Oakland, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $25: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Oakland to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$25 by trainBest price
735 kmDistance
3h 14m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Oakland to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Oakland - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Oakland and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$2751-6040Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$2752-2753Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$606-2754Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$601-600Website
spirit.com
Plane from Oakland (OAK) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$2759-250Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$604-251Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Oakland to Los Angeles
Average Duration
12h 2mEstimated price
$652-655Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$252-606Train from Oakland to Sacramento
Average Duration
1h 58mEstimated price
$256-257Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Train from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Milpitas
Average Duration
51mEstimated price
$252-253Train from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Berryessa / North San Jose
Average Duration
56mEstimated price
$254-255Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Oakland to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
Average Duration
11h 55mEstimated price
$609-601Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Oakland to San Diego
Average Duration
11h 20mEstimated price
$604-605Oakland to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Oakland and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Oakland to San Diego covering a distance of 493 miles and offering breathtaking views along the way.
💸 Prices for the journey range from $85 to $130, providing flexibility for travelers on different budgets to enjoy the adventure.
🌞 After roughly 8 hours and 10 minutes of driving, arrive in sunny San Diego, ready to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
Average price
$85 - $130
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Oakland to San Diego, with a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 15 hours and 56 minutes.
🌉 Enjoy the picturesque views as you depart from Oakland station on the Coast Starlight train headed towards Union Station in Los Angeles. The first leg of the trip lasts about 12 hours and 2 minutes, covering a distance of 592 miles.
🏖️ From Union Station, hop aboard the Pacific Surfliner train for the final leg of your trip to San Diego. This segment takes about 2 hours and 54 minutes, offering a comfortable and convenient way to complete your journey. Traveling by train allows you to relax and take in the diverse landscapes of California along the way.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Oakland to San Diego, consider traveling with Amtrak. They offer a variety of onboard services, including a Café Car where you can purchase light meals, snacks, and beverages throughout your journey. Amtrak’s menu typically includes sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items, available for all passengers.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route. You can choose from Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, or stick with Economy Class, which features standard seating. Although the Economy seats are comfortable, the Business Class experience can be worth it for the added amenities, especially for a long ride.
• Multiple operators serve this route, but primarily it is Amtrak. You can find more information and book tickets through their website: Amtrak.com or check other possible services like Pacific Surfliner through PacificSurfliner.com. Before traveling, check local transport schedules for your arrival in San Diego, such as bus and tram schedules.
🛫 Flying from Oakland to San Diego is a convenient and quick journey. The direct flight lasting 1h 25m is the most efficient way to reach your destination.
✈️ Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines provide flights from Oakland Airport to San Diego Airport, offering travelers flexibility in choosing their preferred airline. The flight duration typically lasts around 3h 14m.
💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, flight prices between San Diego and Oakland can range from $60 to $275. Planning ahead can help secure a more affordable fare for your trip.
Departure Point
Oakland Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Traveling from Oakland to San Diego by bus offers a convenient and affordable option for your journey. The overnight bus operated by Flixbus USA departs daily, taking approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes to reach your destination.
🛣️ The route from Oakland to San Diego spans 460 miles, with various transfer options available along the way. You can choose from different steps and bus connections, such as heading towards Los Angeles Downtown and then transferring to a bus bound for San Diego's Downtown/Seaport Village.
💰 Bus ticket prices for the Oakland to San Diego route can range from $56 to $120, providing flexibility for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you opt for a direct journey or prefer a route with transfers, the trip by bus promises scenic views and a comfortable ride to your final destination.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To ensure a comfortable overnight journey, consider bringing a travel pillow and some snacks, as bus facilities may not provide ample food options between Oakland and San Diego.
• If you're taking a transfer, keep an eye on the time during stops in Los Angeles; it's advisable to allow a buffer time for connections and be ready to board the second bus to San Diego promptly.
• Upon arriving at San Diego station, be prepared for a large bus terminal; familiarize yourself with the local transit options available at the station, including the San Diego Trolley and local bus services, for easy access to your final destination. More information can be found at the official San Diego Metropolitan Transit System website: sdmts.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Oakland to San Diego.
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The distance between Oakland and San Diego is approximately 736 km by air and 794 km by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation vary. By plane, it takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes to travel from Oakland to San Diego. By car, the journey takes approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes. By train, it takes 15 hours and 56 minutes, while by bus it takes around 12 hours and 6 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Oakland to San Diego is taking a night bus, which typically costs between $40 and $140 and takes approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which usually takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes and costs between $60 and $280.
The prices for a train ticket from Oakland to San Diego range from $25 to $250, depending on the class and availability. Similarly, the prices for a bus ticket from San Diego to Oakland vary from $56 to $120, depending on the bus company and the time of booking.
To travel from Oakland to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 793 km distance. The drive takes around 8 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving can vary between $85 to $130, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The most convenient way to travel from Oakland to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus. This option takes approximately 12 hours and 6 minutes and costs between $55 and $120. Another option is to fly, which is faster, taking only 3 hours and 14 minutes, but it can cost between $60 and $280. Trains are also available and take around 15 hours and 56 minutes, with prices ranging from $24 to $250.
Yes, there is a connection between Oakland and San Diego. You can travel by train, with a journey time of approximately 15 hours and 56 minutes, including transfers in Los Angeles. There are also bus services available, with an overnight journey taking around 11 hours and 20 minutes. Both Amtrak and Flixbus USA operate services between Oakland and San Diego.
The flight duration between Oakland and San Diego typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of a flight ticket between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from $60 to $275 depending on factors such as booking time and airline choice.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Diego with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $53 per night, offering a range of affordable and luxurious options.