Getting around Oakland, CA
Planning to travel in Oakland? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Oakland experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around Oakland
Walking
Oakland’s compact neighborhoods and dense street grid make walking a practical option for getting around. The city’s mild climate is generally conducive to walking year-round, allowing residents and visitors to comfortably explore on foot. Many areas are easily accessible, with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within walking distance. However, the city’s varied topography, including some hilly areas, might pose a challenge for those less inclined to tackle inclines. Overall, walking is a convenient way to navigate Oakland, especially for shorter trips.
Biking
Biking in Oakland is a practical way to get around, thanks to a network of bike lanes and paths that connect various parts of the city. The terrain is mostly flat, making it easier for cyclists to navigate. The city has invested in improving biking infrastructure, which includes dedicated bike lanes and bike parking facilities. The mild climate generally provides favorable biking conditions year-round. Additionally, bike-sharing options are available through certain apps, offering flexibility for short trips.
Car
Driving in Oakland can be a practical way to get around, as the city has a network of roads that connect various neighborhoods and attractions. However, traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours, which might slow down travel times. Parking is available but can be challenging to find in busy areas. The city’s infrastructure supports car travel, but drivers should be prepared for occasional roadwork and maintenance. Weather conditions are generally mild, making driving feasible year-round, though occasional rain may affect road conditions.
Train
Trains are a convenient way to get around Oakland, with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system providing extensive coverage. BART connects Oakland to nearby cities and airports, with trains running frequently throughout the day. The system includes multiple routes and 45 stations, making it easy to reach various destinations. Trains typically run every 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring regular service. The infrastructure supports smooth travel across the city, and the availability of Clipper Cards simplifies fare payments. Overall, trains offer a reliable and efficient transportation option in Oakland.
Ferry
Ferries in Oakland offer a convenient way to travel, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle operates six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, and is free to ride. It connects Alameda Landing to Jack London Square in Oakland, accommodating up to 31 passengers and 14 bicycles. The service runs for 12-15 hours daily, making it a reliable option for short trips across the estuary. While ferries are pedestrian and bike-friendly, they do not accommodate cars. The infrastructure supports easy boarding, and the service is accessible for wheelchairs.
Popular destinations in Oakland
Uber makes Oakland travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Oakland request rides to Coliseum BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Oakland
Uber makes Oakland travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Oakland request rides to Coliseum BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Oakland
Uber makes Oakland travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Oakland request rides to Coliseum BART Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Reserve a ride in Oakland with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Oakland. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to San Francisco International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in Oakland, California
Getting around Oakland without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Oakland.
Oakland-area airport car service
When your travel in Oakland takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Choose the best ways to get around Oakland
Taxi in Oakland
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Oakland. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.
Electric scooters in Oakland
Renting a scooter is a fun, affordable way to get around the city. With electric power, you'll get to where you need to go with ease.
Oakland taxis and other ride options
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Oakland?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Oakland anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Oakland?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Oakland. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around Oakland without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Oakland, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Oakland transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in Oakland?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Oakland or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Oakland help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Oakland is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in Oakland?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Oakland from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.
You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission at 800-894-9444 or CIU_intake@cpuc.ca.gov.
In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you’ll have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.
All trips to or from SFO are subject to a $5.50 SFO airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from OAK are subject to a $3.70 OAK airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from SJC are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. All trips to or from MRY are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberX, Comfort and Assist trips to or from SMF are subject to a $2.5 surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberXL and Uber Black SUV trips to or from SMF are subject to a $3.00 surcharge and any applicable tolls.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
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About
Explore Oakland
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes
Select your preferred language
Select your preferred language
About
Explore Oakland
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes