How to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA

There are 2 options to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA including taking a train and bus.

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is a bus with an average price of $64 (€51).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA:

A bus is $38 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $101 (€81).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 8h 25m.

Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 8h 48m.

The distance from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is approximately 274 miles (441 km).

The average frequency per day from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is:

• Around 6 trains per day.
• Around 4 buses per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA:

• Trains mostly depart from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA and arrive in Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA.
• Buses mostly depart from Santa Barbara, Bus station and arrive in Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA.

If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:

• Travel with Amtrak to go to Oakland, CA by train.
• Travel with FlixBus to go to Oakland, CA by bus.

Yes, there are direct services available from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA with the following travel companies:

• 1 direct trains per day with Amtrak.
• 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.

Omio customers who travel from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA often also extend their vacation to go to Los Angeles, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Francisco, CA, Stockton, CA, Bakersfield, CA. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Oakland, CA and these popular destinations at a great price.

Most travelers need at least three days in Oakland, CA to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.

In Oakland, CA, you can visit the vibrant Temescal Alley for unique shops and eateries, explore the historic USS Potomac, and enjoy performances at the Fox Theater. Discover diverse flavors at the Oakland First Fridays street festival, and take a scenic bike ride along the Bay Trail. For sightseeing, visit Lake Merritt, the Oakland Museum of California, Jack London Square, Redwood Regional Park, and the Chabot Space and Science Center.

For a fulfilling experience in Oakland, CA, spending 2 to 3 days is often ideal, allowing time to explore its diverse neighborhoods, museums, parks, and vibrant culinary scene.