California, USA
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the closest and often the most convenient airport, approximately 12 miles south of Downtown Berkeley. San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 23 miles southwest, functions as a major international hub.
All major U.S. Airlines and many international carriers serve Bay Area airports. SFO offers direct flights from a vast array of major global cities. OAK concentrates on direct flights within North America.
Both SFO and OAK offer comprehensive facilities: dining, shopping, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.
BART (AirHelp) offers the most convenient public transit (30-40 min). Ride-sharing/taxi takes 20-40 min.
Direct BART line to Berkeley (approx. 60 min). Ride-sharing/taxi (45-75 min).
Southwest Airlines dominates OAK; United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are strong at SFO.
SFO provides the most direct flights from major global hubs.
BART is the most convenient and cost-effective public transport from both airports.
Berkeley is served by Amtrak, the national passenger rail system. The Berkeley Station (100 University Ave) is part of the Capitol Corridor route.
Greyhound operates intercity bus services across the United States. Berkeley includes a Greyhound stop, usually near the Downtown Berkeley BART station.
To rent and drive a car in California, a valid driver's license from your home country is a requirement. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
The Bay Area is known for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays) on major freeways. Plan extra travel time.
Berkeley does not present direct ferry service for passengers to San Francisco. However, access to the San Francisco Bay Ferry system is available from nearby Jack London Square in Oakland (a short BART ride or drive).
River transportation is not applicable for Berkeley. The city is situated on the Bay, not a navigable river system for passenger transport.
Berkeley's Bay location provides scenic views but lacks direct passenger ferry services within the city.
San Francisco Bay serves as the cruise port for international arrivals, not Berkeley directly.
Focus on land and air transport for accessing Berkeley and the broader Bay Area.
The United States does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing the country. Any fees associated with departure are typically included in your airline ticket price.
Both SFO and OAK provide a full range of facilities for departing travelers. BART offers a reliable and often fastest way to reach SFO or OAK from Berkeley, especially during peak traffic times.
Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Thrifty operate in the Bay Area.
DiscoverCars.com for comparing car rental deals.
Counters at SFO and OAK airports, some city locations in Berkeley/Oakland.
Double-check your flight status and terminal information on your airline's app or website before heading to the airport.
