. read more

Depending on where I'm taking Amtrak to I either come here or Artic in Anaheim. When using Metrolink I come here. I like the close parking, free WiFi, and the charging station for my phone. They also have a community officer from IPD for security. The lobby area and restrooms are also clean. read more

Wow this was my first Amtrak ride so i figured I'd ride business class. Hahahaha what a joke. I walk to the consumer and he shoves me into the train upstairs. Theeeeeeen he comes and scans my ticket and tells me I belong in business class and proceeds to tell me I belong on the third car back. Lmfao after I take my crap all the way to the last car as I'm walking by some "attendant" he's like help yourself to any snacks and wine. Lmfao. Do yourself a favor don't spend the extra money for the shitty service. It's not worth it. Nice train tho. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Coach LOL. - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

Never again. The only way to actually have seats on the Amtrak is to pay for business class. Otherwise, you might just have to stand for two hours, or however long your trip is. I honestly feel bad for my kiddos, I thought I was booking something special for them before they went back to school. It was their first "train ride" and they were excited to see the ocean as we went down to SD for the day, instead we hop on to an already crammed train with "standing room" only. Imagine two kids under 7 y.o. standing for anything more than 30 minutes. We had to resort to sitting on the carpet in between aisles as people walked by us time and time again. It was our first time on the amtrak.. and it's for sure our last ever getting on one. Also, don't even bother calling amtrak customer service, they are no help at all. read more

I have never taken a train, until this recent visit to California. On our second ride, the train in front of us was disabled and we had to stop and hook up to them. After we did, their breaks were stuck on. We waited a good hour. They kept us informed and made sure to explain every process and an estimated time of departure. After we got moving again, we had to stop twice to let passengers off, first train, then second. The reason I am giving such a good review? What if I had been on the other train? They had been there a while. I would want to be helped. I am glad to see that not one person was upset. I did not here one grumble. Not one, "Are we almost done?" In addition the train was very clean. The staff was so very friendly. Even though I was very late to my next stop, I still felt they did a great job. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Easy to get tickets - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

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This is summer time at its best and a great time for the kids to experience a real Amtrak train ride. I got tickets online from Irvine to Union Station LA. The roundtrip tix for two seniors and one adult and two children for unreserved seats are perhaps an obstacle moneywise for many, as it is for me. But who can look the other way when the time came to make the train trip with the grand kids. It was an experience for them that i hope will linger on. The first thing they see is how easy it is to find the Amtrak Station IRV. Parking was a breeze and the crossing to the main station building was safe. We got there on time and when i approached the ticket counter, the wonderful lady says, why not take an earlier train, there is on on the way and will stop here in 10 minutes, just go over the blue bridge to the Northbound platform...we made it on time and when the train stopped, we hopped aboard. This was truly a wonderful choice to get our trip started, and upon reflection, it was a great way to end our Amtrak train ride at then of the day. Kids said they would do it again! read more

Amtrak Station IRV - On the blue bridge to catch northbound train. - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

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Everything is clean and comfortable, including the rest rooms. It is spacious, you can actually understand the announcements, they keep you informed on what is happening, and then you can get on the Pacific Surfliner for a beautiful smooth fast trip to San Diego. If traveling business class, that car is at the front of the train. read more

~ Customer Service Request: There is interrupted southbound train service today in Irvine, CA. Buses were arranged for southbound guests. However 15-20 of your northbound passengers were left stranded on the northbound tracks. No announcements and no signage was posted telling your northbound passengers the northbound train was going to be boarding on the southbound tracks. There is a video monitor in the ticket office showing the northbound tracks. Not one employee came over to tell the group of people waiting, our train was boarding on the opposite track today. We had purchased a $59 business class ticket for our son to UCSB in Goleta. He would have arrived around 6p. The lady working the ticket booth exchanged his ticket, but he is now not arriving until after 10p. There were huge signs posted about the elevator being scheduled for service next week, yet not one sign or announcement about the train track switch. Who can I speak with to receive a voucher of compensation for this negligence? Our family has traveled Amtrack many times. We understand there are sometimes unavoidable delays. What happened today was completely avoidable. read more

