⚠️ OAK is a full alternative to SFO on the opposite side of the Bay — don't assume they're interchangeable for a booking or a pickup. The **BART OAK connector** (automated train to Coliseum station) is the fastest way onto the BART network; from the terminal it's a short ride, then transfer to a BART line for San Francisco or elsewhere.

OAK

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport

Oakland, United States

Where to start

BART via the OAK connector / rideshare from the terminal ground-transportation zones

The **BART OAK connector** — an automated train — runs from the terminal to Coliseum BART station in about eight minutes, connecting to the full BART network including downtown San Francisco. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) picks up at designated ground-transportation zones outside baggage claim; taxis at the taxi stand. Terminals 1 and 2 are a short walk apart.

Ride Options

BART (via OAK connector)

transit

Fast, traffic-proof access to the whole BART network including downtown SF

AvailabilityBART OAK connector runs frequently during BART service hours; not overnight

Pickup NoteAutomated connector from the terminal to Coliseum BART station (~8 min), then transfer to a BART line

Convenience

Relative costLower cost

Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

Door-to-door with luggage or to destinations off BART

AvailabilityCommonly available

Pickup NoteDesignated ground-transportation/TNC zones outside baggage claim — follow the app and 'Ride App' signs

Convenience

Relative costMid cost

Visit Website

Lyft

rideshare

Alternative rideshare option

AvailabilityCommonly available

Pickup NoteSame ground-transportation zones as Uber

Convenience

Relative costMid cost

Visit Website

Oakland Licensed Taxi

taxi

No app needed

AvailabilityAt the staffed stand

Pickup NoteTaxi stand outside baggage claim

Convenience

Relative costHigher cost

Visit Website

SIXT Ride — Pre-booked Airport Transfer

Private Transfer

Fixed-rate pre-booked door-to-door transfer

AvailabilityAvailable at Oakland — book via SIXT app or website

Pickup NoteDriver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Fixed price, flight tracking, up to 60 min free waiting.

Convenience

Relative costHigher cost

Book Transfer

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Designated ground-transportation / TNC zones outside baggage claim at the terminals — follow the app's assigned pickup point and the 'Ride App' signage. Terminals 1 and 2 are adjacent; confirm which one you landed at.

Taxi

Taxi stand outside baggage claim, staffed; metered fares.

Shuttle

Hotel and parking shuttles use the ground-transportation curb. The BART OAK connector station is directly connected to the terminal complex.

Transit

BART OAK connector — automated people-mover from the airport to Coliseum BART station (about 8 minutes), where you transfer to BART trains for downtown Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley and beyond. AC Transit buses also serve the airport.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked cars use the ground-transportation area; confirm the terminal, since T1 and T2 are separate buildings (though close).

Travel Extras

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Local Tips

The airport was legally renamed 'Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport' in 2026, but the code is still OAK and locals still call it Oakland — don't be thrown by the longer name on signs and booking sites.
The BART connector is the key to OAK: a short automated ride to Coliseum station puts the entire BART network — including downtown SF and a one-seat-ish route toward SFO — within reach.
OAK is a real alternative to SFO, on the east side of the Bay. For East Bay destinations (Oakland, Berkeley) it's often closer and more affordable than flying into SFO.
The BART connector doesn't run overnight; late arrivals rely on rideshare or taxi.
Terminals 1 and 2 are close together but separate — tell your driver or shuttle which one.

Tarmyq local tip

OAK's superpower is the BART connector — a few minutes to Coliseum station and you're on the network to anywhere in the Bay. And yes, the official name is now 'Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport,' but it's still OAK and still Oakland; the rename doesn't change how you get around.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco?

Take the automated BART OAK connector from the terminal to Coliseum BART station — about eight minutes — then transfer to a BART line into downtown San Francisco. It's the fastest, most traffic-proof route and connects to the whole BART network.

Why is Oakland Airport called 'Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport' now?

The airport was legally renamed in the April 2026 settlement of a naming dispute with San Francisco. The IATA code remains OAK and locals still call it Oakland — the longer name is just what now appears on signage and booking sites.

Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at OAK?

At designated ground-transportation/TNC zones outside baggage claim — follow your app's assigned pickup point and the 'Ride App' signs. Terminals 1 and 2 are adjacent, so confirm which one you arrived at.

Is OAK a good alternative to SFO?

Yes, especially for East Bay destinations like Oakland and Berkeley, where it's often closer and more affordable. Both airports connect to San Francisco via BART, so OAK is a genuine alternative rather than a compromise.