San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
An iconic structure connecting San Francisco and Oakland, offering stunning views and a vital transportation link across the Bay.
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, often called the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay and connecting San Francisco to Oakland. Opened in 1936, it's a vital transportation link and an iconic landmark, carrying over 260,000 vehicles daily.
A brief summary to San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
- San Francisco – Oakland Bay Brg, San Francisco, California, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit Yerba Buena Island or Treasure Island for great photo opportunities of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
- Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic, especially during commute times.
- The Bay Lights, a stunning display of LED lights, illuminate the bridge at night, making it a must-see evening attraction.
Getting There
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Driving
The Bay Bridge is accessible via Interstate 80. If you're coming from San Francisco, follow I-80 East. From Oakland, take I-80 West. Note that tolls are collected in the westbound direction (towards San Francisco). As of July 2025, the toll for most vehicles is $8. Payment is electronic via FasTrak or a license plate account. Parking near the bridge in San Francisco can be found in various garages, with hourly rates typically ranging from $4 to $8. Parking is also available in Oakland, with similar rates. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak commute hours.
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Public Transport
To reach the Bay Bridge via public transport, you can use BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) or AC Transit buses. BART offers service to both San Francisco and Oakland. From San Francisco, take BART to Embarcadero or Montgomery Street stations and transfer to a local bus line that travels towards the East Bay. From Oakland, several AC Transit Transbay lines cross the Bay Bridge. A single ride on Muni (San Francisco's public transport) is $3.00, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. AC Transit fares vary depending on the route, but a single adult fare is typically around $3.00.
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Walking
While pedestrian access is limited, the Bay Bridge Trail offers a path on the eastern span, connecting Oakland to Yerba Buena Island. To access the trail from Oakland, you can start at the Shellmound Street Trailhead in Emeryville or the Burma Road Trailhead in Oakland. From the Shellmound Street Trailhead, walk west on 40th Street, which turns into Shellmound Street. The trailhead is across from IKEA. From the Burma Road Trailhead, the trailhead is at 210 Burma Road, approximately half a mile west of the intersection of Maritime Street and Burma Road. There is no pedestrian access across the entire Bay Bridge. The Bay Bridge Trail is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
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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Bay Bridge
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Ferry Building
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Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
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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
Waterbar Restaurant
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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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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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Rickhouse
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Mr Bing's
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Lion's Den Lounge and Bar
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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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