Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to Oakland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Vancouver to Oakland. Traveling by train from Vancouver to Oakland usually takes 21 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 19 hours and 39 minutes.
| Distance | 542 mi (872 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 39m |
| Lowest price | $118.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Vancouver to Oakland Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver to Oakland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Oakland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver to Oakland was $147.50. 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 $82.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to Oakland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver to Oakland will cost between $94 and $216. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to Oakland by month
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver 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 $124. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to Oakland during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $192 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 Vancouver to Oakland on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $82.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Vancouver to Oakland?
There are multiple trains that travel from Vancouver to Oakland, including Amtrak, Amtrak Coast Starlight. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 21h 42m | $192.72 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 19h 39m | $187.36 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Vancouver to Oakland every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $118.
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 Vancouver to Oakland
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Vancouver to Oakland. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Oakland to Vancouver.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Vancouver and Oakland is approximately 542 miles, or 872 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 39 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 Vancouver at 11:10am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:15pm. 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
11:10am
LATEST TRAIN
1:15pm
Trains from Vancouver to Oakland 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
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.
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 Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There are two stations in Vancouver where you can board the train to Oakland.
All train stations in Vancouver:
- 1301 W 11th St
- Portland International Airport
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 Vancouver?
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