Cheap train tickets from Portland to Oakland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Portland to Oakland. Traveling by train from Portland to Oakland usually takes 19 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 18 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 534 mi (859 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 32m |
| Lowest price | $109.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Portland to Oakland Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Portland to Oakland?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Portland to Oakland.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$187.58 | Avg. Price$147.17Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration19h 34m | Duration17hFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Portland to Oakland (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
3.0
There are several train options that can take you from Portland to Oakland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Oakland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to Oakland was $111.00. 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 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $102.15 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Oakland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Oakland will cost between $90 and $213. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to Oakland by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Oakland 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 $129. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Oakland during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $196 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 Portland to Oakland on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $102.15 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to Oakland?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to Oakland, including Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 18h 32m | $183.75 |
| Amtrak | 3 | 20h 49m | $192.19 |
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.
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 Portland to Oakland every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $145.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Oakland
Trains leave the station in Portland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland to Portland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Oakland for $83.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Portland and Oakland is approximately 534 miles, or 859 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 32 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)
534
DISTANCE (KM)
859
The earliest train departs Portland at 2:22pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:22pm. 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
2:22pm
LATEST TRAIN
2:22pm
Trains from Portland 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Portland
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
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 Portland?
Main departure station: Union Station
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
- 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 Portland?
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