Oakland & East Bay Charter Bus & Van Rentals
Charter school buses, mini buses and passenger vans for Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward and East Bay groups, dispatched from our Tidewater Avenue lot beside I-880.
Vehicles at our Oakland lot
Full-size school bus
Activity / mini bus
Passenger van
Why Oakland groups ride with Zum
In 2024, Zum and Oakland Unified launched the nation's first 100% electric school bus fleet with vehicle-to-grid charging: 74 buses that return power to the grid when they're parked. Zum also provides special education transportation for Alameda Unified. From our Tidewater Avenue lot, the Oakland Museum of California and Lake Merritt are about 10 minutes away, the Oakland Zoo and Crab Cove about 15, and the Chabot Space & Science Center about 20.
The lot sits right by I-880 and the Oakland Arena, with Cal's Memorial Stadium and the Lawrence Hall of Science about 25 minutes north in Berkeley. San Francisco destinations add a Bay Bridge crossing and toll. Chabot and the Oakland hills have steep, winding roads, so tell us your stops and we'll match the vehicle to the route. Ask about an electric bus when you book.
School districts nearby
Oakland Unified already rides with Zum for home-to-school and charter service. Alameda Unified rides with Zum for special education transportation.
Counties served
Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Venues we serve
Oakland Arena, the Oakland Museum of California, the Oakland Zoo and Chabot Space & Science Center.
Oakland charter FAQs
Can we book an electric school bus for our charter?
Zum runs Oakland Unified's 100% electric school bus fleet, and electric buses may be available for charter trips. Ask when you request a quote and we'll confirm availability and range for your route.
Can a full-size bus reach Chabot Space & Science Center?
Chabot sits in the Oakland hills along Skyline Boulevard, reached by steep, winding roads. Share your group size and we'll recommend the right vehicle; for smaller classes, a mini bus can be an easier fit on hill roads.
How long does a Bay Bridge crossing take in the afternoon?
Afternoon traffic into and out of San Francisco can add significant time, especially from 3 p.m. onward. The Bay Bridge also charges a westbound toll into San Francisco. Tell us your return deadline and we'll schedule the departure from the city to meet it.
Can the bus wait at the Oakland Zoo, or do you drop off and return?
Either works. Your driver can stay with the bus during your visit or return at a scheduled pickup time. The Oakland Zoo requires advance registration for field trip school bus parkings which Zum will coordinate on your behalf.
Do you serve schools in Hayward, Fremont and San Leandro?
Our Oakland lot covers the East Bay, including Fruitvale, San Leandro, Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Hayward, Castro Valley and Fremont, plus Contra Costa County. San Francisco and Peninsula groups are served from our Bayview lot.
Explore more in Oakland and nearby
- California TCP 35590 and Virginia Contract Carrier 3443