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

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from
San Mateo, United States of America
to
Oakland, United States of America

How to Get from San Mateo 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.

$1 by busBest price
50 kmDistance
33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo 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
BART
BART
Average Duration
1h  11m
Estimated price
$13-16
Recommended
Company
SamTrans
Bus
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$1-5
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 33m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$5-9
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$170-210
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Mateo to Oakland

The journey from San Mateo to Oakland offers a blend of suburban tranquility and vibrant urban energy, providing travelers with distinct experiences as they traverse from serene parks to bustling city streets.

Best Neighbourhoods in Oakland

Oakland boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique charm and experiences.

Jack London Square
• Waterfront dining with stunning views.
• Home to unique shops and local artists.
Temescal
• Trendy cafés and craft breweries abound.
• Bustling street art and a vibrant market scene.
Rockridge
• Family-friendly atmosphere with parks and schools.
• Upscale boutiques and gourmet grocery options.

Best Times To Visit Oakland's Attractions

Optimizing your visit to Oakland's attractions can enhance your experience.

Oakland Museum of California
Visit on Wednesday afternoons for fewer crowds and relaxed exploration.
Lake Merritt
Early mornings on weekends offer peace before the hustle begins.
Fox Theater
Catch weekday performances for a more intimate atmosphere and easy access.

Oakland Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Oakland enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable, and outdoor activities can be fully enjoyed without the extremes of summer heat or winter rain.

Dining Recommendation in Oakland

Don't miss out on trying the barbecue brisket at Brown Sugar Kitchen, where the bold flavors pay homage to Southern culinary traditions. Unlike the more subdued dining options in San Mateo, Oakland's vibrant food scene exudes creativity and zest, often featuring locally sourced ingredients that elevate the flavors and make each bite an experience.

San Mateo - Oakland operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Mateo and Oakland, 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 Millbrae to 12th Street / Oakland City Center

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$9-12
Bus Show bus routes
Website
http://www.samtrans.com

Bus from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave to Mission St & 1st St

Average Duration
1h 56m
Estimated price
$1-5
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 415-333-3333
Website
http://www.yellowcabsf.com

Taxi from San Mateo to Oakland

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$170-210
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 408-541-1515
Website
http://www.taxibayarea.com

Other from San Mateo to Oakland

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$170-210
Contact phone
+1 415-626-4733
Website
http://www.greencabsf.com

