Oakland International Airport (OAK) is about 15 km south of downtown Oakland. BART provides a direct rail connection, reaching 12th Street/Oakland City Center station in approximately 25 minutes, making downtown Oakland easily accessible.

About Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland has experienced a remarkable renaissance, emerging as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most dynamic urban centers. The city center around Broadway and Telegraph Avenue buzzes with locally-owned restaurants, craft breweries, and a thriving arts scene. Jack London Square on the waterfront offers dining with bay views, a weekly farmers' market, and the historic Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon where Jack London once drank.

Oakland's cultural identity is deeply rooted in diversity and social activism. The Oakland Museum of California is the premier institution for California art, history, and natural science. Uptown Oakland's gallery scene comes alive during First Friday Art Murmur, when thousands stroll between galleries, food trucks, and street performers along Telegraph Avenue.

The city's food scene rivals San Francisco's at a fraction of the price, with acclaimed restaurants spanning every cuisine from Ethiopian (Oakland has the largest Ethiopian community outside Africa) to innovative New American. Old Oakland, with its restored Victorian commercial buildings, houses some of the area's best dining, while Chinatown offers authentic dim sum and roast meats that draw food lovers from across the Bay.

Nearby Landmarks

Jack London Square Oakland Museum Lake Merritt Fox Theater Old Oakland

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 15-20 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-25
Time 15-20 minutes

Train (BART (Blue/Green/Orange Line))

Cost $6
Time 12-15 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Follow signs from OAK arrivals to the BART connector (automated people mover)
2. Ride the free connector to Oakland International Airport BART station (4 min)
3. Purchase a Clipper card or BART ticket ($5-6 to downtown Oakland)
4. Board a Richmond or Berryessa-bound BART train
5. Ride to 12th Street/Oakland City Center station (approximately 20-25 min)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 15-20 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-25 15-20 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $6 12-15 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

BART operates until approximately midnight weekdays and 12:30 AM weekends. After that, Uber and Lyft are readily available from the airport, costing $20-30 to downtown Oakland. AC Transit bus 73 runs late hours between the airport and downtown but service is infrequent after 10:00 PM.

Luggage Tips

BART is luggage-friendly for the short ride to downtown Oakland. The AirBART connector has level boarding. Downtown Oakland BART stations have elevators for heavy bags. There is no dedicated luggage storage at BART stations, but some hotels offer early bag storage.

Accessibility

The entire BART system is ADA accessible. The Oakland Airport connector and all downtown Oakland BART stations have elevators and tactile guidance. Downtown Oakland is relatively flat and walkable. Jack London Square waterfront is fully accessible.