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Trip Summary
There are 5 daily trains from Boston to Oakland. Traveling by train from Boston to Oakland usually takes around 90 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 78 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 2685 mi (4320 km) |
| Fastest train | 78h 47m |
| Lowest price | US$219.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Boston to Oakland?
In the last month, US$345.81 was the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Oakland. Given how far apart Boston and Oakland are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around US$267.25 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Oakland will range from US$314 to US$436. If you're planning to travel by train to Oakland in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Boston you can find in the next 7 days is US$314. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Boston to Oakland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$395,
If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to Oakland during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$720 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Boston to Oakland, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save US$267.25 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Boston to Oakland?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Boston to Oakland. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 3d 18h 3m | US$447.46 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Boston to Oakland every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$219.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Boston and Oakland is approximately 2685 miles, or 4320 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 90 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 78 hours and 47 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Boston to Oakland. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Boston at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Oakland to Boston.
City Information
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
Oakland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor 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 bus 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Boston?
Main departure station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
There are two stations in Boston where you can board the train to Oakland.
All train stations in Boston:
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
South Station
Where is the train station in Oakland?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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 San Joaquins 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.
Train stations in Oakland:
245 Second St
Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Oakland to Boston?
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