Best option from Oakland to Los Angeles: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 21min, from €26. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Greyhound; main departure point: San Jose Airport USA.
There are 2 ways to get from Oakland to Los Angeles
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | West Oakland | €69 | 9 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Berkeley | €69 | 5 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | San Jose Airport USA | €26 | 23 |
| Alaska Airlines | Flight | San Francisco Airport | €130 | 22 |
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Practical tips
If your day is packed, a flight avoids losing a whole day on the road. If your schedule is flexible, the bus is cheaper and an overnight departure can replace a hotel night. Compare both in the table first.
In Oakland and Los Angeles, bus stops can be on a street rather than inside a station. Open your e-ticket, read the departure address, and look it up on a map the day before so you don't go to the wrong place.
The Los Angeles area has several airports, and they are far apart. Check the arrival airport code on your booking and where you are staying before buying, so the last leg into the city stays simple.
Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially on Fridays, Sundays and holiday weekends. Book ahead, choose a departure with a comfortable margin, and keep your e-ticket available offline on your phone.
A flight is quick, but you still need to get from the airport to your accommodation, plus time for check-in and baggage. Add this to your comparison before deciding that the plane is the better choice.
The journey experience
Oakland to Los Angeles is a long California leg of roughly 380 miles, and choosing between bus and plane shapes your whole day. The short answer: the bus is the budget option, and an overnight departure can double as a night of accommodation, while the plane is the fast option when your time matters more than a few dollars. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side so you can decide in seconds.
By bus, you get a simple ride south through the Central Valley with a luggage allowance, no airport security and, on many coaches, power outlets and wifi. It suits flexible schedules and travellers who want to arrive downtown. By air, you leave from Oakland airport, which is well connected to the Bay Area by public transit, and land in the Los Angeles area, where you still need to plan the last stretch into the city.
One piece of advice: before paying, check the exact departure stop and arrival point on your e-ticket. In California a bus stop can be a street corner rather than a station, and Los Angeles has several airports. Book early for the best fares, keep a safety margin if you have a connection, and you will travel with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Oakland → Los Angeles
It depends on your priority. The plane is the fastest option, with a flight time of about 1 h 20 to 1 h 35 and fares from €26, typically up to €131. The bus takes around 8 to 9 hours but has steadier prices, from €69 and typically up to €71, and an overnight departure can save a hotel night. Choose the plane for time, the bus for a predictable budget.
By bus, expect roughly 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and stops. By plane, the flight itself takes about 1 h 20 to 1 h 35. Remember to add time for getting to the airport, security, boarding and the trip from the arrival airport to your accommodation, which narrows the gap with the bus a little.
Bus tickets start from €69 and typically go up to €71, so prices are fairly stable. Flights start from €26 and typically go up to €131, a much wider range. The cheapest flight fares are usually found by booking early, while bus fares move less. Check the table on this page for the latest prices.
The departure and arrival points depend on the operator and the specific departure, and a stop can be on a street rather than in a station. The exact address is shown on your booking confirmation and e-ticket. Check it on a map before the day of travel, and allow extra time to find the stop, especially if you arrive with luggage.
Both the bus and the flight are available between the two cities, and the search results on this page show whether a given departure is direct or involves a change. Direct options are simpler and lower the risk of a missed connection. If you choose a trip with a change, leave a comfortable margin between the two legs.
Why visit Los Angeles?
- ✓ Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take in the view of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory
- ✓ Spend a sunset on Santa Monica Pier and cycle the beachfront path to Venice Beach
- ✓ Tour a film studio at Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros. Studio
- ✓ Explore the Getty Center for world-class art, gardens and panoramic city views
- ✓ Browse the Grand Central Market and the street art of the Arts District in Downtown LA
When to visit Los Angeles?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
March to May and September to November — warm sunny days, mild evenings and fewer crowds than in summer
What to do in Los Angeles?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Los Angeles?
Plan 4 to 5 days to cover the essentials: Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center and a studio tour. With 3 days, stick to two or three areas to limit time lost in traffic. Rent a car or budget for rideshares, as distances are huge, and avoid driving between 4 and 7 pm.
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