Lois Larson
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is an international airport in Oakland, California, United States. The airport is located 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco. OAK offers nonstop service to destinations across the United States, as well as Mexico, San Salvador, and seasonal flights to Europe. The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,100 ha) of land and has two terminals with a total of 29 gates. In this answer, I will discuss the location of Oakland International Airport and some of its features, including its history, expansion plans, and nearby attractions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco |
| Owner | The Port of Oakland |
| Area | 2,600 acres (1,100 ha) |
| Airlines | Southwest Airlines, Western Airlines, American Airlines, TWA, United, Transocean Air Lines, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), British Airways, Air France Concorde, FedEx Express |
| Destinations | Cities across the United States, Mexico, San Salvador, Europe, China, Japan |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Gates | 29 |
| Nearby Attractions | Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Oyster Bay, Oracle Arena, O.co Coliseum, Oakland Metropolitan Golf Links |
| Transport | BART station, shuttle buses, limousines, public transportation |
| Amenities | EV charging stations, parking deals, lost and found |
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What You'll Learn
Oakland Airport's history
Oakland International Airport, also known as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport or OAK, is located in Oakland, California, United States. The airport is situated 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco, serving the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,100 ha) of land and is owned by the Port of Oakland.
The history of Oakland International Airport dates back to the 1920s when the city of Oakland began exploring the construction of an airport in 1925. The announcement of the Dole Air Race from California to Hawaii in 1927 provided the impetus for the purchase of 680 acres (280 ha) for the airport, and the original airfield was constructed that same year. The airport's 7,020-foot-long (2,140-meter) runway was the longest in the world at the time and was built in just 21 days ahead of the Dole Air Race. The airport was dedicated by Charles Lindbergh on September 17, 1927.
In its early years, Oakland International Airport served as the departing point for several historic flights due to its long runway accommodating fuel-heavy aircraft. Notable flights include Charles Kingsford Smith's US-Australia flight in 1928 and Amelia Earhart's final flight in 1937. In 1929, Boeing opened the Boeing School of Aeronautics at the airport, which later expanded in 1939 as part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program.
During World War II, the U.S. Armed Forces temporarily took over Oakland Airport in 1943, converting it into Naval Air Station Oakland, a base for military flights to the Pacific islands. After the war, the airport resumed civilian operations, with Western Airlines initiating flights in 1946, followed by major carriers such as American Airlines, TWA, United, and others. Oakland became a hub for non-scheduled and supplemental air carriers, with several large airlines establishing their headquarters in the city.
In the 1960s, Oakland International Airport underwent significant development with the construction of Terminal 1, a 16-gate terminal, a 10,000-foot runway, and a 10-story air traffic control tower, ushering in the jet age of commercial aviation. The airport continued to expand, adding Terminal 2 in the 1980s and improving its facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
In recent years, Oakland International Airport has continued to modernize and enhance its infrastructure. In 2008, the airport completed a $300 million Terminal Improvement Program, adding new gates, expanding waiting areas, and improving various facilities. The airport has also proposed plans for a third passenger terminal to accommodate growing demand and consolidate existing terminals. Additionally, the airport has taken steps towards sustainability, working towards an all-electric parking shuttle fleet. In 2024, the airport underwent a name change to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to better reflect its geographical location and reduce confusion with Auckland Airport in New Zealand.
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Transport options
Oakland International Airport (IATA: OAK, ICAO: KOAK, FAA LID: OAK) is located 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco. The airport covers 2,600 acres (1,100 ha) of land and has two terminals with a total of 29 gates.
Oakland International Airport offers a range of transport options for travellers to and from the airport.
For those travelling by car, OAK offers various parking options, including a Park and Call lot for those meeting or greeting arriving travellers. The airport also provides EV charging stations in the Premier, Daily, and Economy lots, where customers can charge their cars for free.
For public transport, the BART station is located across from Terminal 1's baggage claim area and is a short walk from Terminal 2. The BART operates during general BART hours, with a travel time of 8 minutes between the airport and the Coliseum. Tickets must be purchased at the BART Station, with fares based on the final destination.
