Fastest way from Los Angeles to Oakland: Flight, about 1h 17min (from €75). Cheapest: Bus, from €69 (about 7h 15min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, FlixBus; main departure point: Los Angeles Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Los Angeles to Oakland
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Los Angeles Union Station | €69 | 6 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Los Angeles Union Station | €76 | 4 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Ontario Airport | €75 | 20 |
| Alaska Airlines | Flight | Los Angeles Airport | €125 | 22 |
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Practical tips
Check the comparison table before booking. If you only have a short window in the Bay Area, the plane often saves a whole day, while the bus makes sense when your schedule is flexible and your budget is tight.
US bus stops are sometimes on a street corner, not in a station. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket, find it on a map the day before, and arrive early so you don't board at the wrong place.
If you fly, make sure your ticket says Oakland (OAK), not San Francisco (SFO). Both serve the Bay Area but sit on opposite sides of the water, and mixing them up can complicate your arrival.
A flight is only quicker if you account for getting to the airport, security and baggage fees. Add these to your plan, then compare the true door-to-door effort against a bus that drops you in the city.
Fares are usually lowest when booked ahead. Avoid choosing the last departure of the day: a delay or missed connection could leave you stuck, with no easy fallback and an extra night to pay for.
The journey experience
Los Angeles to Oakland is one of the longest hops in California, and the choice between bus and plane makes a real difference to your day. If you want to know instantly which option suits you, the comparison table on this page puts duration and price range for each mode side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
By bus, you get the cheapest option and a straightforward ride up the length of the state. It suits budget travellers who don't mind a long day on the road and want to see the Central Valley from the window. Seats are usually comfortable enough, with power outlets and Wi-Fi on many services, though a long ride is still a long ride. By plane, you trade the road for a short hop between Los Angeles and Oakland's airport, which sits on the east side of San Francisco Bay and is often a handy and less crowded alternative to San Francisco International.
Our advice: if your time matters more than saving a little money, fly. If your budget is tight, or you want to avoid airport security and baggage fees, take the bus. Either way, check the exact departure stop or terminal on your e-ticket before you leave, since bus stops in the US can be on a street corner rather than inside a station. Book early for the best fares.
Frequently asked questions — Los Angeles → Oakland
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheapest choice and works well if you have time and a tight budget. The plane is far faster and is the sensible option if your schedule is limited. Compare both in the table on this page and pick what fits your trip.
By bus, fares start from €69 and typically go up to €70. By plane, fares start from €75 and typically reach up to €132. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gets you the better fare on either mode.
The bus takes roughly 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and stops. The flight takes about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 35 in the air. Remember to add time for getting to the airport, security and baggage when comparing the two for the full door-to-door picture.
Buses leave from a stop or terminal in Los Angeles and arrive in Oakland, while flights go from a Los Angeles airport to Oakland's airport. Because US stops can be on a street corner, always check the exact pickup and drop-off address on your e-ticket before travelling.
Both bus and flight options are available between Los Angeles and Oakland, and the booking page shows whether each departure is direct or includes a change. Check this before you pay, especially for buses, so you know the stops and can avoid a missed connection.
Why visit Oakland?
- ✓ Stroll around Lake Merritt, the urban lagoon ringed by gardens, the Oakland Rose Garden and the Lakeside Park boat rentals
- ✓ Explore Jack London Square and its waterfront, with the Sunday farmers' market and the ferry to San Francisco
- ✓ Wander the Oakland Museum of California, which blends art, history and natural sciences of the state
- ✓ Hike the redwoods of Redwood Regional Park and the Oakland hills for panoramic views of the Bay
- ✓ Eat your way through Temescal and Fruitvale, from Ethiopian and Mexican food to craft coffee and the First Friday Art Murmur
When to visit Oakland?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
September to November — warm, sunny days, little fog and almost no rain, ideal for outdoor activities
What to do in Oakland?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Oakland?
Allow 2 to 3 days to cover Oakland properly. In 2 days, focus on Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, the Temescal and Uptown neighborhoods, and the Oakland Museum of California. With a third day, add Chabot Space & Science Center, the Redwood Regional Park trails, or a ferry ride to San Francisco. Stay near a BART station and use it to reach San Francisco and Berkeley easily.
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