BART: Public Transportation from Oakland to San Francisco Airports.  So easy and inexpensive - don't get a taxi!

After having had the pleasure of visiting San Francisco for a fabulous weekend adventure, I am inclined to share the ease of traveling from the Oakland Airport to Downtown San Francisco and around and back again.

I flew into Oakland as the airfare was less expensive.  I gathered my bags and through information found out the following:

First grab a B.A.R.T. map at the info desk to select the train for your expedition.  AND - next to the info desk is a change machine.  The Air BART bus only takes exact fare, so be sure you have ones or quarters.  Exit the airport near the baggage claim and head toward the bus stops outside.  Stop A3 is the one for AIR BART.  This Bus to the Bart station is $3 exact.

(BART is Bay Area Rapid Transit.  An amazing combination of above and underground rail system with convenient stops and many choices.)

The Air Bart bus comes every few minutes, I waited 10 because the line was long and I did not get on the first bus.  Take this bus to the COLISEUM/OAKLAND AIRPORT stop.

Upon entering the station, use the self serve stations to purchase a ticket.  The prices are posted next to the stations and also in the Bart Map you selected.

TIP:  There are some kindly citizens who have taken it upon themselves to be "helpers" in the Bart Station.  Though they come on strongly, they are generally helpful and if you are so inclined their expectation is the change from your transaction or a simple tip. 

For example: I was to make my way to the Financial District of S.F.  So I purchased a ticket to the Montgomery stop.  It was $3 and change.

You simply insert either a card or bills into the machine and then it offers the option of subtracting value in $.05 increments from your total until you reach the fare you desire.  This is nice because there is no need to leave the excess on the ticket, you can just buy what you need.

KEEP YOUR TICKET! You need it to get through the gate into the train station, AND to get out of it.  Enter the turnstyle, and head upstairs.  NOW - that map comes in handy. 

The Blue Line is the easiest for those going anywhere in downtown San Fran.  The Blue Line will also take you to the San Francisco Airport and the towns nearby.

There are other lines for other areas, though I never had a use for those.

Getting back to the Oakland Airport is the same.  Use BART and get off at the Coliseum stop.  Grab AirBART right out front where it dropped you off, pay $3 and head back to the Airport.  Quite fancy!

If you are using the San Francisco Airport, the BART stops are right there in the terminal.  So easy to access.

Happy Travels!