Oakland and the East Bay are accessible via BART through San Francisco.
About Oakland/East Bay
Oakland is a vibrant, culturally diverse city on the east side of San Francisco Bay. The city has undergone significant revitalization, with neighborhoods like Temescal, Rockridge, and Jack London Square offering excellent restaurants, craft breweries, and arts venues. Lake Merritt, a tidal lagoon in the heart of the city, provides a scenic urban oasis.
Beyond Oakland, the East Bay includes Berkeley—home to the University of California—and the suburban communities of Walnut Creek, Fremont, and Pleasanton. The region offers warmer weather than fog-prone San Francisco, a thriving food scene, and easier access to hiking in the East Bay hills.
Beyond Oakland, the East Bay includes Berkeley—home to the University of California—and the suburban communities of Walnut Creek, Fremont, and Pleasanton. The region offers warmer weather than fog-prone San Francisco, a thriving food scene, and easier access to hiking in the East Bay hills.
Nearby Landmarks
Lake Merritt
Jack London Square
UC Berkeley
Rockridge neighborhood
Fox Theater
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $65-85 | 40-60 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | $55-75 | 40-60 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Train | $12 | 60 minutes | Budget, avoiding traffic |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
BART operates until midnight on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 9 PM on Sundays. After BART closes, AC Transit's all-nighter bus routes serve parts of Oakland. Rideshare from SFO to Oakland costs $35-55 late at night.
Luggage Tips
BART allows luggage with no restrictions, though space is limited during rush hour. If renting a car, note that Bay Bridge tolls ($7) are cashless and charged electronically.
Accessibility
BART stations have elevators, tactile guide paths, and wheelchair-accessible cars. Oakland's newer AC Transit buses are fully accessible with ramps and priority seating.