I really like this Irvine station, especially when you compare it to Santa Ana and LA.. It's clean - even the bathrooms, safe, and ample free parking.I sometimes train from Irvine to San Diego and back. And, on the second Saturday of every July, the moons of Laguna Niguel light up the train. Southbound, as Amtrak approaches Mugs Away Saloon, many middle age chubby moms and dads drop their drawers and flash where the sun don't shine. It's funny, but hardly titillating! Actually, i purposely avoid taking the train that day. God only knows why it's a tradition. The rest of the year, it's a beautiful ride, past several beaches and piers, to downtown San Diego. There are definitely some cool places to yelp near the Pier stops, it's okay to stare at the gorgeous bodies on the beach, though the star really is the beach, landscape, and areas you can't see in a car. It stops at San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Carlsbad, Solana Beach/Del Mar, Old Town (sometimes), and downtown San Diego in about an hour and 30 minutes. Cost is $23 one way in August 2011. I spoil myself, though and take business class for an extra $12 each way. For me, it beats driving as the traffic gets nuts and unsafe especially coming back to OC on a Sunday. Why business class? It means a guaranteed seat -I once had to stand for part of the time in coach. And they offer some snacks. Before noon, it's just juice, packaged pastries, and coffee/tea. After noon, the attendant offers soda or wine and a snack pack with nuts, chips, and cookies. The seats have a little more room and a footrest, though the footrest in uncomfortable to use. There's an electric outlet in every seat. And, the waiting line especially in downtown San Diego northbound is a lot easier. One caution - be prepared to ride facing backwards. Thankfully, it doesn't bother me. Be careful walking in a moving train-almost like surfing. And, standing up in the bathroom is a challenge, right men?. Going northbound, the Irvine stop means you have to either take the crowded elevator up to the walkway over the tracks. Then walk over the tracks, to the elevator or stairs again down to the parking lot/station. Me? If I'm not on crutches, I'm taking the steps up and back. It's be good for your heart and fanny. During the months that Del Mar racetrack is open, expect the train to be full. Swarms of people with race cards are excited as the train stops and drops them off for a bus ride into the track. Caution - you can hear every word people around you are saying. Sadly, much of it is boring or they lost their money at the races. But at least it's a beautiful train ride back. read more

I'm a fan of this station. The expensive parking structure has plenty of space, so parking isn't an issue. The walkways are clean and open so you don't feel cramp. I usually pick up my tickets at the machine, which is pretty damn convenient. If you like talking to people, you could speak to the Amtrak employees and have them help you. The actual train is pretty swank: Relatively comfortable seats, bathrooms, and a beverage/snack area that serves beer. One thing I would like them to add is some cheap seats to sit on waiting for the train. There is nothing pleasant about sitting on concrete. read more

I regularly take the Amtrak from San Diego to Irvine and it is honestly the most comfortable way to travel north. If you take it often then you should consider getting a pass. I get the 10 ride pass which is good for 5 round trip rides. Each ride ends up costing $16 which not too bad considering the fluctuating gas prices in San Diego. The train itself is always clean, staff is nice, and there's free wifi. If you like the scenery then try to find an available window seat so you can enjoy watching the coastline, if you don't like that the find the seats on the last cart of the train which is meant for those that like to sleep. read more

Amtrak Station IRV - Pacific Surfliner - Train Stations Near Me - Irvine, California

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The Irvine Station offers two train options, Amtrak and Metrolink. Metrolink is mostly a commuter train, though they do have some boardings during some off hours. If you can find a Metrolink schedule that works for you, a few bucks can be saved each way. For all the other times, Amtrak has trains that run north to LA and south to San Diego. A train ride to LA runs $14 one way making it pricey to take. Still, it might be worth it depending on your situation. If you are travelling alone it would be more economical. The station is pretty large. There is good parking capacity here for commuters. To buy tickets, you can either buy from the ticket machine or directly at the Amtrak counter. For trains travelling south, you board on platform 1. For those headed north to LA, you need to cross a skybridge to get to platform 2. They don't look at your ticket as you enter to save time. Instead, an attendant goes through each cabin to check. The ride is pretty smooth. It takes about an hour to get from Irvine to Union Station, which may be more or less the time it would take for you to drive depending on traffic. But without having to drive. If you are looking for a less troublesome commute to LA, Amtrak would be the way to go. read more

Excellent location, excellent service. I would recommend booking your tickets online and just using the kiosk to print. The line can sometimes be a hassle here as they need ID for you to purachase tickets,. This is a great spot to take a train to the Del Mar races or USC/Lakers/Dodger games. This appears to be far nicer than the Santa Ana station, which could be a little sketchy at times. Very close to the Spectrum, so you can grab a bite before hopping on board. Metrolink also stops here, but there are several stations to the north that you can jump on if you're riding Metrolink to San Clemente. read more