Travel & Transportation
Getting to Campus
Getting to Concordia University Irvine—and getting around once you arrive—should feel simple and stress-free. The information below is designed to help students and families plan their arrival, find nearby lodging, and access transportation options during the academic year.
Driving Directions
Concordia University Irvine is easily accessible from major Southern California freeways. Use the directions below to arrive safely on campus.
From the North (I-405 South):
- Take I-405 S toward San Diego
- Exit at University Dr. (Exit 4)
- Turn right onto University Dr.
- Turn left onto Ridgeline Dr.
- Turn right onto Concordia East (Gate access required)
From the South (I-5 / I-405 North):
- Take I-5 N toward Los Angeles
- Merge onto I-405 N toward Long Beach
- Exit at Jeffrey Rd. / University Dr. (Exit 4)
- Continue on University Dr.
- Turn left onto Ridgeline Dr.
- Turn right onto Concordia East (Gate access required)
Nearby Airports
Transportation options from both airports include rideshare services, rental cars, and airport shuttles.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – closest airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Parking During Orientation & Move-In
Parking instructions will be provided during Orientation check-in. Students and families will be directed to designated parking areas to ensure a smooth arrival and move-in experience. Please follow on-site signage and staff directions upon arrival.
Hotels & Lodging
Here are a few hotels surrounding Concordia University Irvine.
Hilton Garden Inn
2381 Morse Ave. Irvine/Orange County Airport
Irvine, CA 92614
Contact Sabina Arace at (949) 656-8705
Concordia Special Rates Include:
- On-site Restaurant & Bar
- In-room Refrigerator, Coffee Maker, Iron/Ironing Board, Hair Dryer
- Two Outdoor Heated Pools and Spas
- Expansive Fitness Center
- Complimentary Shuttle to/from John Wayne Airport and Concordia University Irvine (upon availability)
- Complimentary High-Speed Internet
- Complimentary Parking
- No Resort Fees
Driving directions to Concordia University Irvine from the hotel (5.3 miles/10 minutes)
- Take the next right onto Concordia
- Turn right down Von Karman Avenue towards Main
- Turn right on Main Street towards Jamboree
- Turn right on Jamboree Road heading South
- Get on Interstate-405 towards San Diego (South)
- Take exit 4, on the right, to University Drive towards Jeffery Road
- Turn right and continue down University Drive
- Turn Left on Ridgeline Drive
Ayres Hotel & Suites
325 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 549-0300
include:
- Complimentary parking, internet, and airport shuttle to John Wayne
- 2 outdoor pools and spa
- Full service restaurant
- Fitness center
- Room service offered
- Full breakfast buffet is available for purchase
*For extended benefits visit rewards at Ayreshotels.com
Driving directions to Concordia University Irvine form the hotel (5.9 miles/13 minutes)
- Head southeast on SE Bristol St. toward Irvine Ave.
- Take the 3rd left onto Jamboree Rd.
- Turn right at Campus Dr.
- Turn left at University Dr.
- Turn right at Ridgeline Dr.
- Turn right at Concordia.
Sonesta Irvine Hotel
17941 Von Karman
Irvine, CA
(949) 863-1999
Offers:
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center
- Complimentary shuttle ride to-and-from John Wayne Airport
- Complimentary High Speed Internet
- Full Service Restaurant
Driving directions to Concordia University Irvine form the hotel (5.6 miles/11 minutes)
- Take the 405 Freeway South
- Take Jeffrey Rd. exit and turn right
- Turn left on Ridgeline
- Turn right on Concordia East
Atrium Style Quality Suites Hotel
2701 Hotel Terrace Dr.
Santa Ana, CA
Rigo Pinon, Sales Manager
Phone: (714) 957-9200 ext 504
Fax: (714) 641-8936
Toll free number: (866) 898-9432
Offers:
- Complimentary cook-to-order breakfast
- Complimentary high speed Internet
Driving directions to Concordia University Irvine form the hotel (8 miles/10 minutes)
- Take the 55 Freeway South to the 405 Freeway South
- Take Jeffrey Rd. exit and turn right
- Turn left on Ridgeline
- Turn right on Concordia East
Best Western
2700 Hotel Terrace Drive
Santa Ana, CA
(714) 432-8888
Offers:
- Complimentary breakfast
- Complimentary parking
- Pool
- Fitness Center
Driving directions to Concordia University Irvine form the hotel (7.4 miles/13 minutes)
- Take the 55 Freeway South to the 405 Freeway South
- Take Jeffrey Rd. exit and turn right
- Turn left on Ridgeline
- Turn right on Concordia East
FYExplore Shuttle Program
FYExplore is a free shuttle program offered by the Office of Orientation and First-Year Experience to help students travel off campus during the fall semester. Designed especially for students without personal vehicles, FYExplore provides scheduled trips to local destinations, shopping centers, and transportation hubs.
How FYExplore Works
- Free for enrolled students
- Runs on select dates during the fall semester
- Advance reservation required
- Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis
To reserve a ride:
Email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
FYExplore Schedule
- Friday, November 20 – Thanksgiving Break Shuttle- John Wayne Airport and Irvine Train Station
- Friday, December 18 – Christmas Break Shuttle- John Wayne Airport and Irvine Train Station
FYExplore FAQs
Is there a cost to ride the shuttle?
FYExplore rides are free. Students who miss a scheduled ride without canceling may be subject to a fee.
Who drives the shuttle?
Drivers are certified university staff or student employees who have completed required training.
Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance by emailing [email protected].
What if I need transportation outside FYExplore dates?
Students often carpool with friends, use rideshare services, or rent bikes through CU Active. Local public transportation is also available.
Get in Touch
Have questions about your first year? We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Office of Orientation and First-Year Experience
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 214-3065
Email: [email protected]