Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Oakland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Oakland. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Oakland usually takes 88 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 76 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 2427 mi (3905 km) |
| Fastest train | 76h 18m |
| Lowest price | $476.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Oakland Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Oakland?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Oakland.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$547.68 | Avg. Price$497.59Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration88h 23m | Duration71h 14mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Oakland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Oakland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Oakland was $476.00. Considering the distance between Washington DC and Oakland, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $155.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Oakland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Oakland will cost between $346 and $603. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Oakland by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Oakland 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 $392. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Oakland during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $659 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Oakland on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $155.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Oakland?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Oakland, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 88h 23m | $547.68 |
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 Washington, DC to Oakland every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $476.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Oakland
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Oakland to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Oakland for $224.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Washington DC and Oakland is approximately 2427 miles, or 3905 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 88 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 76 hours and 18 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)
2427
DISTANCE (KM)
3905
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 11:39am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:39am
LATEST TRAIN
3:57pm
Trains from Washington DC to Oakland 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Washington, DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Washington?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in Oakland?
Main 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 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
Need a return trip from Oakland to Washington?
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