To/From Oakland Arena for Concert

Question

I will be taking my kids to a concert at Oakland Arena. It will be getting out late at night (~ 10:30/11PM)...I would appreciate opinions on the safest way to get to/from the arena. I am considering staying at Mariott City Center and taking BART as that seemed to be an easy option. Another idea was staying further out in Berkley at Claremont Resort and taking Uber - but that seems stressful as not sure how quickly we could get an uber and read walking to rideshare can be a bit iffy? I would appreciate hearing everyone's experiences with either of these options (or if you had a better option in mind). I have not been to this Arena, so I am unfamiliar with how to navigate this. Thank you.

Answer

Attending a late-night concert at Oakland Arena with kids requires some planning, especially for safe and stress-free transportation. Both BART and Uber are viable options, but each has pros and cons depending on your hotel location and comfort level with walking at night.

Staying at the Marriott City Center in downtown Oakland:

BART: The closest BART station is 12th Street/Oakland City Center, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. BART provides a straightforward route to the arena, especially if you’re using the Coliseum station. Trains run every 15–20 minutes late at night, but after 10:30PM, service may be slightly less frequent, so check the schedule. Security is generally good, but staying aware of your surroundings is always wise.
Walking: The walk from the BART station to Oakland Arena is short (about 5–10 minutes) and well-lit, though it may be busy with other concert-goers. This is generally safe in a group.
Parking: If you choose to drive, the hotel has parking, but you will need to check arena parking availability, which can be crowded during events.

Staying at Claremont Resort in Berkeley:

Uber/Lyft: The ride to Oakland Arena is around 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic, but after a concert, demand skyrockets. You may face long wait times for a ride back, and pickup locations can be crowded and confusing.
Safety considerations: Walking to a rideshare pickup spot in the dark with kids may be less desirable. The Claremont area is generally safe, but navigating to busy pickup zones can be stressful.
Alternative: Consider booking a private car service in advance. Some local companies offer guaranteed pick-up times which can be more comfortable and less stressful for families with children.

Other tips:

Consider staying downtown near the arena to minimize walking and rideshare hassles.
Arrive early to allow stress-free parking or train boarding.
If using BART, familiarize yourself with schedules and platform locations ahead of time.
Keep your phone charged and apps ready for real-time transit updates.

Overall, staying near downtown Oakland (Marriott City Center) and using BART or a short Uber ride is generally the safest and simplest option for families attending late-night concerts. Booking a private car in advance is a solid alternative if staying further out in Berkeley.

To/From Oakland Arena for Concert

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