- 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
$79
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
14 h 34 m
Average duration
14 h 34 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
732 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 3 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Oakland, CA on Mon, Aug 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 732 km distance in an average of 14 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 34 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 14 h 34 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 San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 454 miles (732 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$85 Average price Cheapest | $198 Average price | $109 Average price | $110 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 29m Average total duration 13h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 50m Average total duration 12h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA:
A train is $23 (€19) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $109 (€87).
A train is $113 (€90) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $198 (€159).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 20m.
Train takes on average 13h 59m.
Tickets start at around $85 (€69) compared to roughly $110 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $25 (€20). The journey takes 13h 59m versus 7h 48m 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h13 | 5:14 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h13 | 5:14 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 14h58 | 6:59 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 13h04 | 5:14 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h49 | 6:59 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 13h04 | 5:14 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 15h05 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 16h23 | 10:24 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 15h05 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 14h34 | 8:35 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 14h22 | 8:23 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 15h08 | 9:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h56 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h13 | 8:23 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h25 | 8:35 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h56 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 14h59 | 9:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 16h14 | 10:24 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 22 times per day, taking around 13h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€60) but you can travel from only $60 (€48) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 454 miles (732 km) distance in 13h 4m.
Distance 454 miles (732 km) |
Average train duration 13h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€60) |
Trains per day 22 |
Fastest train 13h 4m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 San Diego, CA 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.

Most San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Jack London Square station pair, with some services arriving at Emeryville Station. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Oakland, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
Coliseum/Airport is 8 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Coliseum/Airport has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Available at Coliseum/Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need