Travel: How far from SFO to OAK?

[Beausoir]

I'm flying into SFO and have an overnight. How long will it take me to get from the San Fran airport area to the OAK airport on a Saturday morning?

Is San Jose Airport closer to SFO than the Oakland airport is?

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Both are about the same driving time.

About 35-45 minutes with no traffic backups, so figure an hour to be safe. Note that from SFO to Oakland airport you would go south from SFO and cross the San Mateo bridge for the fastest route.

On edit: if you don't want to drive between the two airports, you can take BART from SFO to OAK Airport/Coliseum station, then a $2 shuttle (frequent, leaves from the street level) to the airport. Total time about 90 minutes.

SFO to SJC, no public transit but there may be private carriers.

[jane_pippin]

2. Try not to do San Jose if you can help it...

The last time we went that's where we flew into and the money we saved on the tickets was spent on getting into San Francisco. (Way in, shuttle cab, about $70 bucks including tip I think. Way out, Cal Train which was $12 or $20...somewhere in there, I forget).

The first time we went we flew into Oakland and it was a short trip from there to San Francisco. (A friend picked us up so I don't know what it would cost or how to do it. There's probably public transportation available depending on what time your flight is for.)

So yeah. You could do San Jose, but I don't see the point unless it's really really cheap. But that's just me. Opinions may vary.

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. SJO can also be a real mess

depending on the day and time of day. Seems like it's been in continuous expansion for the last 20 years. :eyes:

I've never been to Oakland, but I understand it's an easy airport to navigate.

If you're a bridge-phobe, note that the San Mateo Bridge is a long one — five miles or so. :scared:

[Gormy Cuss]

4. SFO construction is largely done.

It's almost pleasant to go there these days.
And I second the note on the San Mateo bridge. Not for phobics.

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. I heard on the news awhile back

that SFO was much more user-friendly now.

Hope so. I once drove the circle three times before I could get in the right lane to exit. :silly:

[Arugula Latte]

5. The Oakland Airport used to be great and now it sucks.

Always crowded; narrow walkway areas. I fly there all the time to visit family. It's always a relief to get back to Portlands fantabulous airport. But I digress. This isn't much help for you. Sorry. I'll stop babbling now.

[Beausoir]

7. Thank you all! I found a cheaper fare out of Santa Ana.

So am going to go that route.

You guys are the best!

[tjwash]

8. Don't go over the bay bridge if you can help it.

The traffic is always snarled and effed up there. If you are near SFO, go over the San Mateo bridge, and up the hiway to Oakland.