- 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.
Cheapest price
$148
Average price
$148
Fastest journey
19 h 5 m
Average duration
19 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1051 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA will cost around $148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $148.
Of the 1 buses that leave Tacoma, WA for Oakland, CA on Tue, Aug 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct buses cover the 1051 km distance in an average of 19 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 5 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest buses will take 19 h 5 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $108. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $108, and a flight costs an average of $120.
Distance: 653 miles (1051 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$147 Average price Cheapest | $205 Average price | $294 Average price | $157 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 33m Average total duration 19h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 41m Average total duration 22h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA costing on average $205.
A bus is $146 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA costing on average $294.
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 3m.
Train takes on average 22h 11m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $148 |
The table below shows live departures for Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA buses for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 PM Tacoma, WA | 19h05 | 6:45 PM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 19h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $108 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 653 miles (1051 km) distance in 18h 5m.
Distance 653 miles (1051 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 18h 5m |
First bus 7:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA buses use the Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station) to Oakland, West Oakland BART Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Tacoma, WA and Oakland, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need