Transportation

Getting to Berkeley

There are a number of different ways to get to Berkeley once you arrive at the airport. Click on the image on the right for more information or click here to download it.

Public Transportation

Comprehensive information about public transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area is available at 511 Transit. The local transit systems are:

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit) operates buses in the East Bay and to San Francisco's Transbay Terminal in the San Francisco Financial District. Riding an AC Transit bus requires exact fare.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is our local subway system, with trains running throughout the East Bay and through San Francisco.
The Municipal Railway (MUNI) in San Francisco operates buses, trolleys, and cable cars throughout the city. You can purchase a MUNI map at some San Francisco bookstores.

Trains and Long Distance Buses

Caltrain is a commuter train that runs from San Francisco to San Jose, stopping at many cities along the way.
AMTRAK is the train service that operates across the United States, including many cities within California. They have some low cost special fares to certain destinations.
Greyhound buses go throughout California and the United States from Oakland or San Francisco.

Taxis

Private taxi companies in the Bay Area and most cities can be found through an online search. Taxis are the most expensive form of transportation, but can be reasonable and convenient if you are traveling with a small group. Taxi drivers are generally tipped 10-15% of the fare.

Uber/Lyft

Lyft and Uber are apps that facilitates peer-to-peer ridesharing by connecting passengers who need a ride with drivers who have cars.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be great ways to get around campus and the surrounding areas, while also getting good exercise.

Bicycle theft is common! Always lock your bike with a heavy-duty "U" shaped lock (recommended brands: Citadel, Kryptonite). Bicycles are subject to the rules and regulations of the California Vehicle Code; obey stop signs and red lights, and signal properly when making turns, or you may be ticketed by the police. Be smart--ride defensively, wear a helmet and be aware that most drivers are "blind" to cyclists.

Driving in California

See our Driving in California page.

Buying a Car?

See our Buying a Car webpage for helpful resources for buying a car in the United States.

Parking

Parking on campus is very limited. You may want to buy a parking permit, or just purchase day passes for those occasional late meetings. See the Parking and Transportation website for more info. Good luck!

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