The airport's two terminals handle growing traffic, driven by its role as a budget-friendly alternative to reaching the entire San Francisco Bay area.
Often more economical alternative to San Francisco International for reaching the Bay Area, on the opposite side of San Francisco Bay.
How to get to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to OAK
Parking near Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
Multi-level parking is located adjacent to the terminal: Economy Lot 18 USD/day (free shuttle); Long Term up to 24 USD/day; Short Term 1 USD/12 minutes, capped at 34 USD/day; Premier (the closest option) 4 USD/30 minutes, capped at 38 USD/day.
How to get to Oakland from OAK
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
A shuttle is required to reach the car rental company counters.
Driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient; an International Driving Permit is not required for short stays if the license is in Latin characters.
Hotels near Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
Airport area
Free hotel shuttle, a few minutes from the terminal and Hegenberger Road.
Best for: travelers with a dawn flight, a short layover, or who want to avoid the BART transfer
- Free shuttle direct to the terminal, useful for early morning flights
- Prices on average lower than the central areas
- An area of offices and warehouses, nothing to do on foot in the evening
- Getting downtown still requires the BART connection from Coliseum station
Recommended hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport Free shuttle and a pool, a solid choice for those who want to stay right by the terminal. View availability
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakland-Airport by IHG Free shuttle and breakfast included, the more affordable option among the hotels near the terminal. View availability
Downtown Oakland
BART connection (Oakland Airport Connector + BART line) in about 25 minutes from the airport to the downtown stations.
Best for: travelers who want to stay connected by rail without changing area
- One block from the BART station, direct connection to the airport
- Close to Jack London Square and the Lake Merritt waterfront
- The neighborhood empties out quickly in the evening on weekends
- Hotel parking comes with extra costs
Recommended hotels
Uptown Oakland
BART connection in about 25 minutes from the airport to downtown, then a few blocks on foot or a short car ride.
Best for: travelers who want the liveliest neighborhood in the evening, among historic theaters and venues
- The historic Fox and Paramount theaters, restaurants, and evening venues of Oakland's liveliest neighborhood
- Hotels with more character compared to the chains near the terminal
- No direct connection from the airport, always requires passing through Coliseum station
- A less busy area during the day around the theaters
Recommended hotels
- Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt 500 meters from the Paramount Theatre, the most polished among Uptown's hotels. View availability
- AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown 6 minutes on foot from the Fox Theater, minimal design for those not looking for a classic chain style. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 2 terminals are connected by an internal shuttle system.
The recommended safety margin for international flights is 2.5–3 hours.
Map of Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Oakland Airport a cheaper alternative to SFO?
Often yes, both for airfares and hotels, though it requires a slightly longer connection to San Francisco.
Q. What is the Oakland Airport Connector?
An automated transit system linking the terminal to the Coliseum BART station in 8 minutes, with a fare of $6.60 (corrected from an earlier estimate of $7.47).
Q. How much does the total BART trip from Oakland Airport to San Francisco cost?
Roughly $9-12 ($6.60 for the Airport Connector to Coliseum, plus about $5.05 of BART to Powell St/downtown San Francisco), depending on the exact arrival station.
Q. Is it worth driving from Oakland Airport to San Francisco?
It's a valid option but requires the Bay Bridge toll and traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
Nearby Airports
Things to do in Oakland
San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App
San Francisco: Silicon Valley Private Tour with Hotel Pickup
San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour
