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San Diego, CA, USA to Oakland, CA, USA from $24: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States
to
Oakland, United States

How to Get from San Diego to Oakland: 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.

$24 by trainBest price
794 kmDistance
3h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego 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.

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  15m
Estimated price
$60-295
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
15h  11m
Estimated price
$24-254
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 794 km
Duration: 3h 15m

See more options

Company
Various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
4h  20m
Estimated price
$47-296
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
12h  7m
Estimated price
$56-600
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  31m
Estimated price
$75-287
Company
Various
Bus
BART
Average Duration
12h  59m
Estimated price
$601-602
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
11h  10m
Estimated price
$603-604
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  6m
Estimated price
$605-606

San Diego - Oakland operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$60-607

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 43m
Estimated price
$75-287

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$60-607
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$60-607
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$24-609

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration
11h 15m
Estimated price
$24-254
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Milpitas to 12th Street / Oakland City Center

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$2-10

Train from Berryessa / North San Jose to 12th Street / Oakland City Center

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$2-10
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Oakland

Average Duration
11h
Estimated price
$56-600
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Oakland

Average Duration
11h 10m
Estimated price
$603-604
Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885
Website
xedohoang.com

Bus from Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA to San José, CA

Average Duration
9h 20m
Estimated price
$608-2400

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

Traveling between San Diego 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.

Average price
$85 - $130
Traveling by train from San Diego to Oakland is a scenic and convenient way to explore the beautiful California coastline. Although there is no direct train from San Diego to Oakland, Amtrak offers services with a transfer in Los Angeles, making the journey approximately 15 hours and 11 minutes. The train services, operated by Amtrak, depart from San Diego station and arrive at Oakland station, providing a comfortable and relaxing travel experience. The prices for a train ticket between San Diego and Oakland can vary from $24 to $254, offering travelers different options to suit their budget and preferences. With its picturesque views and comfortable accommodations, taking the train from San Diego to Oakland is a great option for those looking to enjoy a leisurely and scenic journey through California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Traveling from San Diego to Oakland by plane is a convenient and efficient option, with a direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport taking just 1 hour and 25 minutes. United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Southwest Airlines all offer flights on this route. From San Francisco, it takes approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes to reach Oakland. The prices for flights between Oakland and San Diego can vary, with fares ranging from $65 to $287. With multiple airlines and reasonable flight durations, flying is a great way to travel between these two California cities.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Oakland Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check the air traffic conditions on your travel day, as San Diego and Oakland airports can experience delays due to weather; it’s a short flight, but these factors may impact your arrival time.
• Upon arriving at Oakland Airport, follow the signs to the BART station located on the airport property for convenient public transportation into downtown Oakland, which saves you the hassle of taxis.
• Expect an approximate taxi fare of $35-$45 to downtown Oakland from the airport, but consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, which can sometimes offer lower rates and greater convenience.
The bus journey from San Diego to Oakland is an efficient and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities. The overnight bus, operated by Flixbus USA, departs daily from San Diego and arrives at Oakland, with a journey time of approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes. Passengers can enjoy the convenience of a direct service, departing from the San Diego station and arriving at the Oakland station. With ticket prices ranging from $56 to $122, travelers can choose the option that best fits their budget. This bus route provides a comfortable and scenic way to experience the journey from Southern California to the Bay Area.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Oakland station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Oakland is by taking a night bus. Tickets for the night bus can cost between $40 and $140, depending on the time of booking and availability. The journey typically takes around 11 hours and 10 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Oakland is by flying. There are multiple airlines that offer flights between the two cities, with an average duration of 3 hours and 12 minutes. Prices for flights can vary depending on the time of booking and availability, ranging from $60 to $280.
The distance between San Diego and Oakland is approximately 736 kilometers when measuring the direct point-to-point distance. If driving, the road distance is slightly longer at 794 kilometers.
The best way to travel from San Diego to Oakland without a car is by taking a bus. There are several bus companies that offer routes between the two cities, with travel times averaging around 12 hours and fares ranging from $55 to $130.
The travel time from San Diego to Oakland, including transfers, typically takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes.
The most efficient way to travel from San Diego to Oakland is to fly. It takes approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes and tickets can cost between $65 and $290. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 12 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $55 and $130. A train is also available, but it takes longer - around 15 hours and 11 minutes - and the ticket prices range from $24 to $260.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Oakland. You can choose from over 826 hotels in the area. Prices for hotels in Oakland start at $74 per night, but they can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and availability.
Yes, you can definitely drive from San Diego to Oakland. The driving distance is approximately 793 km, and it takes around 8 hours and 6 minutes to complete the journey.
Yes, there is a direct bus between San Diego and Oakland. The bus operates every day and takes approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Diego to Oakland, you will need to go to the San Diego station. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA and depart from this location. Please check the Flixbus website or app for the specific departure times and any updates regarding the bus schedule.
United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Southwest Airlines are the main airlines that operate flights between San Diego and Oakland. These airlines offer regular flights from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from Oakland. The flight duration is usually around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a convenient and time-saving option for travelers.
The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Oakland is by taking a flight. There are several airlines such as United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Southwest Airlines that offer direct flights from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Once you arrive at San Francisco Airport, it will take an additional 3 hours and 23 minutes to reach Oakland. Flight prices for this route range from $65 to $287.
The flight from San Diego to Oakland typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Trains from San Diego to Oakland, operated by Amtrak, arrive at the Oakland station. The Oakland station is conveniently located in downtown Oakland, making it easy to access various attractions and continue your journey. From there, you can easily reach other parts of Oakland or even venture further into the Bay Area.
There is no direct train between San Diego and Oakland. However, there are trains that run from San Diego to Oakland with a transfer in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 15 hours and 11 minutes.
To catch the train from San Diego to Oakland you will need to go to the San Diego station. The train services are operated by Amtrak, and they provide regular departures from this station.
A flight from San Diego to Oakland can cost anywhere between $65 and $287, depending on various factors such as the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book.
The cost of a train ticket from San Diego to Oakland ranges from $24 to $254, depending on factors such as the type of ticket and the time of day you choose to travel.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Diego to Oakland typically ranges from $56 to $122.
The cost to drive from San Diego to Oakland will vary depending on factors such as the type of car, gas prices, and tolls. On average, it can cost between $85 to $130 for a one-way trip.