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Oakland · United States

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is situated approximately 10 miles south-east of downtown Oakland and 20 miles east of downtown San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay. The airport consists of two passenger terminals connected landside and airside, serving both domestic routes and select international destinations. It provides a smaller, relatively straightforward entry point to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Terminals

Terminal 1
Terminal 2

Arriving

International travellers disembarking at Terminal 1 proceed directly through United States border control and customs facilities.

  • Follow overhead signage towards Passport Control upon leaving the aircraft.
  • Present your passport, visa or ESTA approval, and completed customs paperwork (if applicable) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
  • Collect your checked luggage from the baggage carousels in the international arrivals area.
  • Pass through the customs inspection point before exiting into the main public arrivals hall.
  • Follow ground transport signs outside the terminal for BART, buses, taxis, or rideshare pick-up areas.

Getting to the city

  • Train

    Rail (BART)

    The automated BART Oakland Airport Connector train link departs from outside the terminals to Coliseum Station, where passengers transfer to main BART lines.

    Time:
    Roughly 15-30 minutes to Oakland; 30-45 minutes to San Francisco
    Typical cost:
    Typically $3 to $12 depending on destination
  • Ride-hailing

    Rideshare

    App-based rideshare vehicles pick up passengers at designated zones located on the second curb outside the terminals.

    Time:
    Roughly 20-45 minutes depending on destination and traffic
    Typical cost:
    Typically $30 to $70 depending on distance and demand
  • Taxi

    Taxi

    Metered taxis are available directly from the taxi ranks located outside the terminal baggage claim exits.

    Time:
    Roughly 20-45 minutes depending on destination and traffic
    Typical cost:
    Typically $40 to $90 depending on distance and traffic conditions
  • Bus

    Public Bus (AC Transit)

    AC Transit local bus services operate from marked bus stops outside the terminal buildings.

    Time:
    Roughly 15-35 minutes
    Typical cost:
    Typically $2 to $3

Connections & transfers

Connections between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are accessible on foot via a walkways post-security and pre-security.

  • Passengers transferring between domestic flights can walk between terminals behind security without re-clearing screening.
  • International arriving passengers must collect baggage, clear CBP controls, and re-clear security screening to access connecting flights.
  • Check boarding passes to confirm whether your connecting flight departs from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout both passenger terminals.

  • Select the official airport Wi-Fi network on your mobile device or laptop.
  • Accept the terms and conditions on the portal page to connect.
  • Standard internet access is free for all passengers.

Money, cards & tipping

Banking and currency services are accessible inside both terminals.

  • ATMs accepting international bank cards are located pre-security and post-security in both terminals.
  • Credit and debit cards are universally accepted by transport providers, shops, and restaurants.
  • Carrying a small amount of U.S. Dollars cash is advised for small purchases or tips.

Food & drink

A range of dining options, cafes, and grab-and-go outlets are available in both terminals.

  • Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 feature local Bay Area eateries, coffee shops, and fast-food venues.
  • Most food options are located post-security in the departures concourses.
  • Vending machines providing snacks and beverages operate 24 hours a day.

Lounges & rest

An independent passenger lounge is located in Terminal 1.

  • The Escape Lounge is situated in Terminal 1 past security near Gate 8.
  • Access can be purchased at the door or pre-booked online, subject to space availability.
  • Eligible cardholders and premium class passengers may receive complimentary access depending on provider terms.

Airport hotels

There are no on-site hotels directly inside the terminal, but several properties are located near the airport perimeter.

  • Numerous airport hotels operate along Hegenberger Road, a short drive from the terminals.
  • Many nearby hotels offer complimentary dedicated airport shuttle buses picked up at designated islands.
  • Hotel reservation boards and phones are available near the baggage claim areas.

Baggage & customs

Baggage reclaims and support services are located on the ground level of both terminals.

  • Carousels are clearly numbered and correspond to arriving flight numbers on overhead screens.
  • Luggage carts are available for a small rental fee near the baggage claim areas.
  • Report lost or damaged luggage directly to your airline's baggage service desk before exiting.

Family & accessibility

The airport provides dedicated facilities for travelling families and nursing mothers.

  • Private nursing pods (Mamava) are located post-security in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • All primary restrooms include baby changing tables.
  • Family restrooms with larger layouts are available across both terminals.

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • ATMs
  • Nursing Pods
  • Pet Relief Areas
  • Rental Car Centre Shuttle
  • Escape Lounge

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 911 for all police, medical, and fire emergencies.

  • In an emergency, dial 911 from any telephone or contact uniformed airport police officers.
  • First aid services can be requested by contacting any airport staff member or dialing emergency services.
  • For lost passports, contact your nation's nearest consulate or embassy located in San Francisco.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 4, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.