- Must visit
Oakland Museum of California
Major art museum focused on California history, art, and social impact, with strong collections and a lively modern campus.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $159 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 16h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $159, while a flight costs an average of $569.
Distance: 1936 miles (3116 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$159 Average price Cheapest | $569 Average price | $486 Average price | $464 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
55h 30m Average total duration 55h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 31m Average total duration Fastest 14h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 67h 40m Average total duration 67h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 32h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $328 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA costing on average $486.
A bus is $411 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA costing on average $569.
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 55h 0m.
Train takes on average 67h 10m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 49h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $690 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 53h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 51h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $622 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 63h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 61h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $228 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 63h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $158 |
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 55h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $125 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1936 miles (3116 km) distance in 51h 40m.
Distance 1936 miles (3116 km) |
Average bus duration 55h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $125 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 51h 40m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Oakland, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oakland, CA trip today.
Major art museum focused on California history, art, and social impact, with strong collections and a lively modern campus.
Independent museum preserving Black Panther Party history through photographs, artifacts, and community-centered interpretation in West Oakland.
Children's museum and cultural center with hands-on exhibits celebrating Black creativity, history, and family learning experiences.
Beloved urban lake ringed by paths, gardens, and skyline views, ideal for walking, birdwatching, and experiencing everyday Oakland life.
Waterfront promenade and marina district with bay views, sailing activity, and sunset walks near Oakland's western edge.
Large hillside park with redwoods, trails, and picnic areas, offering a peaceful escape and classic East Bay outdoor scenery.
Smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, reflecting Oakland’s strong barbecue culture shaped by Southern Black migration and longtime neighborhood smokehouses.
A tangy, mayo-based cabbage side commonly served with Oakland barbecue. It is a staple pairing at local smokehouses and cookouts.
Crisp fried chicken often served with waffles or sides, tied to Oakland’s soul food tradition and beloved at classic neighborhood restaurants.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant highlighting seasonal California ingredients with polished service and an elegant, modern dining room.
Longtime Ethiopian restaurant praised for injera platters, stews, and traditional coffee in a welcoming, community-focused space.
Celebrated Oakland Chinatown destination for handmade noodles and dumplings in a busy, casual setting with strong local following.
Oakland is moderate for US cities: lodging is often high, but dining and BART or buses are usually cheaper than in San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, CA buses use the Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Oakland, West Oakland BART Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Indianapolis, IN and Oakland, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are aTM is located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): The station is wheelchair accessible.
Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building). ATMs are available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building).
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building).
Available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station is 2 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station. ATMs are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Ticket office support is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Station is fully accessible with elevators.
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