5.0
Pros: Thanks for the service. Cons: Better seats.
Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Fresno
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Oakland to Fresno?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Oakland to Fresno.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€36.52 | Avg. Price€36.52 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration5h 47m | Duration5h 0m |
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 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak San Joaquins train can make the trip in 4 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 156 mi (250 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 9m |
| Lowest price | €33.24 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak San Joaquins |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Oakland to Fresno
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Fresno?
The average price for a train ticket from Oakland to Fresno is €34.62, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 23 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay €1.10 more.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Fresno by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Oakland to Fresno is expected to fluctuate between €34 and €41 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Fresno in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Oakland is €35.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from Oakland to Fresno often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only €27. If you're thinking of traveling from Oakland to Fresno during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €30 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Oakland to Fresno. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 23 days before departure, you can save around €1.10. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Oakland to Fresno?
2 train services operate from Oakland to Fresno. Amtrak San Joaquins 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 | 3 | 5h 56m | €40.34 |
| Amtrak San Joaquins | 5 | 4h 10m | €33.36 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Oakland to Fresno every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €40.
After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the San Joaquins 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 San Joaquins 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
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 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 9 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.
Trains departing from Oakland to Fresno tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Oakland at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 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.
City Information
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.
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 San Joaquins 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?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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 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.
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?
Image credit: Ron Reiring
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Mattias Thorslund
Link to image attributionMain 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 San Joaquins 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
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