Bart Access To Oakland Airport: What You Need To Know

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) that provides access to Oakland International Airport. The Oakland Airport Connector has been in operation since 2014, replacing the AirBART shuttle bus service that ran from BART's Coliseum Station to the airport terminals. BART stations offer inexpensive multi-day parking options, and all stations have elevators and extra-wide faregates to accommodate large luggage and passengers with disabilities. Clipper Cards are required for all passengers, except children under 4, and can be purchased at Clipper vending machines at BART stations.

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system that connects Oakland International Airport with BART's Coliseum Station. The system is operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and is integrated into BART's existing fare system. However, it uses a separate and independently operated fleet of cable car-based AGT vehicles, which are not physically connected to existing BART tracks. The Oakland Airport Connector provides a convenient and efficient way to travel between the airport and downtown Oakland or San Francisco, with connections to many other Bay Area destinations.

The AGT route is approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and is mostly elevated, running in the median of Hegenberger Road. There is one underground section as the line passes under Doolittle Drive, and one at-grade section before it enters airport property on an elevated guideway. The Oakland Airport Connector operates "on demand", with typical headways of 10 minutes or less. The system includes provisions for a potential intermediate third station (Doolittle station) that may be built in the future.

The Oakland Airport Connector provides a significant improvement over the previous AirBART shuttle bus service, which operated from 1977 until 2014. AirBART was a joint project between BART and the Port of Oakland, providing a 10-minute shuttle ride from Coliseum Station to the airport terminals. However, travel times and frequency were often inconsistent due to traffic congestion. The Oakland Airport Connector offers a more reliable and efficient travel option for passengers.

The funding for the Oakland Airport Connector project came from various sources, including local, state, and federal government funds, as well as BART deficit spending. The total cost of the project was US$484 million. The system opened for revenue service on November 22, 2014, and has a ridership of about 1,300 passengers per weekday as of 2024. The base fare for travel on the Oakland Airport Connector is US$6, with discounts available for seniors, people with disabilities, and children age 12 and under.

The AirBART shuttle bus service operated from 1977 to 2014, when it was replaced by the Oakland Airport Connector

The Oakland International Airport (OAK) is accessible via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) service. While there is no longer a dedicated shuttle service between the airport and the BART station, passengers can take a short ride on the Oakland Airport Connector or opt for a shuttle service like SuperShuttle, which offers curbside service.

Historically, the AirBART shuttle bus service operated from 1977 to 2014, providing a convenient connection between the Oakland International Airport and the BART system. The AirBART shuttle bus service was a popular option for travellers, offering an affordable and efficient way to get to and from the airport. During its years of operation, it played a vital role in facilitating seamless travel for passengers using the BART system.

The AirBART shuttle buses operated at regular intervals, providing a reliable means of transportation for travellers. They were designed to accommodate passengers with luggage, ensuring a comfortable journey between the airport and the BART station. The service was well-integrated with the BART system, allowing for smooth transfers and connections.

Over time, as the demand for efficient airport transportation grew, the need for an even more seamless and direct connection between the airport and the BART system arose. This led to the development and introduction of the Oakland Airport Connector in 2014, which replaced the AirBART shuttle bus service.

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated people mover system that provides a direct and efficient link between the airport and the BART station. It offers a faster travel time compared to the previous shuttle bus service, reducing the overall travel duration for passengers. The Connector operates at regular intervals, ensuring that travellers can easily access the airport or connect to the BART system for their onward journey.

While the AirBART shuttle bus service played a significant role in serving airport travellers for many years, the introduction of the Oakland Airport Connector marked a new era of convenience and efficiency in airport transportation. The Connector's dedicated infrastructure and seamless connection have enhanced the overall travel experience for passengers using the Oakland International Airport and the BART system.

BART stations offer inexpensive long-term and multi-day parking

Yes, Oakland Airport (OAK) has BART access. To get to OAK, take an Orange Line (Berryessa) train to the Coliseum Station and go upstairs to transfer to an OAK train at Platform 3.

Daily Fee parking costs $3 per day and is first come first served for stays of up to 24 hours. It is not to be used while travelling for several days in a row. Single/Multi-day Reserved parking costs $6 per day. Monthly Reserved parking costs $105 per month and is for stays of up to 24 hours at a time, charged on a recurring monthly basis on the 15th of each month for the following month.

If you are headed to the airport, you can purchase Single/Multi-day Reserved parking on the website or the official BART app. You can reserve up to 20 weekdays of parking in advance and leave your vehicle overnight.

One option to get to SFO via BART is to purchase Multi-Day Reserved parking and drive to Millbrae Station, and then take a quick 4-minute BART ride to SFO, which is faster than the long-term parking provided at SFO. Millbrae is also cheaper at $6/day, plus free on weekends.

Clipper vending machines are available at all BART stations, and Clipper cards are required for all passengers except children aged 4 and under

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated guideway transit (AGT) system operated by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) that runs between BART's Coliseum Station and Oakland International Airport Station. The line is coloured grey on BART maps and is integrated into BART's fare system.

To ride BART, you will need a Clipper card, which can be purchased at Clipper vending machines available at all BART stations. Clipper cards are required for all passengers except children aged 4 and under. The vending machines accept cash or credit cards, and the correct fare will be automatically deducted when you hold your Clipper card over the fare gate card reader. If your card does not have enough value, a sign on the fare gate will direct you to a nearby Addfare vending machine where you can add more.

If you are travelling with children, seniors, or adults with disabilities, be sure to plan ahead and get discount Clipper cards in advance. Youth aged 5-18 years old are eligible for a 50% discount with a youth Clipper card, while seniors aged 65 and over receive a 62.5% discount with a Senior Clipper card. People with disabilities are also eligible for the 62.5% discount.

In addition to the Oakland Airport Connector, BART also offers inexpensive long-term and multi-day parking at many stations, which can be conveniently reserved online. This can be a more cost-effective option compared to airport parking, which tends to be expensive.

BART stations have elevators and extra-wide faregates to accommodate large luggage and people with disabilities

The Oakland Airport BART Station is located just across from the Terminal 1 baggage claim area and is a short walk from Terminals 1 and 2. It takes about 12 minutes to get to the 12th St/Oakland City Center Station located downtown, a few blocks from Oakland Chinatown and Jack London Square. All BART stations have elevators and extra-wide faregates to accommodate large luggage and people with disabilities. BART trains also have spaces near the doors to accommodate wheelchairs, bikes, or strollers. If these spaces are not being used by a person with a disability, you may store your luggage there, but it must be kept under your control at all times. Luggage may also be stowed under your seat or held in your lap.

BART stations also have Clipper vending machines that accept cash or credit cards. BART's fare structure is built on a mileage-based formula. To enter the BART system, hold your Clipper card or phone loaded with Clipper over the fare gate card reader. The correct fare will be deducted automatically. If your card has too little value, a sign on the fare gate will tell you to go to a nearby Addfare vending machine to add enough value to exit the BART system.

In addition to inexpensive multi-day parking, BART stations offer reserved parking for consecutive overnight stays of up to 20 weekdays. This can be purchased on the official BART app or website, where you will need to provide the license plate of the car and a phone number. There is no need to print anything in advance or display anything inside your car. Multi-day reserved parking may be purchased up to 60 days in advance, and twenty weekdays of parking may be purchased at a time. Parking on weekends is free.

Frequently asked questions