San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
Experience an iconic California landmark: drive, bike, or simply admire the stunning views from this vital link between San Francisco and Oakland.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, often called the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning the San Francisco Bay and connecting San Francisco and Oakland. Opened in 1936, it's a vital transportation link and an engineering marvel, comprising suspension, cantilever, and skyway structures.
A brief summary to San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
- San Francisco – Oakland Bay Brg, San Francisco, California, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- For stunning views of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline, head to Treasure Island or Yerba Buena Island.
- Consider visiting at night to witness the Bay Lights, a beautiful LED light installation on the bridge.
- If you're driving, be prepared for tolls when traveling westbound towards San Francisco.
- To avoid traffic, especially during peak commute hours, plan your visit during off-peak times.
- Take public transportation like BART or AC Transit to reach the bridge and avoid parking hassles.
Getting There
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Driving
If approaching from Oakland, follow I-80 West towards San Francisco. Be prepared for the toll plaza just before Yerba Buena Island; tolls are collected in the westbound direction only. As of July 2025, the toll is $8.00 for most vehicles, with a $4.00 carpool discount during weekday peak hours (requires FasTrak). Note that cash is not accepted; payment is electronic via FasTrak or a license plate account. Parking near the bridge in San Francisco can be limited and expensive. Consider using public transportation.
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Public Transport
From San Francisco, several public transportation options can get you close to the Bay Bridge. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains connect to the Transbay Terminal, a short distance from the bridge's western end. AC Transit buses also provide service across the Bay Bridge. A one-way BART ride from downtown San Francisco to Oakland costs approximately $4-$6. AC Transit Transbay bus fares are around $6 for a single ride. From either the Transbay Terminal or a bus stop in downtown San Francisco, you can walk towards the bridge or connect with local transportation to Yerba Buena Island.
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Biking
The Bay Bridge Trail provides access for bicyclists and pedestrians on the eastern span, connecting Oakland and Yerba Buena Island. There is currently no bicycle and pedestrian access across the entire Bay Bridge. To reach the trail from Oakland, follow local bike routes to the eastern end of the bridge. From San Francisco, you can take a ferry to connect to the trail on Yerba Buena Island. The Caltrans Bike Shuttle provides limited service for cyclists during peak commute hours for $1 each way.
Discover more about San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark
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Yerba Buena Lighthouse
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California Historical Landmark 84: Rincon Hill
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Matson Building and Annex
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Klamath (Historic Ship)
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Salesforce Tower
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Naval Quarters 1 Nimitz House
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California Historical Landmark 83: Two Shoreline Markers
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Mechanics Monument
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Northeast Waterfront Historic District
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Flatiron Building
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Shortest Street in California
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Transamerica Pyramid
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Jackson Square
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California Historical Landmark 81: Landing Place of Captain J. B. Montgomery
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Unmissable attractions to see
Rincon Park
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Cupid's Span
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Golden Gate Ferry Terminal Upper Level Public Viewing Area
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Experience the stunning views of San Francisco from the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal Upper Level, your perfect vantage point for iconic sights.
Bay Bridge
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Ferry Building
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Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
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Experience the vibrant flavors of San Francisco at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where local produce and gourmet delights await.
San Francisco Railway Museum
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City Cruises San Francisco
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Embarcadero Plaza
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Pier 7
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Essential places to dine
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Boulevard
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Prospect
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Delancey Street Restaurant
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Bix
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Quince
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Mourad
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Trestle Restaurant
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House of Nanking
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Begoni Bistro
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Tosca Cafe
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Bund Shanghai Restaurant
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Great Eastern Restaurant
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FUSION DUMPLING
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Z & Y Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Exploratorium Store
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Bowerbird
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SFMOMa Museum Store
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Shangri La Gifts
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Canton Bazaar
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Peking Bazaar
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Up & Up Gift Shop
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Souvenir Shop
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Angelic Pretty San Francisco
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Oriental Treasures San Francisco
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Jing Ying Gift Shop inc
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Fashion House & Gifts
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Old Shanghai
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China Station
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SFOG North Beach
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
83 Proof
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The House Of Shields
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Comstock Saloon
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Rickhouse
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Mr Bing's
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The Devil's Acre
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15 Romolo
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Local Edition
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Red's Place
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Li Po Cocktail Lounge
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Harlan Records
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Buddha Lounge
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Iron Horse Cocktails
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Temple Nightclub San Francisco
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Harlot
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Vanity San Francisco
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Monroe SF
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City Nights
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Club X
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Hawthorn SF Nightclub and Lounge
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The Grand
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Club Fugazi Experiences
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Sam's Cable Car Lounge
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Carbon
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The EndUp
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Monarch
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Pura Club
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Club Six
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