Cal visit logistics--2025 edition

Question

Note that I've already read the closed Cal football game thread below that is 7 years old. I've got different plans in mind than football. My plans require a visit in 1 miserable day (land AM, depart last PM flight and sleep on the plane to the east.) I'm trying to put the airport ground transport together, and I would prefer not to rent a car.

1. Is Waymo really an option to/from the airport? (I know about Uber/Lyft, but this sounds cool to try).

2. Any reliable taxi companies?

3. Are there still safety issues with BART to/from campus, particularly at night. I will be traveling solo.

4. Any other updates to that closed thread?

Thanks.

Answer

For a one-day visit to UC Berkeley without renting a car, here’s a detailed update for 2025 logistics and safety considerations.

1. Waymo to/from the airport:

Waymo offers autonomous ride-hailing in select parts of the Bay Area, but its coverage is currently limited primarily to the East Bay, San Francisco, and parts of Mountain View and Santa Clara. It is not a fully reliable option for direct trips from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Berkeley. Uber, Lyft, or a traditional taxi remain the most practical choices for airport-to-campus transportation.

2. Reliable taxi companies:

Yellow Cab SF: Operates throughout the Bay Area and can pick up from SFO and drop off in Berkeley. Phone or app-based dispatch is recommended.
City Cab SF: Another dependable option; often available at the airport taxi queue.
Luxor or Lux Cab: Slightly pricier but known for punctual and safe service, especially if traveling solo at night.

3. BART safety:

BART service is fully operational and frequent, including SFO to Berkeley. Daytime travel is generally safe, and security presence has improved since older reports.
Evening or late-night travel is usually fine but, as with any urban transit, remain aware of your surroundings, avoid empty cars, and keep personal items secure.
The main BART stations in Berkeley, such as Downtown Berkeley or Ashby, are well-lit and active. Walking a short distance to campus during the day is straightforward; at night, consider using a rideshare from the station if you feel uncomfortable.

4. Other updates for visiting Cal in 2025:

Campus parking has remained limited, reinforcing the convenience of using rideshares or BART.
Several new walking and biking paths on campus make it easy to get between major sites quickly.
Downtown Berkeley has more cafes and restaurants open, which is useful if you have a tight schedule and want a quick meal between classes or campus landmarks.
Plan for about 30–45 minutes from SFO to Berkeley via rideshare, traffic permitting.

Summary: For your one-day visit, taking Uber or Lyft from SFO is the fastest and most convenient. Taxis are reliable but may take slightly longer to queue. BART is safe during the day and early evening, but rideshare from the station can be used at night. Waymo is not yet a practical airport option.