Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport is well known for its low cost airlines and is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. Four flight schools operate from this airport: the Alameda Aero Club, Lou Fields Aviation, Oakland Flyers and Silver State Helicopters. Car rentals, public transport and a variety of taxis, limos and shuttles service this airport making it possible for passengers to leave their vehicles at home, if they so desire. For those who do drive to the airport, there is ample parking available for stays of long and short durations. There are many types of facilities available at the airport for enjoying food and drink as well as for having fun while waiting for arriving or departing flights. There are also many options when it comes to choosing accommodation at close distances from the airport.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

There are two terminals at Oakland International Airport. From food and beverage retailers to opportunities for shopping, you will be thoroughly occupied when you have time to spend at the airport. There are ATM's located throughout both terminals. Although there are more food and beverage outlets located in Terminal 2, they are not duplicates of those in Terminal 1, which provides you with many choices when it comes to getting your favorite foods. There are also more retail stores in Terminal 2. At either terminal, you can purchase flowers 24 hours a day and take advantage of wireless Internet. The duty -free shop and the lost and found are located in Terminal 1.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

Oakland International Airport is located on Airport Drive, and intersects with John Glenn Drive and Alan Shepard Way. The Ron Cowan Parkway and the Ron Cowan Off-Ramp lead to Airport Drive. Due to the size of the city of Oakland, you are likely to encounter traffic tie-ups and congestion in the morning and late afternoon. Therefore, it is advisable to give yourself plenty of time when driving to the airport, especially if you need to be there early for international flights.

Highway 880 is the main route you have to take to reach the airport. From Highway 880 south, you have a choice of two exits - 98th Avenue or Hegenberger Road. If you take the 98th Avenue exit, you turn right when you reach the stoplight. Then you continue straight until you reach Airport Drive. If you choose the exit at Hegenberger Road, you will also need to turn right at the stoplight. Cross Doolittle Road, which will take you under the arch at the entrance to the airport. Continue driving straight on Airport Drive to arrive at the terminal.
If you are approaching the airport on Highway 880 north, you simply exit at 98th Avenue, turn right at the stoplight and proceed to the airport. For passenger pick up and drop off at the terminals, you must use the right lanes for Terminal 1 and the left lanes for Terminal 2.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

There is a car rental area located at Oakland International Airport with a regularly scheduled shuttle running to and from the airport. Although this shuttle service operates every ten minutes during the day and evening, between 1:30 and 4:30 A.M., it operates on demand. The car rental agencies are open 24 hours a day, but it is still recommended that you make reservations in advance of your arrival. Whether you are picking up or dropping off rentals, you can take advantage of this shuttle service to and from the terminals.

Two main taxi companies service the airport. These are the Friendly Cab and the Veteran Cab companies. For scheduled vans and buses, Evans Airport Service serves the Vallejo and Napa areas, while the Airport Express serves the North Bay - Marin County and Sonoma County regions. There are numerous limo services available at the airport as well as door-to-door shuttles. You should check the various services at the information desk at the airport to find the service that best meets your needs and destinations within Oakland and the surrounding area.

Public transportation is also available from the city to the airport. Bart service operates from the Coliseum to Oakland International Airport on a regular schedule that varies according to the day of the week. You can purchase tickets at the Coliseum through ticket machines. You can also purchase tickets at the same location for the AirBart service, which is a shuttle service that runs every ten minutes, stopping at both terminals.

If you are traveling to Oakland from another location, Amtrak stops at the Coliseum station for transfer to the airport shuttle. The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, also called the AC Transit, provides bus service to and from the airport via the 50 and 805 lines. Line 50 connects the airport and the Coliseum station every fifteen minutes between 5:30 A.M. and 8:30 P.M. and every thirty minutes from 8:30 and midnight. Line 805 operates from midnight to 4:30 A.M.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

At Terminal 2, there is an impressive display of art. One medium of art is on display in the general area of the terminal, while another three different mediums of art are on display inside the security area. You can enjoy a game of golf while you are waiting at the airport with the Metropolitan Golf Links located right in the airport. Along with the reasonable fees, you can enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco Bay at this golf course. Take time out to browse the exhibits at the Western Aerospace Museum located at the North Field of the airport. Here you will learn about the history of flight and the advances that have been made in the aerospace industry.

Within the terminals there is plenty to see and do for passengers and guests. Laptop Lane is located in both terminals offering wireless Internet access. You can send flowers from 24 Hour Flowers or get extra cash for your shopping at one of the ATM's.

If you need a package delivered, there is a drop off box for Federal Express in Terminal 1. At this terminal, you can store your baggage allowing you freedom to move about the terminal without having to drag your carry-on luggage with you. Take time to have your shoes shined or make a purchase at the Oakland Duty free shop. There is also a candy store and a news and gift store, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth or pick up the newspaper.

