Commute by Train
Commuting by train is very popular amongst UCI students, faculty, and staff as it is an affordable, comfortable, and relaxing commute. UCI is most easily accessible by Metrolink trains via Tustin Station thanks to our partners at OCTA. We recommend that you sign up for rider alerts from both Metrolink and OCTA buses so you are up to date on any service changes or delays.
The Rail 2 Rail program increases your riding options for your commute. Please see the Rail 2 Rail website for more details.
Employees who commute by train and do not hold a long-term parking permit are eligible to join the Sustainable Transportation Program. Membership comes with some additional incentives. For more information, visit the Sustainable Transportation Incentives page.
Metrolink Website
Amtrak Website
From Train Stations to UCI
Service for certain stops may differ according to daily or weekend schedules.
From Tustin Metrolink Station (Metrolink Only)
- Take OCTA Route 473 to UCI
- Complimentary service when showing your valid Metrolink pass
- During commuter rushes only
- Take OCTA Route 472 to North Campus
- Complimentary service when showing your valid Metrolink pass
- During commuter rushes only
From Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (Metrolink & Amtrak)
- Take OCTA Route 59 to UCI
From Irvine Transportation Center (Metrolink & Amtrak)
- There is no direct connection to UCI. Please call an Employee Transportation Coordinator at 949-824-7433 for a commute plan.
Metrolink Mobile Ticketing
Metrolink now offers a mobile ticketing platform for iOS and Android. The apps allows riders to purchase train passes on the fly without needing to visit a ticket vending machine.
Learn how to use the app by watching the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmgaRBH9Cz0.
Train Rebate
UC Irvine offers a 20% rebate to employees and students who use the train to commute to campus and do not purchase long term parking permits (one month or longer). You may request a 20% rebate off of the following passes:
- Metrolink 7-Day
- Metrolink 5-Day Flex Pass
- Metrolink monthly
- Amtrak 10-Trip
- Amtrak monthly
All rebate submissions must include a completed form and used valid pass(es). All rebate submissions must be turned in by June 5th of the fiscal year they are used so they can be processed within the appropriate fiscal year. Only June tickets will be accepted through the end of July.
Paper Ticket Rebate Submissions
Please ensure that the destinations, price, and ticket number are legible on tickets submitted. If the printed ink has faded, please write the ticket details on the rebate form. Receipts are helpful, though not required to receive the rebate. You may include additional pages of tickets with your form if they do not fit on the bottom section. Please adhere tickets to rebate form with clear tape and secure all corners for scanning. Do not staple.
Submit all completed rebate forms with tickets to UCI Transportation via:
- Campus mail at Zot Code 4525
- US Mail at UCI Transportation, 200 Public Services Building, Irvine, CA 92687
- In person at the main Transportation Office, on the second floor of the Public Services Building
Mobile Ticket Rebate Submissions
Sustainable Transportation will accept the digital receipt from your in-app ticket purchase. Simply send the emailed receipt to rideshare@uci.edu with the completed Rebate Form attached, and we will process your rebate. We will use the email and its date/timestamp as verification.