The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$81
Fastest journey
14 h 34 m
Average duration
14 h 34 m
Trains per day
2
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 $81.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Oakland, CA on Tue, May 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 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 Tue, May 26 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.
1:01 PM14h34San Diego, CA3:35 AMOakland, CA$811One-way0 transfers
2:01 PM14h34San Diego, CA4:35 AMOakland, CA$811One-way0 transfers
2:01 PM14h34San Diego, CA4:35 AMOakland, CA$811One-way0 transfers
1:01 PM14h34San Diego, CA3:35 AMOakland, CA$811One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
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 $79. 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 $79, and a flight costs an average of $139.
Distance: 454 miles (732 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $503 Average price | $89 Average price | $109 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 48m Average total duration 12h 18m 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 $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $89 (€72).
A train is $421 (€339) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $503 (€406).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 18m.
Train takes on average 13h 59m.
Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $109 (€88) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€21). 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.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 · 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 20 times per day, taking around 13h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€63) but you can travel from only $69 (€56) 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 12h 3m.
Distance 454 miles (732 km) |
Average train duration 13h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€63) |
Trains per day 20 |
Fastest train 12h 3m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Oakland, CA from $69 (€56). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- 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 San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Oakland, CA
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