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Metropolitan Oakland Layover Guide (OAK)

What are you looking for in OAK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Oakland Airport (OAK) is an international airport located in Oakland, California. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown San Francisco. The airport officially opened in 1927. Oakland is part of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its cultural diversity and dynamic arts scene. It’s also recognized for its historic architecture, bustling port, and access to beautiful natural landscapes like redwood parks and waterfront trails.

Can you leave Oakland Airport (OAK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave OAK during a layover if you have enough time, pass through US Customs and Immigration, and hold a valid visa or ESTA approval. Ensure transit time allows re-entry security. Non-visa waiver travelers must obtain the appropriate visa. Check airport policies, baggage claim requirements. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Jack London Square Explore this vibrant waterfront district offering diverse dining options, boutique shopping, live music venues, public art displays, and harbor views. Ideal for a relaxing stroll or bite by the estuary. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Take BART from OAK to 12th St./Oak City Center, then a 10-min ferry shuttle or taxi.)
• Lake Merritt Discover a tidal lagoon surrounded by parkland, wildlife refuges, and walking paths. Perfect for birdwatching, paddle boating rentals, and a quick picnic amid city skyline backdrops under leafy oak trees. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: AirBART shuttle to Coliseum BART, transfer to Lake Merritt BART, then a 5-min walk.)
• Oakland Museum of California Engage with modern interactive exhibits spanning California’s art, natural history, and cultural heritage. Dynamic rotating galleries and immersive installations provide insight into the state’s diverse communities, landscapes, and environmental narratives. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: AirBART to Coliseum, transfer to 19th St. BART, then AC Transit 11 bus (10 min).)
• Redwood Regional Park Wander through towering redwood groves, fern-covered trails, and creek crossings in this tranquil, family-friendly East Bay park. Ideal for birding, photography, forest bathing, and scenic relaxation to rejuvenate between flights. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi or rideshare (25 min); no direct public transit.)
• Chabot Space & Science Center Explore educational, hands-on astronomy exhibits, high-powered telescopes, and immersive, family-friendly planetarium shows highlighting space exploration and California’s night sky. Dynamic and engaging for adults and children fascinated by the cosmos. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Rideshare or taxi (20 min); no direct transit.)
• Fox Theater Admire restored Art Deco architecture and catch an electrifying live music performance at this iconic historic venue. Check dynamic event schedules in advance for upcoming jazz, rock, or comedy shows. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: BART from airport to 12th St./Oak City Center, then a 5-min walk.)
• Temescal Alley Browse unique boutiques, artisanal coffee shops, and gourmet eateries tucked into charming, hip alleyways. Enjoy cozy, handcrafted donuts, specialty teas, and local art exhibits in this creative, lively neighborhood enclave. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: BART to MacArthur, then AC Transit 12 bus (10 min) or 15-min walk.)
• Oakland Waterfront Pier Stroll the renovated waterfront pier boasting scenic Bay vistas, fishing spots, picnic areas, and outdoor art installations. Enjoy leisurely walks, family-friendly fishing or dining, golden hour photography and unforgettable memories. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: BART to Coliseum, then 15-min rideshare or city bus.)

Things to Do in Oakland Airport (OAK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Escape Lounges in Terminal 1, across from Gate 9, welcome Priority Pass and day-pass guests. The lounge offers complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, charging stations, comfortable seating, shower suites, and panoramic runway views. Pre-booking is recommended during peak hours to secure your spot and ensure a quiet, relaxing departure experience. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels cluster along Airport Access Road and Hegenberger Road, including SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn, and Marriott. Most offer complimentary shuttle service, early check-in options, complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi. Book in advance for discounted park-and-fly packages combining overnight stay, shuttle transfers, and on-site or nearby parking facilities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Oakland Airport remains open 24/7, permitting connecting passengers to stay pre-security overnight in terminals. Quiet zones with bench seating and Mamava nursing suites provide privacy, collapsible tables, and USB outlets. Showers are not available, so travelers should pack earplugs and travel pillows for comfortable rest during layovers or extended waits.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Oakland Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi via the “OAK Free WiFi” network, managed by Boingo. Passengers connect to the SSID, watch a brief sponsored commercial, then enjoy a 45-minute free session. Unlimited sessions can be renewed by rewatching an ad. Premium ad-free access is available for a nominal fee. Reliable connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase physical SIM cards from retail kiosks and convenience stores near Baggage Claim, offering nationwide data and talk plans. Alternatively, pre-book eSIMs online through providers like Airalo or aloSIM for instant digital activation upon landing. Ensure device compatibility, unlock status, and select data packages to suit your trip. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi stands are located on the arrivals curb outside each terminal. Licensed Yellow Cab and Oakland Checker Cab taxis offer flat-rate and metered fares to city destinations, including downtown Oakland and San Francisco. Drivers assist with luggage; credit-card payments and app-based booking are available for added convenience and pricing.

Train: Bay Area Rapid Transit’s Oakland Airport Connector links Terminal 1 (across from baggage claim) to Coliseum Station. Trains run every nine minutes on weekdays (service from 5:00 am–midnight) and every 15 minutes on weekends. The eight-minute automated ride provides seamless airport-to-rail connections. Fares follow standard BART pricing structure. more info

Bus: AC Transit operates Lines 73 and 805 between OAK terminals and Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART Station every 15 minutes from 4:56 am–12:06 am. Line 21 connects Fruitvale and Alameda on 30-minute headways. Exact schedules and fares vary by route. Transfers to regional buses and shuttles are available nearby. Updates. more info

Shuttle: Multiple hotel and private shuttles serve OAK from designated pick-up zones on the arrivals curb. Complimentary hotel shuttles run to participating stays along Airport Access Road. Private shared-ride vans and executive shuttles require reservations. Shuttles usually operate 24 hours, with schedules and booking details available online or via providers.

Car rentals: Major rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget operate off-airport centers accessible via free shuttle from Level 1 of both terminals. Reservations are recommended to guarantee availability and preferred vehicle type. Rental desks provide assistance with insurance, fuel options, and damage waivers before departing the rental facility. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: OAK offers short-term and long-term parking in garages and lots adjacent to both terminals. Hourly garage parking is closest to curbside, while economy lots provide lower rates and shuttle service. A free cell-phone waiting lot allows drivers to wait curbside. Payment options include credit cards and pay-by-phone apps.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

OAK does not provide on-site luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers can use nearby third-party services such as Stasher and Vertoe, offering secure hourly or daily bag storage at partner businesses within a few miles of the airport. Reservations via mobile apps ensure seamless drop-off and pick-up convenience. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Oakland Airport (OAK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks