Santa Cruz to Oakland International Airport (OAK) - iridethebus.org

Buying a BART ticket

Go right as you get off the 180 or 181 bus. Enter the station. Buy a $3.40 ticket from one of the metallic machines. Each passenger needs one.

Finding the BART train

After buying your ticket, find a fare gate. Insert your ticket into the slot on the front of the fare gate (the slot you want is always to your right), retrieve it from the slot on top, and go through. Keep the ticket; you will need it later.

Go up to the platform. Look for a green Next Train sign, and get on the indicated train. The destination doesn’t matter.

Preparing to get off at at Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station

The agent will announce Coliseum/Oakland Airport. On the left, you will see the Coliseum (a modern, concrete stadium) and a parking lot.

Finding the AC Transit 50 bus

After you get off the BART train, go downstairs. Find a white transfer machine, press the button, and take a BART-to-Bus transfer. Re-process your BART ticket in one of the fare gates. Exit the station on the left side, ignore the pricey AirBART shuttle, cross the street, and wait at the bus stop marked 50.

Using the Capitol Corridor train

Please review the Capitol Corridor information on the Santa Cruz to Sacramento page. When you are finished with that page, use your Web browser’s “Back” command to return here. Differences to note:

• Buy a ticket to Oakland - Coliseum/Airport.
• The fare is $13 from San Jose. If you are quoted one dollar more, request Oakland - Coliseum/Airport Station, not Oakland - Jack London Station.
• Ask for two Capitol Corridor Transit Transfers when the train conductor collects your ticket. Use one for a free ride to the airport on AC Transit, and one for a free ride back. Transfers are valid for a few days, as indicated.
• Get off at Oakland - Coliseum/Airport Station, which comes after Hayward Station but before Oakland - Jack London Station. The train conductor will announce it.

Finding the AC Transit 50 bus

After you get off the Capitol Corridor train, follow the station roadway. When you reach the main street, San Leandro Street, turn left. Wait at the bus stop marked 50. Ignore the pricey AirBART shuttle across the street.

Getting on the AC Transit 50 bus

• If you have a BART-to-Bus transfer, hand it to the bus driver and pay $1.50. Make sure that the driver returns the large stub; save it for your return trip.
• If you have two Capitol Corridor Transit Transfers, hand one to the bus driver and pay nothing; save the second transfer for your return trip. If the driver is unfamiliar with the Capitol Corridor Transit Transfer Program, explain that you have just gotten off an Amtrak Capitol Corridor train and are entitled to a free local bus ride away from the station. Mention that there is a new Amtrak Capitol Corridor station across the street from the BART station.
• If you do not have a transfer, pay $1.75.

Preparing to get off at the Airport

The AC Transit 50 bus makes one stop at the Airport, between Terminals 1 and 2. For Terminal 2, which serves Southwest Airlines, walk in the same direction as the bus. For Terminal 1, which serves all other airlines, walk in the opposite direction.

Finding the return bus (AC Transit 50)

Follow the ground transportation signs. The bus stop is between Terminals 1 and 2, on the 4th Curb (you will cross three roadways).

There are two different Route 50 buses. Always ask the driver whether the bus is going toward the Coliseum BART Station.

• If you have a BART-to-Bus transfer stub, hand it to the driver and pay $1.50.
• If you have a Capitol Corridor Transit Transfer, hand it in and pay nothing. If the driver is unfamiliar with the Capitol Corridor Transit Transfer Program, explain that you are about to catch a return train and are entitled to a free local bus ride back to the station. Mention that there is a new Amtrak Capitol Corridor station across the street from the BART station.
• If you do not have a transfer, pay $1.75.

Preparing to get off at Coliseum BART Station

Coliseum BART Station is a major stop. Look for the Coliseum, the parking lot, and a dramatic concrete freeway overpass.

If you are returning home on the Capitol Corridor, skip ahead to the Capitol Corridor instructions.

Finding the return train (BART)

If you are returning on BART, enter the BART station, which will be on your right. Buy a $3.40 BART ticket and process it in one of the fare gates. Red signs and automated announcements indicate where the trains are going. Get on the next Fremont train. Avoid all other trains.

Preparing to get off at Fremont

Fremont is the last stop. An agent will announce it.

Finding the return bus (VTA 180/181)

After getting off the BART train, go downstairs. Find a white transfer machine, press the button, and take a transfer. Re-process your ticket in a fare gate on the side opposite the glass booth. Turn right and leave the building. The VTA 180/181 bus stop is straight ahead.

Hand the (new) transfer to the bus driver and deposit $1.75 in the farebox ($3.50 if you forgot to get a transfer).

Alternative: Finding the return train (Capitol Corridor)

If you are returning on the Capitol Corridor, do not enter the BART Station when you get off the AC Transit 50 bus. Instead, cross the street and walk to the Capitol Corridor station. If you do not have a Capitol Corridor ticket, you can buy one on the train, from the train conductor. (Since there is no ticket counter or ticket machine at this station, there is no penalty.) Red signs indicate where the trains are going. Get on the next San Jose train. Avoid all other trains.