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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Richmond to Oakland. The train trip from Richmond to Oakland is usually about 27 hours and 4 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 786 mi (1265 km) |
| Fastest train | 27h 4m |
| Lowest price | $159.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Richmond to Oakland?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to Oakland. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 3h 4m | $159.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Richmond to Oakland every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $159.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Richmond and Oakland is approximately 786 miles, or 1265 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 4 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 Richmond to Oakland tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Richmond at 5:00am and arrives in Oakland around 27 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Richmond.
City Information
Richmond
Richmond’s rich culture is a product of its coastal geography and multiethnic make-up. Visit Steveston, one of Richmond's iconic fishing villages that's also home to two National Historic Sites, to take in the city's long-standing marine history while enjoying stunning seaside vistas. Nature lovers can get out onto the water to spy on orcas or venture inland to watch the dozens of migratory bird species that touch down in town from winter to spring.
Popular heritage sites with no admission fee include the International Buddhist Temple, Richmond Museum, and Richmond Art Museum, offering visitors a great way to explore local culture on a shoestring budget. Known for its Chinese influences, Richmond offers some of the most authentic Chinese food found on this side of the Pacific in the Golden Village or along the Dumpling Trail. The Richmond Night Market also serves up a mouth-watering selection of street food hailing from all corners of the Asian continent.
Richmond is not far from Vancouver International Airport, which provides flights across North America and is also home to an award-winning gallery of indigenous artworks. Bus and rail networks serve the region while regular ferries run to Victoria through the scenic Strait of Georgia.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Richmond?
Main departure station: 10251 St Edwards Dr
Amtrak Thruway buses to Richmond stop at 10251 St Edwards Drive, in front of the Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel. Passengers board the bus right outside the hotel, next to the hotel restaurant, Chop. This is a convenient stop for travelers on their way to or from the Vancouver Airport, as hotel guests can take the hotel's free shuttle to airport terminals. Other travelers will find the 10-minute drive to the airport short and seamless, too. The bus stop does not offer any amenities of its own, but the hotel lobby has seating and restrooms if needed.
All train stations in Richmond:
10251 St Edwards Dr
Where is the train station in Oakland?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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 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
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