Other from San Mateo to Oakland

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$170-210

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

Traveling between San Mateo 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 drive from San Mateo to Oakland, covering a distance of 31 miles. The journey promises beautiful views and a quick travel time of approximately 33 minutes. 💰 Enjoy the affordability of traveling by car from San Mateo to Oakland, with prices ranging from $5 to $9. This cost-effective mode of transportation allows for flexibility and convenience during your trip.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚂 Traveling from San Mateo to Oakland by train involves a convenient transfer at Millbrae station. The journey, with transfers, typically takes around 1 hour and 11 minutes. 🚌 To begin the trip, take a bus towards San Francisco from El Camino Real & Murchison Dr. This bus ride lasts about 1 hour and 2 minutes, operated by SamTrans. 🌉 Next, transfer to a bus heading towards 800 Richmond Bart All-Nighter Via dwntwn Oakland. This brief 19-minute bus ride by AC Transit will take you to your final destination at 14th St & Clay St in Oakland.
Departure Point
Millbrae station
Arrival Point
12th Street / Oakland City Center station
🛫 Traveling from San Mateo to Oakland by plane is a quick and convenient option, with a flight duration of just 1 hour and 11 minutes. 💸 Flight prices for this route can range from $13 to $16, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to fly between these two California cities.
🚌 Although there is no direct bus from San Mateo to Oakland, travelers can still make the trip with ease. Services depart from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave and arrive at Uptown Transit Center via Salesforce Transit Center Bay 30, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. 🛤️ The route from San Mateo to Oakland covers a distance of 34.0 miles with a transfer in between. The first step involves taking a bus towards San Francisco, departing from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave and arriving at Mission St & 1st St, operated by SamTrans. The second step includes a bus towards 800 Richmond Bart All-Nighter Via dwntwn Oakland, operated by AC Transit. 💰 Prices for the bus between Oakland and San Mateo can range from $1 to $5. For detailed information and inquiries, travelers can contact SamTrans at 1-800-660-4287 or visit their website at http://www.samtrans.com/, as well as reach out to AC Transit at 1-510-891-4777 or access their website at http://www.actransit.org/.
Departure Point
S Delaware St & 2nd Ave station
Arrival Point
Mission St & 1st St station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from San Mateo to Oakland is by taking a bus. There are several bus options available, including the SamTrans and AC Transit buses, which cost between $1 and $5. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Buses provide an affordable and convenient mode of transportation for traveling between these two cities.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Oakland is by taxi. Although it is the quickest option, it can be quite expensive, with fares ranging from $170 to $210. On average, the journey takes approximately 33 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. However, it is worth noting that the speed and duration of the journey may vary.
The distance from San Mateo to Oakland is approximately 17 miles. The road distance, which takes into account the actual distance of the roads between the two cities, is about 31 miles. The actual travel time will depend on the chosen mode of transportation and traffic conditions, but on average it takes around 30-45 minutes to drive from San Mateo to Oakland. Keep in mind that travel times can vary due to factors such as rush hour traffic or road closures.
The best way to travel from San Mateo to Oakland without a car is to take the BART. The BART is a convenient and affordable option, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost for a one-way ticket ranges from $12 to $17, depending on the time of day and whether you qualify for any discounts. The BART operates frequently and provides a comfortable and reliable transportation option between the two cities.
The journey from San Mateo to Oakland takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, including any transfers that may be required. However, this time may vary depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation chosen. It is advisable to check the schedule and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and timely journey to Oakland.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Oakland. There are over 826 hotels in the area with prices starting at $74 per night. Some popular options include the Oakland Marriott City Center, the Waterfront Hotel, and the Claremont Club & Spa. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels or budget-friendly options, you can easily find a place to stay near Oakland to suit your preferences and budget.
Yes, you can certainly drive from San Mateo to Oakland. The distance between the two cities is about 31 miles, and it typically takes around 33 minutes to drive this route, depending on traffic conditions. There are multiple routes you can take, such as via the San Mateo Bridge or the Dumbarton Bridge, so choose the one that works best for you. Just make sure to check for any road closures or traffic updates before you start your journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus from San Mateo to Oakland. However, there are services that operate between the two cities. You can take a bus from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave in San Mateo to Salesforce Transit Center Bay 30 in San Francisco, and then transfer to another bus that goes to the Uptown Transit Center in Oakland. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Mateo to Oakland you will need to go to the S Delaware St & 2nd Ave station. This is where the SamTrans bus services depart from. Make sure to check the bus schedule beforehand to ensure you arrive at the station on time.
The bus from San Mateo to Oakland arrives at Mission St & 1st St station. This station is located in the heart of downtown Oakland, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city after arriving. From there, you can easily access various attractions, restaurants, and public transportation options to continue your journey within Oakland or to other parts of the Bay Area. The Mission St & 1st St station is a well-connected transportation hub, making it a convenient choice for travelers.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Oakland is by plane. It takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Oakland by air. The prices of flights between the two cities can vary, but typically range from $13 to $16. Flying is a convenient and efficient option for those looking to minimize travel time between the two cities.
Trains from San Mateo to Oakland arrive at the 12th Street/Oakland City Center station. This station is conveniently located in downtown Oakland and is a major hub for BART. From here, travelers can easily access other parts of Oakland and the surrounding areas using the BART system. The 12th Street/Oakland City Center station also offers convenient connections to various bus lines and is within walking distance to many popular attractions and amenities in downtown Oakland.
Yes, there is no direct train from San Mateo to Oakland. However, you can take a train from San Mateo Caltrain station to Millbrae, and then transfer to another train to reach 12th Street / Oakland City Center. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
To catch the train from San Mateo to Oakland you will need to go to the Millbrae station. This is where the BART train services operate from. The station is conveniently located and offers a direct route to Oakland. Simply head to the station, purchase your ticket, and board the train to start your journey.
The price of a flight from San Mateo to Oakland can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking. On average, prices range from $13 to $16 for a one-way ticket. It is important to note that prices are subject to change, so it is recommended to check with airlines or travel websites for the most up-to-date fares.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Mateo to Oakland ranges from $1 to $5. This price can depend on factors such as the time of day and the specific bus company you choose. It is always a good idea to check for any discounts or promotions that may be available. Additionally, purchasing tickets in advance can sometimes help you secure a lower fare.
The cost to drive from San Mateo to Oakland may vary depending on factors such as gas prices and toll charges. Generally, it can cost anywhere between $5 to $9 for a one-way trip. It's important to consider additional expenses such as parking fees, if applicable. It's advisable to check real-time gas prices and toll charges before setting off on your journey to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
Yes, you can ride a bicycle from San Mateo to Oakland. The distance of the bike route is 42 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete the journey. Cycling is a great way to enjoy the scenic views along the way and is also a more eco-friendly option. However, please make sure to follow traffic laws and use proper safety equipment while riding.

Trips to Oakland