San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a convenient and often less congested alternative to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Oakland and about 20 miles from San Francisco, OAK handles over 13 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals with a straightforward layout:

• Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines (the dominant carrier at OAK), Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Volaris, and several other carriers
• Terminal 2: Spirit Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and some international charter flights

OAK is known as a hub for Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of flights from the airport. The compact size of OAK makes it easy to navigate, with shorter security lines and less crowded terminals compared to SFO. For travelers heading to the East Bay, Oakland, Berkeley, or even San Francisco, OAK can be a faster, cheaper, and less stressful option.

The airport connects directly to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system via the Oakland Airport station, providing easy access to downtown Oakland, San Francisco, and other Bay Area destinations.

Bay Area Airports

The Bay Area has three major airports. If your itinerary involves connections between them, plan carefully—there are no direct links.

San Francisco (SFO) — 18 km west (across the bay)

• United hub, extensive international service
• BART accessible (different line than OAK)
• Best for: International flights, Peninsula/South Bay destinations

San Jose (SJC) — 47 km south

• Southwest and Alaska focus
• Best for: Silicon Valley destinations

Connecting between Oakland and SFO:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
BART	50-60 min	~$12	Transfer at Coliseum or downtown Oakland
Uber/Lyft	30-50 min	$40-70	Traffic and tolls (Bay Bridge)

Step-by-step BART route:

1. Take BART shuttle from OAK terminal to Coliseum station
2. Transfer to Richmond/Daly City line
3. Change at 19th St Oakland or MacArthur for SFO direct
4. Exit at SFO Airport station

Minimum connection time: Allow 3-4 hours between separate bookings at different Bay Area airports. Rush hour (7-10am, 4-7pm) can significantly extend BART and road travel times.

Pro tip: For international connections at SFO, check if the same flight departs from OAK first—sometimes you can avoid the airport transfer entirely. Southwest and Alaska both serve multiple Bay Area airports.

OAK is located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Oakland and about 20 miles east of San Francisco. The airport sits adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum and is easily accessible from I-880.

Travel times:

• Downtown Oakland (City Center): 15-25 minutes by car, 25 minutes by BART
• San Francisco (Downtown/Financial District): 30-45 minutes by car, 45 minutes by BART
• Berkeley: 25-35 minutes by car, 35 minutes by BART
• Walnut Creek: 30-40 minutes by car
• San Jose: 40-50 minutes by car

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the most reliable option for reaching San Francisco or other Bay Area destinations, as it avoids the unpredictable traffic on I-880 and the Bay Bridge.

Uber and Lyft are available at OAK with a designated pickup zone.

Rideshare pickup location:

1. Exit baggage claim
2. Cross the roadway to the center median
3. Follow signs to the "Rideshare" pickup area
4. Request your ride in the app and meet your driver

Typical rideshare fares:

• Downtown Oakland: $20-30
• Berkeley: $25-40
• San Francisco (Downtown): $45-65
• San Jose: $55-75

Fares vary based on demand and traffic conditions. Rush hour and event times (Oakland A's or Raiders games at nearby Coliseum, though the Raiders have relocated) can increase prices.

Taxis are available at the curb outside baggage claim in both terminals. Metered fares:

• Downtown Oakland: $30-40
• San Francisco: $60-80

Rideshare is typically cheaper than taxis for most destinations.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) provides direct rail service from OAK to San Francisco, downtown Oakland, Berkeley, and the wider Bay Area.

Getting to BART

1. Exit baggage claim and follow signs for "BART/AirBART"
2. Take the automated people mover (APM) from the airport to the Oakland Airport BART station
3. The APM ride takes approximately 8 minutes
4. Purchase a Clipper card or use contactless payment at the BART station

The APM runs every 5-8 minutes during operating hours.

Fares to Common Destinations (as of 2025)

Destination	Fare	Time
12th Street/City Center (Downtown Oakland)	~$8	25 min
19th Street Oakland	~$8	28 min
Downtown Berkeley	~$10	35 min
Embarcadero (SF Financial District)	~$11	45 min
Powell Street (SF Downtown)	~$11	48 min
Mission 16th Street	~$11	40 min

Note: A $6 surcharge applies for trips to/from Oakland Airport station on top of the regular BART fare.

BART hours: Monday-Friday 5am-midnight, Saturday 6am-midnight, Sunday 8am-9pm. Plan accordingly for late-night arrivals.

AC Transit Buses

AC Transit operates bus routes connecting OAK to local East Bay destinations:

• Line 73: Connects the airport to downtown Oakland and Eastmont Transit Center
• Service is less frequent and slower than BART but useful for destinations not near a BART station

OAK offers several parking options (as of 2025):

Short-Term Parking

Location	Rate	Notes
Premier Lot	$4/hour, $36/day max	Closest to terminals, covered

Long-Term Parking

Location	Daily Rate	Notes
Economy Lot	$18/day	Shuttle to terminals every 10-15 min
Daily Lot	$24/day	Short walk to terminals

Parking Tips

• Pre-book online at oaklandairport.com for discounted rates
• Cell phone lot: Free short-term waiting for picking up passengers, located near the terminal entrance
• Off-site alternatives: Private lots along Hegenberger Road offer rates from $8-15/day with shuttle service

OAK's dining options are more limited than SFO but cover basic needs:

Terminal 1:

• Pyramid Alehouse: Local brewery with pub food (pre-security)
• Peet's Coffee: Bay Area coffee chain (post-security)
• Lanesplitter Pizza: Oakland-based pizza (Gates 20-30 area)
• Quick Bites: Various grab-and-go options near gates

Terminal 2:

• Limited options: Basic snacks and coffee

Best food options: Terminal 1 near the Southwest gates has the most variety. The Pyramid Alehouse (pre-security) is a popular option for sit-down dining with Bay Area beers.

