Rebecca

Hello,

I'd really appreciate anyone's advice on the following subject. I'm going to San Francisco from NYC for the first time and I'd like to know what is your opinion and experience flying into Oakland vs. San Francisco. Reason I'm asking is because it's less expensive flying into Oakland (thru JetBlue).

Also, how convenient is it to get to downtown SF from Oakland Airport.

Thank you!
Rebecca

Suzie

I actually really like Oakland Airport and use it over SFO whenever possible. From Oakland Airport you take 80 to the Bay Bridge and cross into San Francisco. Not a bad trip at all.

peterb

I agree, Oakland is a nice LITTLE airport. Easy to deal with and it's still quick to get to San Fran. SFO is a big city airport with all that goes along with it whereas Oaklands airport is only a little bigger than our airport here in Albany NY. You can be in wine country in about 45 minutes from Oakland too.

ryan

Rebecca,
From Oakland to downtown SF, I think you can take the SuperShuttle. I think the BART (the subway) may have a connection near Oakland Airport.

Susan

I'll chime in here too and say I also prefer Oakland to SFO. It's smaller, easier to navigate, and basically the same distance to the city as SFO. You can take a shuttle to the nearest BART station and go under the bay to the city, or Super Shuttle it. Oakland is also less likely to be impacted by fog. I've heard good things about JetBlue. Give us a trip report when you return!

kal

Hi guys,
We've been looking into flying out of Oak, too.

Any suggestions on nearby "Park and Fly" hotels like we use in SF? (Clarion, Westin, El Rancho, usually give us 8-14 days free parking if we stay there...)
Thx,
Kal

Suzie

Kal stayed at the Hilton in Sept and they let us keep the car there no problem. Shuttled us to and from the Airpot. Actually quite close.

Rebecca

Thank you so much for all of your quick responses!

I'm not renting a car, so I'll probably look into BART or just taking a taxi.

What do you guys think... I'm coming from NYC so after a 5-6 hour trip, will I really be upto taking the BART??
How long will it take to get into downtown SF using BART vs. a taxi... Also, I am coming with 2 other people, so sharing the cost of a taxi will probably not be too bad.
Thanks again!!
Rebecca

Susan

Well, you will have to schlepp all your luggage onto the shuttle, then off the shuttle and through the BART station, onto BART, off BART and then still get to your hotel. If you have friends to share a cab with, that's the way I'd go. BART is much cheaper for one, probably less than $7, and a cab will probably be more like $30-40.

Susan

Oops, you also asked how long each would take. Depends on when you are trying to get from Oakland into SF. The cab could sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic the whole way or it could be smooth sailing. If it's not a commute time, I'd think a cab would be faster, otherwise, BART would be faster.

Abbey

Rebecca,
I'm a New Yorker who also takes JetBlue to San Francisco (via Oakland!). I highly recommend it. Pack smart & travel light, and when you arrive take the BART into the city. It's easy and there is room for luggage. If you're not sure about directions just ASK - everyone is friendly! Plan your hotel within walking distance of a BART stop and you have it made. Also, pick up a copy of Eyewitness Travel Guide to SF & Northern California; although I have traveled to SF many times, I wouldn't leave home with out this book. Have a great trip and be sure to report back when you get home.

xy

I would have to say that Oakland is a much better choice.

Faina

Rebecca, don't be afraid to get caught in traffic, there are carpool lines for 3 passengers on Bay Bridge. If money not a problem then definitely taxi. BART is great when you get around without luggage.

tp

Oakland without a doubt.

Patty

Bart is great if you don't have too much luggage. You will need to take the Air Bart shuttle from the airport to Coliseum station to pick up the Bart trains. It took me only 15-20 minutes to get from downtown San Francisco to OAK. The cost is about $5.

OAK

Another vote for OAK!

st

Oakland is much easier to navigate and has fewer delays.

Samuel

Oakland has fewer weather (fog) delays than SFO but I still like the San Francisco airport. MUCH more to do (shops, food, etc.) if you're delayed, too.

mt

Hi Rebecca!
I flew into Oakland a couople of years ago and used BART to get to my hotel via downtown SF.
But as others have pointed out, if you have a luggage, I would suggest a taxi or even door to door shuttle vans (but a taxi will be faster..more costly but faster).

Rebecca

Once Again, I just want to thank everyone for their insight on this subject.
Based on everyone's advise, I booked my flight to Oakland last week! Since there's 3 of us, we will most probably take a taxi.
I'm really looking forward to this vacation!
Take care!