Cheap train tickets from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA. Traveling by train from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA usually takes 20 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 18 hours and 52 minutes.

Distance: 542 mi (872 km)
Fastest train: 18h 52m
Lowest price: MX$2,064.81
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA was MX$2,120. 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around MX$2,138.55 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA will cost between MX$1,825 and MX$2,839. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA by month

Ticket prices for the train from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA 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 MX$2,323. If you're thinking of traveling from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$3,742 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, CA to Vancouver, WA on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about MX$2,138.55 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	22h 22m	MX$2,879.40
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	18h 53m	MX$2,758.79

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from MX$1,898.88.
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 cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA

Trains leave the station in Oakland, CA 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 Vancouver, WA 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 Vancouver, WA to Oakland, CA.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Oakland, CA and Vancouver, WA is approximately 542 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 52 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.

Distance (mi)

542

Distance (km)

872

The earliest train departs Oakland, CA at 5:48 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 9:21 PM. 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

5:48pm

Last train

9:21pm

Trains from Oakland, CA to Vancouver, WA are the most crowded on Saturday. 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

Saturday

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.

Vancouver

Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.

Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.

Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Oakland, CA?

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, CA:

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

Where is the train station in Vancouver, WA?

Main arrival station: 1301 W 11th St

Vancouver, WA has one train station.

All train stations in Vancouver, WA:

1301 W 11th St

Need a return trip from Vancouver, WA to Oakland, CA?

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