Book Amtrak From Oakland – Jack London Square (OKJ) +1.855.954.6300..!!

Nestled on Oakland’s vibrant waterfront, the Jack London Square Amtrak Station (OKJ) isn’t just a place to catch a train – it’s a gateway to California’s diverse landscapes and a charming destination in itself. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or planning your first scenic rail journey, OKJ offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern convenience, and unparalleled access to the Bay Area.

This guide will give you everything you need to know about navigating OKJ, from its amenities and prime location to precise travel times to key cities and airports.

The Station: Oakland – Jack London Square (OKJ) at a Glance

More than just a platform, OKJ is housed in a beautiful, historic building that reflects Oakland’s rich past. It’s a bustling hub that serves as a vital link for both commuters and long-distance adventurers.

Location: 245 Second Street, Oakland, CA 94607

Key Features & Amenities:

Ticketing & Waiting Area: A comfortable, spacious waiting room with an Amtrak ticket counter, self-service Quik-Trak kiosks, and restrooms.
Baggage Services: Checked baggage service is available for routes that offer it. Always check Amtrak’s baggage policy.
Accessibility: The station is fully accessible, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and platform access for passengers with disabilities.
Retail/Food: While the station itself has limited retail, its prime location means you’re steps away from a plethora of dining and shopping options in Jack London Square.
Free Wi-Fi: Often available in the waiting area.

Train Routes Served:

OKJ is a major stop for several popular Amtrak routes:

Capitol Corridor: A bustling commuter line connecting the Sacramento region, the Bay Area, and San Jose. Ideal for day trips or business travel within Northern California.
San Joaquins: Connects the Bay Area (via Thruway Bus connections from OKJ) and Sacramento to California’s Central Valley, including cities like Stockton, Fresno, and Bakersfield.
Coast Starlight: Amtrak’s legendary long-distance route, offering a breathtaking journey between Seattle, Portland, the Bay Area (OKJ), and Los Angeles. Known for its scenic beauty and comfortable amenities.
California Zephyr: This epic transcontinental route connects the Bay Area (OKJ) with Chicago, traversing the Sierra Nevada, deserts, and Rocky Mountains.

Getting To & From OKJ: Local Connections

OKJ’s location is incredibly convenient for local transportation:

Public Transit:
- BART: The Amtrak station offers a free shuttle bus service (Route 88) that connects directly to the 12th Street/Oakland City Center BART station, making it easy to reach San Francisco, Berkeley, and other Bay Area destinations.
- AC Transit: Numerous AC Transit bus lines serve the area around Jack London Square, connecting to various parts of Oakland and surrounding cities.
Oakland & San Francisco Bay Ferry: Just a short walk from the station, the Jack London Square ferry terminal provides direct service to San Francisco (Ferry Building & Pier 41), Alameda, and South San Francisco – a truly scenic way to travel!
Ride-Sharing & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are readily available for pick-up and drop-off.
Parking: Paid parking garages and lots are available in Jack London Square, often offering daily and hourly rates.
Walking & Biking: Jack London Square is a very walkable and bike-friendly area. Many hotels and attractions are within easy reach on foot or by bicycle.

More Than Just a Stop: Explore Jack London Square

Before or after your train journey, take advantage of OKJ’s prime location directly within Jack London Square. This historic and lively waterfront district offers:

Dining: A diverse array of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining, many with waterfront views.
Shopping: Unique boutiques and artisan shops.
Entertainment: Movie theater, live music venues, and seasonal events.
Recreation: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic strolls along the Oakland Estuary.
History: Explore monuments and plaques dedicated to its namesake, author Jack London.

Distances & Approximate Travel Times to Key Cities (by Train)

Understanding travel times is crucial for planning your journey. Here are approximate train travel times from Oakland – Jack London Square (OKJ) to popular destinations. Please note these are estimates and can vary based on specific train, stops, and track conditions.

Sacramento, CA (SAC): ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes (Capitol Corridor)
San Jose, CA (SJC): ~1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes (Capitol Corridor)
Martinez, CA (MTZ): ~30-40 minutes (Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr)
Emeryville, CA (EMY): ~10-15 minutes (All routes; the closest major connection point)
San Francisco, CA (SFC):
- Via Amtrak Thruway Bus: ~30-45 minutes (Connects directly from OKJ to Salesforce Transit Center or Fisherman’s Wharf)
- Via Ferry: ~20-30 minutes (from Jack London Square Ferry Terminal to SF Ferry Building)
- Via BART: ~30-45 minutes (Amtrak shuttle to 12th St. BART, then BART to SF)
Los Angeles, CA (LAX): ~10 hours – 12 hours (Coast Starlight)
Portland, OR (PDX): ~16 hours – 18 hours (Coast Starlight)
Seattle, WA (SEA): ~20 hours – 22 hours (Coast Starlight)
Reno, NV (RNO via Truckee, TRU): ~5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours 30 minutes (California Zephyr; Truckee is the closest drop-off point, requiring a taxi/shuttle to Reno)
Chicago, IL (CHI): ~51 hours – 53 hours (California Zephyr)

Distances & Approximate Travel Times to Key Airports

Connecting to major Bay Area airports from OKJ is quite straightforward, leveraging a combination of public transit and ride-sharing services.

Oakland International Airport (OAK):
- Distance: ~7-8 miles
- By Car/Rideshare: ~15-25 minutes (depending on traffic)
- By Public Transit: ~30-45 minutes (AC Transit bus from Jack London Square to Coliseum BART, then BART to OAK via the AirBART connector).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Distance: ~20-25 miles
- By Car/Rideshare: ~30-50 minutes (can vary significantly with Bay Bridge traffic)
- By Public Transit: ~45-60 minutes (Amtrak shuttle to 12th St. BART, then BART directly to SFO via the AirTrain).
San Jose International Airport (SJC):
- Distance: ~35-40 miles
- By Car/Rideshare: ~45-75 minutes (traffic dependent)
- By Public Transit: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (Amtrak train to San Jose Diridon, then VTA bus or taxi/rideshare to SJC).

Tips for Travelers at OKJ

Arrive Early: Especially for long-distance trains or during peak travel times, give yourself ample time to navigate the station and board.
Check Your Schedule: Always confirm your train’s departure time and track number, as these can occasionally change.
Baggage Policy: Familiarize yourself with Amtrak’s checked and carry-on baggage allowances to avoid surprises.
Food & Drinks: While there are options nearby, consider grabbing snacks or drinks for your journey, especially on longer routes.
Enjoy the View: Jack London Square offers fantastic views of the estuary and Oakland skyline – perfect for a pre-departure stroll.

Oakland’s Jack London Square Amtrak Station is more than just a transit point; it’s an integral part of the Bay Area experience. Whether you’re commuting to Silicon Valley, exploring the California coast, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, OKJ offers convenience, charm, and a seamless connection to your destination. All aboard!