Tip: OAK's food selection is limited, especially in Terminal 2. Consider eating before arriving or bringing food through security.

Free WiFi is available throughout OAK terminals.

Network name: OAK Free WiFi

To connect:

1. Select OAK Free WiFi from your device
2. Open a browser and accept terms
3. No payment required

Quality: Generally adequate for browsing and email. Speeds may be slower during peak travel times.

SIM cards and mobile services are available at:

• Hudson News stores (both terminals)
• Vending machines near baggage claim

Major US carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer prepaid plans starting around $30-50.

Better option: Consider purchasing an eSIM before arrival or visiting carrier stores in downtown Oakland or San Francisco for better selection and prices.

ATMs are located in both terminals, typically near ticketing areas and food courts.

Banks represented:

• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• Various third-party ATM providers

Out-of-network fees typically run $3-5 per transaction.

Currency exchange: Limited options at OAK. Travelex operates a location in Terminal 1. For better rates, use ATMs or exchange currency in San Francisco or downtown Oakland.

OAK has limited shopping compared to larger airports:

Terminal 1:

• Hudson News: Books, magazines, snacks, travel essentials
• Oakland-themed souvenirs: Local merchandise
• InMotion: Electronics and travel accessories (select locations)

Terminal 2:

• Basic newsstand: Snacks and essentials

Note: For duty-free shopping or a wider selection, consider shopping before arriving at the airport or at your destination.

OAK has limited lounge options compared to SFO:

Priority Pass Lounges

There are currently no Priority Pass lounges at OAK.

Airline Lounges

OAK does not have traditional airline lounges like United Clubs or Admirals Clubs. Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier, does not operate lounges.

Alternatives

• Pyramid Alehouse (Terminal 1, pre-security): Not a lounge, but a comfortable sit-down option with food and drinks
• Consider SFO: If lounge access is important and you have flexibility, SFO offers numerous lounge options

Credit card holders: Priority Pass, Amex Platinum, and similar cards provide lounge access at other Bay Area airports but not at OAK.

At the Airport:

OAK does not have an on-site hotel connected to the terminals.

Near the Airport:

• Hilton Oakland Airport (adjacent): Full-service hotel with free shuttle, typically $150-250/night
• La Quinta Inn Oakland Airport Coliseum (1 mile): Budget option with free shuttle
• Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites (1 mile): Mid-range with free shuttle
• Holiday Inn Express Oakland Airport (1 mile): Reliable chain option with free shuttle

In Oakland (downtown):

• Oakland Marriott City Center (10 miles): Downtown location, accessible via BART
• Waterfront Hotel (Jack London Square): Boutique option near the waterfront

Hotels along Hegenberger Road offer convenient airport access with shuttle service. Downtown Oakland hotels provide a more urban experience with easy BART connections to the airport.

Oakland and the East Bay offer diverse attractions, and San Francisco is easily accessible:

From the Airport

• Downtown Oakland (Jack London Square): 15-25 min by car, 25 min by BART
• Berkeley: 25-35 min by car, 35 min by BART
• San Francisco (Downtown): 30-45 min by car, 45 min by BART
• Napa Valley: 1-1.5 hours by car
• Muir Woods: 45 min-1 hour by car

Oakland Highlights

• Jack London Square: Waterfront dining, entertainment, and farmers market
• Lake Merritt: Urban lake with walking/jogging path, gardens, and bird sanctuary
• Oakland Museum of California: Art, history, and natural sciences of California
• Temescal and Rockridge neighborhoods: Hip dining, shopping, and cafes
• Old Oakland: Historic downtown with Victorian buildings and restaurants
• Fox Theater: Beautifully restored art deco venue for concerts

Berkeley (35 min by BART)

• UC Berkeley campus: Historic university with beautiful architecture
• Telegraph Avenue: Eclectic shops, bookstores, and cafes
• Gourmet Ghetto (North Berkeley): Alice Waters' Chez Panisse and other acclaimed restaurants
• Tilden Regional Park: Hiking, botanical garden, and nature

San Francisco (45 min by BART)

• Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic landmark, walkable
• Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39: Tourist attractions, sea lions, seafood
• Chinatown: Oldest Chinatown in North America
• Mission District: Murals, taquerias, vibrant nightlife
• Golden Gate Park: Museums, gardens, bison paddock

Getting Around

• BART: Best for travel between Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco
• AC Transit: Local buses throughout the East Bay
• Clipper card: Works on BART, AC Transit, Muni (SF), and most Bay Area transit
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft widely available
• Rental cars: Useful for Napa, Muir Woods, and other destinations not accessible by transit

Why Choose OAK Over SFO?

• Shorter security lines: OAK is less crowded than SFO
• Cheaper flights: Southwest and budget carriers often offer lower fares
• Easier for East Bay destinations: Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek
• BART access: Direct connection, though slightly longer to SF than from SFO
• Lower parking costs: Economy lot is cheaper than SFO
• Less stressful experience: Smaller, easier to navigate