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Oakland, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Oakland, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Oakland to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$1 by busBest price
13.4 kmDistance
16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Oakland to San Francisco 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.

Company
BART
BART
Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$2-4
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$1-29
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 13.4 km
Duration: 16m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$2-3
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$60-75
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Oakland to San Francisco

The journey from Oakland to San Francisco offers a striking contrast, where Oakland’s vibrant cultural scene meets San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking views.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco’s neighborhoods each boast a distinct character and charm.

Mission District
• Street art and murals enhance the vibrant culture.
• Trendy cafes and restaurants cater to diverse tastes.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America.
• Unique shops and authentic eateries abound here.
North Beach
• Rich in Italian heritage with fantastic dining options.
• Close proximity to Coit Tower and stunning views.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience of San Francisco's iconic spots.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning or late afternoon offers fewer crowds and beautiful light.
Alcatraz Island
Book your tickets for the first ferry of the day to enjoy a quieter tour.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Midweek visits see smaller crowds, especially during early hours.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco experiences a mild, coastal climate with cool summers and unpredictable fog, making layers essential for comfort. Visiting during the fall or spring can offer the best weather, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

For an unforgettable dining experience, try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that showcases the city’s coastal culinary heritage. This vibrant atmosphere, combined with the use of fresh, local seafood, provides a distinct contrast to Oakland’s diverse fusion flavors.

Oakland - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Oakland and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from 12th Street / Oakland City Center to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$2-4
Bus Show bus routes
Website
actransit.org

Bus from 14th St & Broadway to Market St & South Van Ness Av

Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$2-6
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Oakland to San Francisco

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$3-29
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Oakland to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$1-27
Contact phone
+1 415-921-5858
Website
goldengatetransit.org

Bus from 19th St/Oakland BART Station to Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$2-8
Taxi

Taxi from Oakland to San Francisco

Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$60-75

Oakland to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Oakland and San Francisco 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 journey from Oakland to San Francisco by car, covering a driving distance of 17.7 km in just about 16 minutes. 💰 Explore cost-effective travel options as prices to commute between Oakland and San Francisco by car typically range from $2 to $3.
Average price
$2 - $3
🚆 The journey from Oakland to San Francisco by train is quick and convenient. Departing from 12th Street / Oakland City Center, the train arrives at Civic Center / UN Plaza in approximately 16 minutes, with services operating every day. 🌉 Two main routes are available for this trip, both offering a smooth ride between the two cities. Whether you choose the Subway towards SFO Airport or Subway towards San Francisco International Airport, the travel time is around 12-13 minutes for the 12.6 km distance.
Departure Point
12th Street / Oakland City Center station
Arrival Point
Civic Center / UN Plaza station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The train trip from Oakland to San Francisco is primarily serviced by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Amtrak Thruway buses. While BART provides regular commuter service, Amtrak operates more limited services. Check out the BART website (bart.gov) for schedules and ticketing. Amtrak's services can be found at (amtrak.com)
• On the BART train, you'll primarily find Standard Seating, which is comfortable but basic. Unlike BART, Amtrak services may provide First Class or Economy seating options on certain routes, but for this particular route, BART does not offer separate classes of service. If you prefer a more comfortable ride, you might consider taking the Amtrak Thruway, which may have upgraded seating choices on their bus connections.
• When arriving at the Embarcadero BART station in San Francisco, you can expect a quick and easy transfer to various local transport options. Unfortunately, the station does not offer luggage storage or shower facilities. For navigating the city after arrival, catch the Muni F-line streetcar or the 12/30/45 bus routes that connect you to the city center, making your transition smooth.
💸 With flight prices ranging from $2 to $4, it is an affordable option for those looking to make a quick trip or commute between Oakland and San Francisco.
🚌 The direct bus from 14th St & Broadway to Market St & South Van Ness Av offers a convenient and quick journey, taking approximately 19 minutes. 🗺️ Route 1, via BART subway, is the fastest option at 13 minutes, covering a distance of 12.6 km from Oakland to San Francisco. 🛣️ For a slightly longer but still efficient journey, Route 3 by bus takes 25 minutes to cover 8.7 km between the two cities.
Departure Point
14th St & Broadway station
Arrival Point
Market St & South Van Ness Av station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at the 14th St & Broadway station at least 10 minutes early, as the bus departs hourly and punctuality is key; this will ensure you won't miss your bus despite potential delays from boarding or other passengers.
• Take note of the bus fare range ($1 - $29), and be prepared in advance with cash or a Clipper card, as some bus operators like AC Transit may have different payment methods; you can check more details on their website AC Transit.
• Once you arrive at Market St & South Van Ness Av in San Francisco, head toward the bus terminal where you can find helpful information kiosks and nearby dining options; don't forget to check out local favorites such as the San Francisco Soup Company, just a block away on Market Street for a quick bite.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Oakland to San Francisco.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Oakland and San Francisco is approximately 12.9 km. This translates to a road distance of about 10.12.9 km.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation options for traveling from Oakland to San Francisco are driving and taking the BART. Driving is the cheapest option, costing around $2-$3 and taking approximately 16 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The BART is also a quick option, with a similar travel time and cost of $2-$4.
The prices for traveling from Oakland to San Francisco vary depending on the mode of transportation. If you choose to travel by bus, the ticket prices range from $1 to $29, depending on the type of bus and class of service.
To get from Oakland to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive yourself. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 17.7 km, and it takes about 16 minutes to drive from Oakland to San Francisco. You can expect to pay around $2-$3 in toll fees to cross the Bay Bridge.
The best way to travel from Oakland to San Francisco without a car is by taking the BART train. The journey takes approximately 16 minutes and the cost ranges from $2 to $4. The BART provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between the two cities, allowing you to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, there is a direct link between Oakland and San Francisco. You can travel between these two cities by train or by bus. The train journey takes around 16 minutes and operates every day, with services departing every 10 minutes. The bus journey takes approximately 19 minutes and operates hourly.
The flight between Oakland and San Francisco is very short, typically taking less than 20 minutes. However, the prices can vary significantly, ranging from $2 to $4.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. There are over 835 hotels available, offering a range of prices starting at $74 per night. Some popular areas to stay near San Francisco include downtown San Francisco and the Mission District.
Yes, you can certainly travel from Oakland to San Francisco by bicycle.

Trips from Oakland