The cheapest and fastest trains from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$496
Average price
$616
Fastest journey
3 d 9 h 52 m
Average duration
3 d 11 h 15 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
3857 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA will cost around $616 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $496.
Of the 2 trains that leave Raleigh, NC for Oakland, CA on Wed, Jun 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct trains cover the 3857 km distance in an average of 3 d 11 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 9 h 52 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest trains will take 3 d 12 h 37 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.
5:02 PM81h52Raleigh, NC2:54 AMOakland, CA$4961One-way0 transfers
2:17 PM84h37Raleigh, NC2:54 AMOakland, CA$7351One-way0 transfers
5:02 PM81h52Raleigh, NC2:54 AMOakland, CA$4961One-way0 transfers
2:17 PM84h37Raleigh, NC2:54 AMOakland, CA$7351One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $239. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 21h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $239, and a train costs an average of $349.
Distance: 2396 miles (3857 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$744 Average price | $291 Average price Cheapest | $591 Average price | $573 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
88h 24m Average total duration 87h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 70h 15m Average total duration 69h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 5m Average total duration Fastest 21h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 41h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $300 (€242) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA costing on average $591 (€477).
A bus is $453 (€365) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA costing on average $744 (€600).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 69h 45m.
Train takes on average 87h 54m.
Tickets start at around $744 (€600) compared to roughly $573 (€462) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-171.60 (€-138.31). The journey takes 87h 54m versus 41h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA trains for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:02 PM Raleigh, NC | 80h49 | 1:51 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | |||||
![]() | 2:17 PM Raleigh, NC | 84h37 | 2:54 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Journey information
Overview: Train from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
Trains from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 87h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $349 (€281) but you can travel from only $239 (€192) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:24, the last at 19:15. The fastest train covers the 2396 miles (3857 km) distance in 80h 49m.
Distance 2396 miles (3857 km) |
Average train duration 87h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $349 (€281) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 80h 49m |
First train 7:24 AM |
Last train 7:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Raleigh, NC and Oakland, CA from $239 (€192). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available in the vicinity of the station with multiple public parking options.
- The Pit Authentic BBQ
- Humble Pie
- Whiskey Kitchen
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- The Raleigh Marriott City Center
- Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
- Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms and boarding area
- Bus: GoRaleigh routes 6, 8, 11, 21
- R-Line (downtown circulator)
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
- Yoshi's Oakland
- Scott's Seafood Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Waterfront Hotel
- Z Hotel Jack London Square
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
- Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry
Most popular train connections from Raleigh, NC
More options for your journey from Raleigh, NC to Oakland, CA
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