San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

Experience the Bay Area's engineering marvel: connecting San Francisco & Oakland with stunning views, history, and the dazzling Bay Lights.

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Bay Bridge

The Bay Bridge, officially the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning the San Francisco Bay and connecting the cities of San Francisco and Oakland. Opened in 1936, it's a vital transportation artery and an iconic landmark, offering stunning views and a testament to engineering.

A brief summary to Bay Bridge

San Francisco, Rincon Hill, California, 94111, US
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Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

To avoid traffic, cross the bridge during off-peak hours, typically before 7 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays.
Take advantage of the Bay Bridge Trail for biking or walking to Yerba Buena Island for scenic views.
Visit at night to witness the Bay Lights, a stunning LED light installation that illuminates the bridge.
Carpooling can save money on tolls during weekday peak hours.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown San Francisco, several AC Transit Transbay bus lines (e.g., L, LA, FS, J) provide service to the East Bay, crossing the Bay Bridge. These buses can be accessed at the Salesforce Transit Center. A single ride on AC Transit costs around $2.50 - $5.00. Some lines allow local trips, but you must inform the driver before paying your fare.
Driving

From downtown San Francisco, follow I-80 East directly onto the Bay Bridge. Be prepared for a toll when entering the bridge from the Oakland side. As of 2025, the toll for solo drivers is $8, payable via FasTrak or pay-by-plate. Carpools (3+ people) with FasTrak pay $4 during weekday peak hours. Parking near the Bay Bridge in Oakland varies in price, with some lots offering hourly rates around $2.75. Limited 5-hour parking is available near the Bay Bridge Trail at 210 Burma Road.
Biking

From Oakland, access the Bay Bridge Trail for a scenic bike ride to Yerba Buena Island. The trail is open from 6 AM to 9 PM. You can rent a bike in Oakland and follow the designated path. Limited parking is available at the Bridge Yard building at 210 Burma Road. AC Transit buses can accommodate two bikes at a time with bike racks on the front of its buses.

Discover more about Bay Bridge

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is more than just a way to get from San Francisco to Oakland; it's a symbol of the Bay Area's ingenuity and a vital part of its history. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge boasts its own unique charm and impressive engineering feats. Conceived as early as the Gold Rush days, with Emperor Norton famously advocating for it, construction finally began in 1933. The bridge opened in 1936, a testament to the era's ambition and a crucial link between the East Bay and San Francisco. The bridge is actually made up of a series of different bridge types, including two suspension bridges, a tunnel through Yerba Buena Island, and a cantilever truss section. This design was necessary to navigate the unique challenges of the bay's depth and geology. Today, the Bay Bridge carries hundreds of thousands of vehicles every day. For those not driving, the Bay Bridge Trail provides a path for bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the views from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. At night, the Bay Lights installation transforms the bridge into a dazzling display of public art, with thousands of LED lights creating a shimmering spectacle across the bay.