Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA bus with Amtrak

Fri, Mar 20
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 23

Cheapest price

$75

Average price

$75

Fastest journey

5 h 6 m

Average duration

5 h 6 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

236 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Oakland, CA for South Lake Tahoe, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Mar 23 the direct buses cover the 236 km distance in an average of 5 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .

On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest buses will take 5 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
03:24PM5h06
Oakland, CA
08:30PMSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
$751One-way
0 transfers

Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:48AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
5h27
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$75

Live departures

Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 5:03 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3:24 PM Oakland, CA
5h06
8:30 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA by bus

Compare bus 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.

Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Sat
Mar 28
Sun
Mar 29

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

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Buses from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€59) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 07:48, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 146 miles (236 km) distance in 5h 6m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
146 miles (236 km)
Average bus duration
4h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
$73 (€59)
Buses per day
1
Fastest bus
5h 6m
First bus
07:48
Last bus
14:55
Cheapest month
Jul
Cheapest day
Thu
High season
Jul - Sep
Low season
Apr - Jun
Best day to book ahead
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CAYou can travel by bus between Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA with Amtrak for as low as $73 (€59). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
$73 (€59)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA can start from as little as $73 (€59) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is $74 (€60) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is 5h 6m to travel the 146 miles (236 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA leaves at 7:48 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA leaves at 2:55 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA which require at least one change with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to South Lake Tahoe, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Oakland, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to South Lake Tahoe, CA from Oakland, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 6m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is July.
Yes, you can take a bus between Oakland, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA:
  • Amtrak
    • Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA for bus company Amtrak.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in South Lake Tahoe, CA are:
  • Emerald Bay State Park, a scenic park known for its stunning views of Emerald Bay and the historic Vikingsholm mansion
  • Heavenly Mountain Resort, a popular ski resort offering winter sports and panoramic gondola rides
  • Tallac Historic Site, a collection of preserved estates showcasing early 20th-century architecture and history
  • Taylor Creek Visitor Center, an educational center with nature trails and a stream profile chamber
  • Van Sickle Bi-State Park, a park straddling California and Nevada with hiking trails and views of Lake Tahoe.
The best things to do in South Lake Tahoe, CA include:
  • Lake Tahoe Boat Cruises, offering picturesque tours of the lake's crystal-clear waters
  • South Lake Tahoe Beaches, providing sandy shores and opportunities for swimming and picnicking
  • Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, a family-friendly ski resort with diverse terrain and snow activities
  • Lake Tahoe Golf Course, offering a scenic golfing experience amidst the mountains
  • Explore the local dining scene, featuring a variety of restaurants with lakeside views and diverse cuisines.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • Amtrak
    • Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA:
  • Amtrak
    • 2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA. The following conditions apply:
  • Amtrak
    • Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA with the following bus company: Amtrak
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA with the following bus company: Amtrak.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA with the following bus company: Amtrak.

More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

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