Ultimate Guide to Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Your Complete Airport Guide for a Smooth Travel Experience
Introduction: Why Fly from Oakland International Airport?
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is one of the primary airports in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving millions of passengers annually. Located just 10 miles south of downtown Oakland, California, and 25 miles from San Francisco, OAK provides a convenient alternative to the often-congested San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
With fewer delays, affordable parking, easy access to BART, and a wide range of domestic and international flights, Oakland Airport is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you’re flying to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, or beyond, this guide covers everything you need to know about Oakland International Airport (OAK)—from terminals, airlines, and lounges to transportation, parking, and nearby hotels.
1. General Information About Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Airport Code: OAK
- Location: 1 Airport Drive, Oakland, CA 94621
- Owned & Operated By: Port of Oakland
- Elevation: 9 feet (3 meters)
- Annual Passenger Traffic: 11 million+
- Terminals: 2 (Terminal 1 & Terminal 2)
- Runways: 4
- Major Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Volaris
Oakland Airport serves as a key hub for Southwest Airlines, offering low-cost fares and direct flights to popular domestic and international destinations.
2. Airlines and Destinations at Oakland International Airport
OAK provides nonstop flights to major U.S. and international destinations, catering to business travelers, vacationers, and Bay Area residents.
Major Airlines Operating at OAK:
- Southwest Airlines (Largest carrier at OAK)
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Volaris (International flights to Mexico)
Top Domestic Destinations from OAK:
✔ Los Angeles (LAX)
✔ Las Vegas (LAS)
✔ San Diego (SAN)
✔ Seattle (SEA)
✔ Phoenix (PHX)
✔ Denver (DEN)
✔ Honolulu (HNL)
✔ Portland (PDX)
International Destinations from OAK:
✔ Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)
✔ Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL)
✔ Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (SJD)
✔ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR)
💡 TIP: Flying internationally? Oakland International Airport offers a simpler and faster customs process compared to SFO.
3. Terminals at Oakland International Airport
Oakland International Airport has two main terminals, both offering modern amenities and easy navigation.
Terminal 1:
- Serves Alaska Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Volaris
- 16 gates (Gates 1-17)
- International Arrivals & Customs located here
Terminal 2:
- Serves Southwest Airlines exclusively
- 13 gates (Gates 20-32)
- Recently upgraded with expanded food and shopping options
Airport Services & Amenities in Both Terminals:
✔ Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
✔ Multiple charging stations for laptops and smartphones
✔ Family-friendly facilities (nursing rooms, children’s play areas)
✔ Diverse dining options (sit-down restaurants, grab-and-go, and coffee shops)
✔ Retail shops offering travel essentials and souvenirs
💡 TIP: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at both terminals, allowing faster security clearance.
4. Transportation to and from Oakland International Airport
Oakland International Airport is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and rideshare services.
Public Transit Options:
🚆 BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) – The fastest and most affordable way to get to OAK from San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. Take the Coliseum–Oakland International Airport BART line for a quick, seamless connection.
🚌 AC Transit Buses – Local bus service connects the airport to Oakland, Alameda, and East Bay cities.
Taxis & Rideshare Services:
🚖 Uber & Lyft – Pickup areas are clearly marked outside both terminals.
🚕 Traditional Taxis – Metered taxi service available outside baggage claim.
Car Rentals at OAK:
Major car rental companies operate on-site, with free shuttles from the terminal to the Rental Car Center:
✔ Enterprise Rent-A-Car
✔ Hertz
✔ Budget
✔ Avis
5. Parking at Oakland International Airport
OAK provides affordable, convenient parking options with short-term, long-term, and economy parking.
| Parking Type | Hourly Rate | Daily Max | Weekly Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Parking | $4 per 30 mins | $38 | $250 |
| Hourly Parking | $2 per 30 mins | $34 | $210 |
| Daily Parking | $1 per 30 mins | $24 | $140 |
| Economy Parking | $1 per 30 mins | $18 | $110 |
💡 TIP: Reserve your parking online in advance for discounted rates and guaranteed availability.
6. Hotels Near Oakland International Airport
For early morning flights or long layovers, there are plenty of hotels near OAK offering free airport shuttles:
✔ Hilton Oakland Airport (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – Business-friendly with shuttle service.
✔ Holiday Inn Express & Suites OAK (⭐⭐⭐) – Free breakfast & Wi-Fi.
✔ Courtyard by Marriott OAK Airport (⭐⭐⭐) – Modern rooms & pool.
✔ Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport (⭐⭐⭐) – Budget-friendly option.
7. Travel Tips for Oakland International Airport
✔ Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights.
✔ Check TSA wait times on the OAK website before heading to the airport.
✔ Use BART for an easy and cheap ride to/from San Francisco and Oakland.
✔ Take advantage of Southwest’s flexible cancellation policy for hassle-free travel.
✔ Download airline apps for real-time flight updates and mobile boarding passes.
Conclusion: Why Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the Best Choice
Oakland International Airport is the best alternative to SFO, offering shorter lines, cheaper flights, and faster security processing. With direct flights to over 50 destinations, affordable parking, and convenient BART access, OAK is the smart choice for travelers in the Bay Area.
