Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Tacoma

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Oakland to Tacoma. Travelling by train from Oakland to Tacoma usually takes 23 hours, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 21 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance: 653 mi (1051 km)
Fastest train: 21h 17m
Lowest price: US$141.00
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Oakland to Tacoma Train Timetable

There are several train options that can take you from Oakland to Tacoma:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Tacoma?

In the last month, train tickets from Oakland to Tacoma cost about US$145 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$155.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Tacoma by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland to Tacoma will cost between US$116 and US$208. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Tacoma by month

Ticket prices for the train from Oakland to Tacoma often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only US$162. If you're thinking of travelling from Oakland to Tacoma during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$310 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Oakland to Tacoma on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about US$155.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Oakland to Tacoma?

2 train services operate from Oakland to Tacoma. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	24h 38m	US$178.53
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	21h 17m	US$197.50

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from Oakland to Tacoma every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$148.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned carriages, power sockets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Oakland to Tacoma

Trains leave the station in Oakland twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Tacoma faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Tacoma to Oakland.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Oakland and Tacoma is approximately 653 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours and 17 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

653

Distance (km)

1051

The earliest train departs Oakland at 17:48 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:21. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

5:48pm

Last train

9:21pm

Trains from Oakland to Tacoma are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Oakland

Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbour to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.

Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.

It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity coach routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.

Tacoma

Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.

Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.

The main coach station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Oakland?

Main departure station: 245 Second St

The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.

All train stations in Oakland:

245 Second St
Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave

Where is the train station in Tacoma?

Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.

The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The coach terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local buses or intercity coaches. The station complex includes two car parks and a customer service centre with toilets and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.

Train stations in Tacoma:

422 E. 25th St.

Need a return trip from Tacoma to Oakland?

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