Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Fresno
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Oakland to Fresno. Traveling by train from Oakland to Fresno usually takes 4 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 4 hours.
| Distance | 156 mi (250 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h |
| Lowest price | $38.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Gold Runner |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Oakland to Fresno Train Schedule
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Average score for trains from Oakland to Fresno (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
There are several train options that can take you from Oakland to Fresno:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Fresno?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Oakland to Fresno was $39.03. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $7.24 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Fresno by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland to Fresno will cost between $38 and $65. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Fresno by month
Taking the train from Oakland to Fresno usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $40 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Oakland to Fresno doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Oakland to Fresno?
2 train services operate from Oakland to Fresno. Gold Runner usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 6h 42m | $47.21 |
| Gold Runner | 5 | 4h 8m | $38.63 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Oakland to Fresno every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $43.
After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the Gold Runner has offered train services throughout California and the San Joaquin Valley. The line runs daily from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield, with many stops in between, including Martinez and Modesto. Although Amtrak Gold Runner is one of the nation's busiest routes, it is renowned for being impeccably clean and safe, with passenger comfort remaining the carrier's highest priority. Most of the trains on this line are equipped with lavatories, onboard WiFi, disabled access, and personal power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every passenger.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oakland to Fresno
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Fresno. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Fresno to Oakland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Oakland to Fresno for $33.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
5
The distance between Oakland and Fresno is approximately 156 miles, or 250 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours, 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.
Distance (mi)
156
Distance (km)
250
The earliest train departs Oakland at 7:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:48pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
7:10am
Last train
5:48pm
Trains from Oakland to Fresno 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Oakland
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.
Fresno
Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
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 Fresno?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All train stations in Fresno:
- Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
Need a return trip from Fresno to Oakland?
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