In Terminal 2, you have several options to choose from if you are looking for reading material for your flight. These include Bayfront Books, Bayfront News, Oakland News, USA Today Newstand and www.news&gifts.com. Teenagers will likely spend some time at Teen Showcase (2008) as they browse the magazines showing the latest fashions. They will also delight in the unique clothing available at Under a Silver Moon.

For your dining needs, there is a wide range of restaurants and snack bars throughout the restaurant. Enjoy large burgers at ¼ Lb Giant Burger, a burrito at 360º Burritos, pizza at Round Table Pizza or a sit down meal at Oakland's Castlemont High School Knight's Café.

In Terminal 2, there are more options for you to have an enjoyable meal before you board the plane. Here you can have the ultimate in coffee at Starbucks, a delicious ice cream cone at Fenton's Ice Cream or a sandwich to go at one of many locations.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

You won't have any difficulty getting the information you need about any of the airport facilities or the Oakland area at one of the information stations located throughout both terminals. Displays will give you the latest arrival and departure information. There are stamp machines where you can buy stamps, and you can drop off packages at the FedEx location.

Pay phones are widely available with facilities for disabled passengers and guests. Washrooms are also fitted with special facilities for the disabled and wheelchairs are available for those who need them. If you are in doubt about what disabled facilities are available, you can call the information center at Oakland International Airport at 1 - 510 - 563 - 3300.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

With the ample parking spaces available at Oakland International Airport, you can have a stress-free time at the airport. It doesn't matter whether you want to park your vehicle for an hour, a day or a week because there are areas available for anyone. There are more than 7000 parking spaces and a shuttle service between the parking lots and the terminals.

The closest parking area to the terminal is valet parking. The pick up and drop off area for this parking is located between the terminals. You will receive complimentary newspapers and bottled water along with the valet parking service, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can even have your car washed and detailed for a nominal fee. The hourly rate for valet parking is $13 for the first two hours. From two to four hours, the cost is $24 and the daily rate here is $39. Disabled passengers can benefit from a discounted rate of $10 for the first two hours.

The next closest parking lot is for hourly parking, located just behind the valet parking area. This is the closest lot for parking for daily and overnight parking. The cost is $2 for thirty minutes up to a maximum of five hours. After five hours, the daily rate of $32 applies. There is also a daily parking lot, with the same jhourly rates, but the daily rates are $22.

If you want value for your money when parking at Oakland International Airport, the best value parking is located at John Glenn Drive. It is still within walking distance of the terminals, although shuttle service is available. The hourly rates are the same as the hourly parking spaces, but the daily rate is cheaper at $19 for a day.

The cheapest parking option at Oakland International Airport is in the Economy area. You can access this parking lot via the off ramp of the Ron Cowan Parkway. It costs only $2 for a thirty-minute stay and $15 for the day to park in this area. Complimentary shuttles to the terminals run on a frequent basis from this parking area. If you are just waiting to pick up a passenger or are dropping someone off at the airport, you can park in front of the terminals for up to thirty minutes. However, you must remain in your vehicle at all times.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

With twenty hotels in close proximity to Oakland International Airport, you won't have difficulty choosing accommodations for your stay in the city. However, like other cities, it is best if you make reservations in advance of your visit if you plan to be in this area during the tourist season. Within a mile from the airport, you can stay at the Hilton Airport Hotel on Hegenberger Road. Another hotel close by is the La Quinta Inn Oakland Airport, which is only two miles from the airport and from the downtown area. If you wish to stay in the midst of the historic district of Oakland, the Inn at Jack London's Square will satisfy your taste. Some of the other accommodati8ons you can choose include the Best Western, the Park Plaza Hotel, and the Waterfront Plaza Hotel. The options in accommodations range from luxury hotels and suites to more economical prices.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303

Oakland is worth more than a one-night stay over with the many forms of entertainment you will find in this city. Arts and culture are at their best in the many museums in the city. If you enjoy classical music, you will surely want to attend a performance by the symphony or attend a ballet. During the summer months, you can take in the Woodminster Summerr Musicals high in the hills surrounding the city. Oakland nightlife sizzles every night of the year and with the numerous restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, you will enjoy fantastic. The avid shopper will surely want to browse the stores of Jack London Square, and the many wares at the Old Oakland Farmer's Market. Of course, sports enthusiasts will want to take in some action at the Oakland Coliseum when the sports teams are playing their home games. Let Oakland International Airport be the start of your vacation in this beautiful city.

Need Transportation? Call 800-984-4303