Irvine

"Customer service at this location (and with Amtrak in general) sucked. The train schedule, train number, and track location were not updated which caused confusion until boarding took place. Multiple customers asked for clarification and were not given it until it was time to board. Staff answered rudely to customers. In terms of cleanliness, the elevators smell and look like they haven’t been cleaned in weeks. Other than that, this train station is generally cleaner than other locations I’ve been to in SoCal. This is my second bad experience with Amtrak, the first being an overbooked train. I tried giving them a second chance but they are unreliable and unorganized. Be aware that public transportation in the area is generally bad regardless."

"Very well kept station! Irvine has a station to be proud of! Plenty of seating, vending machines , rest rooms and water fountains. I had fun sitting here yesterday. The bridge too is wonderfully designed, you have bridges to watch the view from the top! Waiting area building room, it felt modern and clean. Airport terminal type seats included. I will definitely stop by here again :)"

"Disclaimer, I am from the east coast specifically the mid Atlantic region which is where Amtrak makes most of its revenue. The DC region has the second largest train system on the US, only below the New York subway system, so I am used to US trains and have certain expectations. To say that Southern California has public transportation is like saying 7-11 serves dinner. You can try at your own risk. This station is aesthetically nicer and more peaceful than most Amtrak stations, the staff I encountered were friendly but the train systems are so unreliable. There was a landslide midway between OC and San Diego, so the stations near Dana Point were not operating, such as the San Clemente station. My trip is to head SOUTH towards San Diego. Natural disasters are unforeseeable so it’s not necessarily Amtrak’s fault. Luckily there was a bus service to makeup for the broken service halfway but it was to depart from Irvine, which is backwards from my destination. Since the stations near me were closed that meant I had to Uber or somehow drive 30 minutes NORTH to Irvine first, and then take a bus to Oceanside and THEN get on a working train to San Diego going SOUTH. If that wasn’t already a logistical nightmare in of itself, the bus to Oceanside was delayed because of a rail issue in LA so the bus wouldn’t arrive to Irvine for at least another hour. The Amtrak app wasn’t updated with any announcements and there wasn’t a bulletin of any sort informing passengers. With all of that said, this experience falls in line with my lowest expectations of how Southern California runs their public transportation. I can see why everyone is more willing to spend loads $$ on cars and gas, but that behavior is precisely what dulls demand for necessary mass transportation modes like Amtrak in high density regions like SoCal. I think on a regular day Amtrak Southern California isn’t a bad alternative if you are going from metro area to metro area like LA to SD since you’ll save a lot on driving. The Irvine station is also near the mall and a few restaurants. But if you’re not familiar with train systems a delay would likely deter you from ever taking the train. If I ever try the train again on a regular day I’ll update this review but these are my observations for now."

"Was here for changing the train to Union Station. The station is quite unique and easy access for commute. All helpful signs led me make it on time. The best point to take picture is up on the cross bridge, to see the view & rails, and take some fresh air before continue to your destination."

"Very nice train station. I encourage you to take the surf liner to travel it’s safer, faster and more confortable than taking the freeway. Also the views are mesmerizing. Follow me on google maps for more tips."