<p>I don't know how to get to the campus from the airport!!!
I mean, I know there are shuttles and stuff, but does anyone have recommendations for which shuttle is cheap and fast?? and if we need reservations for shuttles or if we can just go there and get on a shuttle?</p>
<p>Where are you coming from? I would just take a cab from the airport to wherever you're staying. Cabs do not require reservations; although if you're in a rush, it might be less of a wait.</p>
<p>Oakland Airport: Take the shuttle to the BART station. Take the Richmond train once you're at the Oakland Airport/Colisseum station to Downtown Berkeley. Signs in the station will simply say Berkeley. It's the stop after Ashby. You can confirm this on the train, as all trains have maps of the system. The Richmond train is the red/orange line.</p>
<p>Link</a> on BART's Website</p>
<p>San Francisco Airport: Take the people mover to the BART station; it's in the international airport terminal. Take the Richmond train to Downtown Berkeley. If you can't take the Richmond train, transfer at Oakland 12th Street.</p>
<p>Link</a> on BART's Website</p>
<p>
[quote]
Take the shuttle to the BART station.
[/quote]
It's called AirBART from Oakland. Ticket machines are near the airport exits.
(Haven't been there in a few years though - could have changed). Buy a BART ticket at the station...You'll take a Richmond bound train and get off at the Downtown Berkeley station. When you get out of the station, walk one block East towards the campus (uphill).</p>
<p>is the BART system dangerous by any chance? I'm kind of scared...it'll be around 4-5 ish in the afternoon when I arrive there (for OHP and then Cal Day)</p>
<p>and thank you for replying! I've never been there so I'm so confused...</p>
<p>I like how this is a 'major crisis.' ;)</p>
<p>The BART system is not in itself dangerous. As always when using public transport, keep an eye on your belongings.</p>
<p>Just to add to QuixoticRick's post, if you can't take the Richmond train, then the Pittsburgh/Bay Point train normally runs from the SFO BART. Take that, and as has been suggested, transfer at either Oakland 12th or McArthur.
A BART ticket from SFO to Berkeley is a little more than $6; I'd buy a ticket for $8 just to be on the safe side.</p>
<p>BTW, if you take the Airbart bus from Oakland Airport to the BART station, you will need exact change. I think it is $3.00 or $4.00. BART takes debit/credit cards for their fares. BART is not dangerous, but you will be traveling in an urban area at some point between the airport and Cal so if that in itself makes you nervous, just take a cab. Some people are more comfortable taking a cab their first time just to get an idea of where things are, nothing wrong with that. A cab from Oakland airport should be around $35.00- $40.00, plus tip. Shuttles can be reserved for considerably less. You can google for the names of local shuttle companies. The easiest and most convenient way to get to campus/hotel is to take a cab and, naturally, it is also the most expensive as well.</p>
<p>Oh, man I feel your pain from a parent perspective!</p>
<p>If you have $30 to spend (I don't know your financial situation), get Bay Porter Express (BayPorter</a> Express) to pick you up at Oakland Airport (they pick you up o/s the terminal) and have them take you to where you're going to stay. Weekends, it's $25 plus tip.</p>
<p>If you don't have that kind of money, you'll need change of $5.20 (I think, price just went up) -- $3 for airbart from the terminal at Oakland which will take you to BART, then $2.20 from Oakland/Coll. stop (where Airbart drops you off) to Downtown Berkeley (head towards Richmond, NOT Fremont!). Once at Downtown Berkeley station go up and ask for the direction of the campus. It's off Shattuck, but about 10 min. from station to campus. If you are directionally challenged (about 50% of the human population!), I'd try and get the $$ for the shuttle. Also, since it's your first time, alone, I think less stress and better for your head to do it the easier way. You'll have so much going on inside over this trip, I can see how hard it might be to have to go through all this just to get to Cal on top of everything else!</p>
<p>Like I said, this is a mom point of view. And no, BART's not scary at all, but getting off at Shattuck can be a little nerve wracking.</p>
<p>^^ LOL...at least you won't be traveling right before an Oakland Raider game.</p>
<p>The BART definitely has its moments. I've seen people being robbed inside the BART before (around 11pm 12th Oakland). Anyone's seen The Brave One. We need a vigilante pronto.</p>
<p>1) transit.511.org
2) Departure: "Oakland Airport"; Arrival: UC Berkeley</p>
<p>That'll give you the info you need about prices, stops and lines to take. If you're ever not sure, ask a ticket agent or someone around. At 4-5 pm, you'll probably be seeing more business commuters than dangerous characters -- you should be okay, but remember to use common sense, remain with your belongings, and try not to look too much like a lost tourist. :)</p>
<p>I know exactly how you're feeling! Last year, I had to take a plane all by myself to Cal for CalSO and didn't know anything about the BART system. It's pretty easy after awhile. The BART isn't a scary thing. As someone said above, just be mindful of your belongings like in any other place.</p>
<p>I go to the Oakland Airport and back quite often. Don't worry, you have to start learning sometime.</p>
<p>Yeah...I definitely need to know what I'm doing so I had a little freak out moment =p thanks for your inputs though! Now I know what to do</p>
<p>@wannabeivy: BART is not scary at all, esp. at 4ish in the afternoon. There is no reason for you to fear (like certain parts of New York subway)
As UCLA77 points out the streets in Berkeley may seem nerve wrecking to some teens who have lived a sheltered life in an upscale neighborhood. But after half hour you will get used to it and enjoy the carefree, happy-go-lucky attitude in Berkeley. Remember this is where the hippie/viet movement started, so there will be remnants of that appearance... Once inside the campus, you will love the campus!
I am sure you will enjoy Cal day!</p>