- 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 on Sep 20
$140
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$166
Fastest journey on Sep 20
18 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
18 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
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 $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 1051 km distance in an average of 18 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 5 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 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 an average ticket price of $175 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 19h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $175, while a train costs an average of $249.
Distance: 653 miles (1051 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$175 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price | $158 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
19h 45m Average total duration Fastest 19h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 20m Average total duration 21h 50m Onboard + 30m 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 $74 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA costing on average $249 (€204).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 21h 50m.
Tickets start at around $175 (€143) compared to roughly $158 (€130) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.46 (€-13.47). The journey takes 19h 15m versus 11h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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 $140 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $144 |
The table below shows live departures for Tacoma, WA to Oakland, CA buses for today, Friday, September 18. 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 | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
![]() | 12:40 AM Tacoma, WA | 18h05 | 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 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $134 (€110) 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 17h 30m.
Distance 653 miles (1051 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€110) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 30m |
First bus 7:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
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.
Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station) is 2 km from Tacoma city centre. Public transport options include:
Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food stalls available on site.
Wi-Fi is available at Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station). ATMs are located inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station).
Available at Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tacoma, E G St & Puyallup Ave (Tacoma Dome Station): Wheelchair accessible.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need