Palo Alto, CA, USA to Oakland, CA, USA from $5: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Palo Alto to Oakland: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$5 - Bus, BARTBest price
55 kmDistance
39m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palo Alto to Oakland 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.
Palo Alto - Oakland operators
Explore transport companies operating between Palo Alto and Oakland, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northbound
Average Duration
35mEstimated price
$5-140Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
http://www.bart.gov
Train from Millbrae to 12th Street / Oakland City Center
Average Duration
50mEstimated price
$9-143Train from San Bruno to 12th Street / Oakland City Center
Average Duration
39mEstimated price
$1-6Website
http://samtrans.com
Bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to San Bruno BART-Bay 5
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$1-5Bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Redwood City Caltrain-Lane B
Average Duration
20mEstimated price
$1-5Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
http://flixbus.com
Bus from Redwood City Station to Oakland
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$5-425Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010Website
http://taxisanjose.com
Other from Palo Alto to Oakland
Average Duration
39mEstimated price
$190-230Palo Alto to Oakland: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Palo Alto and Oakland 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 Palo Alto to Oakland, covering a distance of 34 miles in just under 40 minutes by car.
💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $6 to $9 for this convenient trip between the two vibrant Californian cities.
Average price
$6 - $9
🚂 Traveling by train from Palo Alto to Oakland involves a transfer at Millbrae. The journey, with transfers, typically takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes, offering a convenient and scenic way to reach your destination.
🚉 The trip begins at Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound station, where you will board the Caltrain service towards Millbrae. Upon reaching Millbrae, you will transfer to the BART train that will take you directly to 12th Street / Oakland City Center station.
🌉 Enjoy the comfortable and hassle-free ride as you traverse from Palo Alto to Oakland, admiring the views along the way. Once you arrive at 12th Street / Oakland City Center station, you will be in the heart of Oakland ready to explore all the city has to offer.
Departure Point
Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound station
Arrival Point
12th Street / Oakland City Center station
🛫 Traveling from Palo Alto to Oakland by plane is a quick journey, taking only 1 hour and 38 minutes to reach your destination.
💸 The prices of flights between Oakland and Palo Alto can vary, with fares typically ranging from $14 to $19, making it a budget-friendly travel option.
🚌 Traveling from Palo Alto to Oakland by bus involves a journey with transfers that takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. The services operate from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Oakland, making travel convenient for passengers.
🚌 For an affordable price ranging from $6 to $40, passengers can experience the 51.7-mile trip between Palo Alto and Oakland through a smooth bus ride. The route includes transfers and is operated by SamTrans and Flixbus USA, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
🚌 With a detailed route plan involving steps such as taking a bus towards San Francisco and then transferring to another bus towards 800 Richmond Bart, the journey from Palo Alto to Oakland provides a scenic experience while traveling through different locations with ease.
Departure Point
Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Palo Alto to Oakland.
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The distance between Palo Alto and Oakland is 41.8 km. The road distance is 55.0 km. The typical travel time from Palo Alto to Oakland by bus and BART is 2 hours and 16 minutes. By plane, it takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes. Unfortunately, the commute time by car is not provided. However, the travel time from Oakland to Palo Alto by bus is 2 hours and 22 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option from Palo Alto to Oakland is by taking the bus and BART, which costs $5-$11. This mode of transportation takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the fastest option is to take a taxi, which can be a bit pricier at $190-$230, but only takes 39 minutes to reach Oakland. Overall, the bus and BART option provides a good balance between cost and time efficiency.
The prices for a bus ticket between Oakland and Palo Alto can range from $6 to $40, depending on the specific bus company and any promotional discounts that may be available.
To travel from Palo Alto to Oakland without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 54.7 km, and it takes approximately 39 minutes to drive from Palo Alto to Oakland. The travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. Keep in mind that the cost of driving, including gas and tolls, can range from $6 to $9.
To travel from Palo Alto to Oakland without a car, the best option is to take Caltrain from the Palo Alto station to the Millbrae station, which takes approximately 36 minutes. From there, you can transfer to BART and take the line bound for Richmond, which will take you to Oakland in about 37 minutes. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes, and the cost is between $14 and $19, depending on the fare type.
Yes, there is a direct link between Palo Alto and Oakland by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes, with transfers at Millbrae. However, there is no direct bus connection between the two cities. The bus journey from Palo Alto to Oakland takes approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes, with transfers at Redwood City Station.
The flight between Palo Alto and Oakland typically takes around 1 hour and 37 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $14 to $19 depending on the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at the airport, there are several transportation options to get to Oakland, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation such as BART. The most convenient and quickest option would be to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service, which would take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Oakland. With over 826 hotels available, travelers can choose from a wide range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Oakland start at $74 per night, making it a relatively affordable destination.
Yes, you can travel from Palo Alto to Oakland by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 57 kilometers. It would take you approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes to complete the bike ride.