Best way to get from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA
Find the best ways to travel from Palo Alto CA to Oakland CA. You can also request a ride directly in the app at the tap of a button.
Transportation options
Looking to get from Palo Alto to Oakland? Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or flexibility, there are various ways to reach your destination. Explore the available options and select the one that suits your preferences and travel needs.
Uber: Request an Uber ride from Palo Alto to Oakland. The journey covers approximately 33 miles and takes around 52 minutes, with an estimated price of $74.
Public transportation: Take the Caltrain from Palo Alto to Millbrae, then transfer to the BART towards Oakland. The total travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering a distance of about 44 miles, with a price of around $15.
Private bus: Utilize a private bus service from Palo Alto to Oakland. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a price of around $20.
Bus service: Use the SamTrans bus service from Palo Alto to a BART station, then take the BART to Oakland. The journey takes about 2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 40 miles, with a price of around $10.
Note: The travel times and costs are approximate and subject to change depending on traffic conditions and other factors. Updated April, 2025.
Reserve a ride in advance to Oakland, CA
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber to get from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA. Request a ride up to 90 days before your trip, at any time and on any day of the year.
Reserve may not be available for your pickup location.
Getting from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA
When you ride with Uber on your next trip from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA, you’ve got choices. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, find a ride option that fits your needs and budget. If you like to plan ahead, consider scheduling a ride to Oakland, CA in advance. Or you can request a ride on demand from Palo Alto, CA in the Uber app.
The route your driver takes might depend on the time of day and other factors, like traffic and how many other riders are making requests. You can have a stress-free ride knowing that the Uber app will suggest the most efficient route to your driver.
Average Travel Time
52 minutes
Average Route Price
$74
Average Route Distance
33 miles
How to get from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA
Compare ride options getting from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA. Check the Uber app for current prices and travel options available.
UberX
Affordable rides, all to yourself
$74
Uber Black
Premium rides in luxury cars
$183
Uber Green
Sustainable rides in electric vehicles
$72
UberXL
Affordable rides for groups up to 6
$109
Sample rider prices are estimates only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Uber available at Palo Alto, CA?
The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride from Palo Alto, CA anytime, 24/7.
- How much does it cost to get from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA?
The average price for this trip is $74. Open the Uber app and input Oakland, CA in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what’s available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.
- What is the most affordable ride option on the Uber app from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA?
The most affordable ride choice from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA is RIDESHARE.
- How long does it take to get from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA?
The average duration for this ride is 52 minutes. Before a trip starts, your app gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your driver is likely to arrive at Palo Alto, CA. After your trip starts, your app provides an ETA for when you are likely to arrive at Oakland, CA. Please note: ETAs are not guaranteed; various factors like heavy traffic or road construction could affect travel time.
- What’s the distance to Oakland, CA from Palo Alto, CA?
The average trip from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA using the Uber app is about 33 miles.
- Can I schedule trips in advance on the Uber app from Palo Alto, CA?
If Uber Reserve is an option in the Uber app at Palo Alto, CA, you can request a ride from Palo Alto, CA anywhere from 2 hours to 90 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Uber’s ride-scheduling technology and Uber Reserve can help you be on time.
- Can I rent a car with Uber to drive from Palo Alto, CA to Oakland, CA?
Check in the Uber app to see if car rentals are available at Palo Alto, CA. If you see the Rent icon, you can complete your reservation using the Uber app. Then you can rent a car and drive yourself to Oakland, CA. To get more details, go to uber.com/u/uber-rent.
The data presented on this page represents historical average prices, durations, and distances for routes. Actual prices, durations, and distances may vary based on factors such as location, traffic conditions, and other variables. Information provided here is for reference purposes only and should not be considered as binding.
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