Early morning transfer to Emeryville

Hi all,

We are staying in Fisherman's Wharf and need to get to Emeryville Station for about 7am on a Sunday morning to catch our train. Is the best option to book an Uber? Will we be able to get one fairly easily at that time on a Sunday morning? Hopefully the traffic won't be too bad then!

Thanks

For your early morning transfer from Fisherman’s Wharf to Emeryville Station on a Sunday, booking an Uber is definitely a good option. Here are some details and other potential options for your transfer:

1. Uber or Lyft
Booking an Uber (or Lyft) is convenient and should be relatively easy, even on a Sunday morning. While early mornings typically have less traffic, the availability of rides can vary, so it’s a good idea to book your ride a little in advance, especially since you’ll be heading to Emeryville Station early. The drive from Fisherman’s Wharf to Emeryville takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, and there shouldn’t be much congestion at 7am on a Sunday.

  • Timing: You might want to schedule your Uber to pick you up around 6:00 or 6:15 am to allow some buffer time in case of any delays. This gives you ample time to reach Emeryville by 7:00 am.
  • Ride Availability: While Sunday mornings are generally less busy than weekdays, Uber/Lyft drivers may still be limited at that hour. Booking early should ensure that a ride is secured. If you're concerned, check the app for availability or request your ride a bit ahead of time.
  • Cost: The ride is likely to be less expensive in the early morning due to less demand. However, always check the app for surge pricing in case there’s an unexpected increase in demand.

2. Public Transit
If you’d like an alternative to an Uber or Lyft, you could use public transit, though it may take longer and involve a transfer. From Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take the San Francisco Muni buses or cable cars to a BART station like Embarcadero. Then, take BART to the East Bay (Emeryville is one of the stops). However, this option would require more time and might not be as convenient with luggage.

  • BART from Embarcadero: The BART station at Embarcadero is fairly close to Fisherman’s Wharf, but you’ll need to transfer between Muni and BART to get to Emeryville. The ride itself takes around 25 minutes, but you’ll need extra time for transfers, waiting for trains, and walking.
  • Time Considerations: While BART can be a good budget option, it may be more time-consuming. If you need to catch a 7:00 am train, leaving by 5:30 am or earlier might be necessary to ensure you arrive on time.

3. Shuttle Services
Some hotels in the Fisherman’s Wharf area may offer shuttle services to key locations like Emeryville, though this is less common. It’s worth asking the front desk at your hotel if they have any shuttle options available. If they do, this would be a hassle-free way to travel without worrying about availability or surge pricing on rideshares.

  • Hotel Shuttles: Hotel shuttles might be available early, but they often have specific schedules, so it's best to confirm this in advance.
  • Private Transfers: You could also arrange a private transfer service through your hotel or a local company, but this might be pricier than Uber or Lyft.

Final Thoughts:
Given that you're traveling early on a Sunday, an Uber or Lyft is probably your best bet, as it offers the convenience of door-to-door service with minimal hassle. Just be sure to book ahead to ensure availability. Public transit is a more affordable option but will take longer and require a transfer. The shuttle or private transfer could be a good backup if you want the least amount of stress.


More San Francisco Travel Questions