Thanks Peg. I called the Four Points where I tentatively booked and they said that it is an easy walk from the station as well. They didn't mention that overpass, but from the map I looked at, it probably works for it too. And surely it has an elevator at both ends!

If I bid Priceline for the area and end up with the Doubletree Berkeley (which seems often to be the case judging from Bidding for Travel) then I'd have to add in the cost and inconvenience of a taxi both on arrival at the Amtrak station via the bus and again back to the station in the morning.

OK, I went to visit my friend in Antioch, bus to Emeryville.

In San Francisco, the bus came 10 minutes earlier, so everybody had enough time to settle in. The bus stop is only a pole with the Amtrak schedule on it, it's on Embarcadero Blvd, a few yards away from the office.

Patrick, do you need more details on the SFC stop?

The bus took us to Emeryville station, to board the train you need to go through the waiting area, no need to walk around like some passengers did :)

Now, the overpass. Go through the waiting hall, and to your right. It looks like 2 jail towers with a barbed wire overpass :)) Yes, both sides have elevators, I walked over to see it for you, both worked, people were using them.

The other side is by the Borders bookstore.

Thanks, Faina. Looks like we'll be taking the bus over the night before our train. We'll take BART from SFO to Embarcadero and then catch the bus to Emeryville. I guess I'll find the stop -- just south of the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero? Is it on the water side or the other side of the Embarcadero?

Dear Patrick:

Faina is correct: just a pole with the schedule. We have done the Amtrak/Emeryville/SF deal from Sacto several times. Caught the bus at Market Street, right across from Powell St. turn table and also at the Embarcadero. Just to the S. of the Ferry Bldg, same side.

Several other stops in the city.

Good luck,

MY

The bus stop is on the water side of Embarcadero, approximately between Market and Mission. If you see Sinbad's restaurant sign, you are in the right place. There are benches to wait for the bus.

All buses stop there. The office may still be opened, if you need anything, it's right across the restaurant entrance, almost on the water.

Michelle, do all Amtrak buses stop on Market St now? I remember, there was a schedule, some stop on Market, some go to Pier 39, is it different now?

Faina:

I don't know about now. Several years back I thought it stopped at all the stops, each time. Caltrain station, Market, Embarcadero, Hyatt, Pier 39? Maybe it has changed?

MY

As everything and everybody are quiet I took the liberty to post a GTG, please reply to this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35156610

Neo, I highly recommend the Woodfin, it is only about 3-4 years old and right across the parking lot from the Amtrack Station.

You can take a cab from the Ashby Bart Station in Berkeley.

thereyet

The Woodfin would be my first choice but not at $200 a night plus tax just for a short sleep and early departure. $90 savings for the Four Points is significant.

Let me ask again.

I see that the West Oakland BART station is only a little over 3 miles from the Four Points in Emeryville, and Mapquest says 8 minutes. Does it make more sense to just take BART from SFO to West Oakland, then a taxi, than to take BART from SFO to Embarcadero, then the Amtrak Bus to Emeryville?

Patrick, you don't want to be at this station in the evening. Not safe. And I doubt there will be any taxis in that area.

OK, I just assumed there were always taxis outside BART stations. I'll go back to plan A.

Oh Patrick, I am glad you are listening to Faina as I so agree that you do not want to be at the West Oakland BART station.

L'Italy, we have to take him on a field trip :))

Now you guys have me all excited. The West Oakland BART station could be the most exciting part of the trip from the sounds of it!

Yep. We all love this station. Through BART windows.

Or do you mean ... barred windows!!

SFO to Ashby Bart station in Berkeley.

1.5 miles, not a "bad" neighborhood, almost always a taxi available. :)

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=f...=en&tab=wl

thereyet

Sorry that link didn't work.

try this,

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sadd...11055&z=13

Hmmm. Although I see that does take a BART transfer along the way, if I'm reading it right.