There are also various shuttle bus companies under contract to the Port of Oakland, as well as limousine services.
Additionally, many Oakland Airport area hotels offer free airport shuttles to and from OAK and downtown.
For those looking for a more active mode of transport, Oakland's Metropolitan Golf Links is located just south of the Airport, offering 18 holes of golf.
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Nearby attractions
Oakland International Airport is located 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco. The airport is surrounded by a variety of attractions, events, and activities for visitors to enjoy.
For sports enthusiasts, the Oracle Arena and RingCentral Coliseum are must-visits. The two stadiums combined can hold 41,000 people and are spread over 132 acres. The stadiums are home to baseball (Oakland A's) and have also hosted special events such as Bruno Mars and Disney on Ice.
Golf lovers can head south from the airport to Oakland's Metropolitan Golf Links, which offers 18 holes of picturesque putting.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the wildlife at the near-the-runway regional parks of Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline and Oyster Bay. Birders, in particular, will be delighted by the variety of birds in the area, including the chicken-sized California Clapper Rail, red-tail hawks, osprey, and northern harriers.
For those interested in aviation, the Oakland Aviation Museum, located in a 1939 hangar, offers open cockpit tours, flight simulators, and Solent flying boat experiences, including a plane featured in Indiana Jones. The museum also provides after-dark flashlight tours, with a special paranormal edition.
Oakland also boasts a thriving dining scene, with restaurants topping "best of" lists. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines and experiences, including the newly renovated Diamonds Sports Bar, which offers an array of menu options.
With its unique attractions, inviting outdoor spaces, and exciting nightlife, Oakland has something for everyone, making it a vibrant and enjoyable place to visit.
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Parking and charging
Parking at Oakland International Airport (OAK) is convenient, affordable, and secure, with four parking lots to choose from in four price ranges. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking options, and rates include the City of Oakland Parking Tax with no hidden fees. The parking lots are regularly patrolled and under video surveillance for added security.
There are various parking options available at Oakland Airport, including the Premier Lot, located directly in front of the terminals for quick and easy access. The Premier Lot charges $4 per 30 minutes, with a maximum charge of $40 per 24-hour period. Free electric vehicle charging stations are also available in front of Terminal 2 near sections G2, J2, and K2.
Another option is the Economy Lot, which offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The Economy Lot is ideal for those looking for more affordable long-term parking, with rates starting at $2.50 per 30 minutes and a maximum charge of $18 per 24-hour period.
For even more affordable rates, consider booking your parking online in advance. Online booking provides discounted rates and peace of mind, with rates starting at $10.95 per day for first-time parkers. Additionally, off-site parking options are available through companies like Park N Fly by The Parking Spot, located off 98th Avenue near the airport.
Oakland Airport also provides a free 30-minute waiting area for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. This monitored area helps prevent circling the airport and wasting gas. For stays longer than 30 minutes, the Hourly Lot is available, with rates starting at $2.50 per 30 minutes.
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Lost and found
If you have lost an item at Oakland International Airport (OAK), there are a few steps you can take to try and retrieve it. Firstly, try not to panic and follow these instructions as soon as you realise your item is missing.
The Oakland Airport has a Lost and Found office, which can be contacted by phone. Thousands of items are logged each month, so it is important to be patient while staff work to locate your item. Providing as much detail as possible about your item will help the process. The Lost and Found office adheres to the regulations of the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, which ban prolonged stopping and standing at the curbside. This means that you cannot physically go to the Lost and Found office and must contact them remotely.
To help Lost and Found personnel locate you and your item, it is recommended that cell phone users add an emergency contact with their contact information and alternative contacts. This can be done by adding details under the "Medical ID" information on your phone. Do not leave items in the seatback pockets of airplanes, buses, or taxis, as this makes them more likely to be left behind.
If you have lost your parking receipt, you can email the Parking Management Office at *LAZ Parking*, the company that manages the parking plaza at OAK. Your email should include the exit date, the amount paid, your license plate number, and the last four digits of your credit card. A copy of your receipt will be emailed to you within 2-3 business days.
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