Oakland to San Francisco

Question

My husband and I (60s) will be arriving on Oakland airport at 11:30pm on a Monday and leaving at 7:30am on Wed. We thought we would spend the day Tues in San Francisco probably at a museum or Muir Woods. We thought we'd stay at an airport hotel since we have such lousy flight times and commute into San Francisco on Tuesday to spend the day. Suggestions for transportation in/out of San Francisco and hotel near Oakland airport.

Answer

Given your late arrival at Oakland Airport and early departure, staying at a hotel near the airport is the most convenient option. It will save you stress and travel time while giving you the chance to enjoy a full day in San Francisco on Tuesday.

Hotel Recommendations near Oakland Airport:

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport: A comfortable, modern hotel with shuttle service to the airport and reasonably priced rooms.
Hilton Garden Inn Oakland Airport: Convenient location, clean and safe, offers airport shuttle service and early check-in options.
Hyatt Place Oakland Airport: Spacious rooms, airport shuttle, good for early morning departures.

Transportation to San Francisco:

Rental Car: Renting a car gives you flexibility to drive to Muir Woods, museums, or other points of interest. Oakland Airport has multiple rental agencies, and traffic from Oakland to SF is manageable if you leave early in the morning.
Ride Share / Taxi: Uber or Lyft are convenient for a one-way trip into San Francisco. Expect a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Public Transport: You could take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from the Coliseum station near the airport into downtown SF. This is economical and avoids traffic stress, though it may take slightly longer than driving.

Suggested Day in San Francisco:

If you want to enjoy nature, Muir Woods is an excellent choice; renting a car or taking a guided tour from SF is recommended.
If you prefer museums, consider the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) or the California Academy of Sciences, both centrally located and accessible via public transport or taxi.
Plan for meals in neighborhoods near your attractions to minimize travel time—Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf have many options.

Overall, staying near Oakland Airport, using either a rental car or ride share for your San Francisco day trip, and planning a few key activities will make your short visit stress-free and enjoyable despite the tight schedule.

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