Originally Posted by
3hearts
We are taking the Amtrak from Anaheim to San Francisco. It is the same cost to get off at Jack London Square, Emeryville, or the Financial District bus stop. We are a family of 5 and will be staying at the Fairmont 2 nights.
Arrival at OKJ is scheduled for 9:24, Emeryville 9:54, or the thruway bus (OKJ to Embarcadero) 10:15, which is just under a mile to the hotel. I understand that Amtrak frequently runs behind schedule so arrival may be even later.
I've considered getting off at OKJ and taking an Uber/cab to save time. Will it be hard to get a cab/Uber for 5 that late at night (weeknight)? Or will that be more of a hassle than just transferring on the Amtrak bus? Or if we take the bus is it safe to walk the mile to the hotel that late at night or will we need an Uber anyway? We are in shape enough that the distance alone won't bother us but I can't tell if it's a safe or pedestrian-friendly route.
What would you do? Kids are teens/tweens. After 12 hours on a train we want to get to the hotel as quickly and efficiently as possible even if we have to pay a little extra for a cab.
Amtrak in California often runs very late. Sad, but true.
I would opt to get off Amtrak in San Jose and take CalTrain to San Francisco. Why go to Oakland at all? Worst case, you get into SJ very late, get a local hotel and then get CalTrain to SF in the morning. Best case, you save considerable time in getting to SF.
Walking in that part of SF late at night: I wouldn't.