SJC to OAK area--rent car, train/bus or use Uber?
Jun 26, 2015, 6:15 pm
#1
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SJC to OAK area--rent car, train/bus or use Uber?
Three of us will be spending 2.5 days in OAK area in Nov. and don't really need a car. But we need to get from SJC to a hotel near OAK (seeing a Raider football game, etc).
Car rentals are showing $150 range and Uber says $75-$85 for the one way 35 mile trip. About the same price r/t but no worries about damage to rental car and more relaxing.
Is there a public transport option for the 3 of us that makes sense?
We'll be arriving SJC abt 10am on a Sat. so traffic shouldn't be horrible. Returning to SJC on a Monday afternoon. ca. 2pm.
Car rentals are showing $150 range and Uber says $75-$85 for the one way 35 mile trip. About the same price r/t but no worries about damage to rental car and more relaxing.
Is there a public transport option for the 3 of us that makes sense?
We'll be arriving SJC abt 10am on a Sat. so traffic shouldn't be horrible. Returning to SJC on a Monday afternoon. ca. 2pm.
Jun 26, 2015, 7:52 pm
#2
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Any public transport is going to take forever.
But it's definitely possible. San Jose bus to Caltrain, Caltrain to BART, BART to the coliseum stop, and then the BART coliseum train to the airport? There's all kind of depends on how close to the airport in Oakland your hotel actually is. If you're going to downtown Oakland, it may be a bit easier. But still quite time-consuming all the way around.
Jun 26, 2015, 9:46 pm
#3
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Unfortunately the south bay doesn't have as many transportation options as between Oakland and SF. Most people in Oakland drive to San Jose.
If you really want to drag you luggage on buses, (and with El Nińo it'll prob be raining in Nov) you can see the public transportation options using the trip planner at 511.org. Optimally, it'll take 1.5 - 2 hours with at least 3 transfers. I generally hate anything with more than 2 transfers as it just increases the chance you'll miss a connection and be thrown completely off schedule. On the weekends, the wait for the next one could be 30 minutes.
If you really want to drag you luggage on buses, (and with El Nińo it'll prob be raining in Nov) you can see the public transportation options using the trip planner at 511.org. Optimally, it'll take 1.5 - 2 hours with at least 3 transfers. I generally hate anything with more than 2 transfers as it just increases the chance you'll miss a connection and be thrown completely off schedule. On the weekends, the wait for the next one could be 30 minutes.
Jun 26, 2015, 10:06 pm
#4
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Consider UBER to/from the end of the BART line. Also consider the price of BART fare for 3 if it makes sense to bother with BART. See if your OAK hotel will pick you up from Coliseum BART, because if they make you go to the Airport for pick up, the BART fare will skyrocket (by $18 for the 3 of you).
Jun 26, 2015, 10:21 pm
#5
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I'd keep an eye on car rentals; I'd bet you can find one cheaper at some point.
Taking Caltrain then BART will be a PITA, and I've found the bus from Caltrain to SJC to be irregular at times.
Taking Caltrain then BART will be a PITA, and I've found the bus from Caltrain to SJC to be irregular at times.
Jun 27, 2015, 8:41 am
#6
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Thanks for all the good ideas. I will look at your suggestions and keep an eye on car rental prices. The hotel is the Hampton Inn (Alameda) near OAK. They said they had a shuttle to the Coliseum.
Jun 27, 2015, 9:44 am
#7
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If you are staying there and have any other outings (i.e., even to eat) planned in addition to the game, you will want a car.
Jun 27, 2015, 10:47 am
#8
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Rent. That Hampton inn is on Bay Farm Island. Bay Farm Island is basically a golf course and an office park. After 5pm there is nothing in any direction for 5 miles. NOTHING.
Parking in the Oakland, Alameda area is pretty easy. Public transportation, not so much. Even with the rental car you can park at Colosseum Bart for free and walk into the game.
Parking in the Oakland, Alameda area is pretty easy. Public transportation, not so much. Even with the rental car you can park at Colosseum Bart for free and walk into the game.
Jun 27, 2015, 11:41 am
#9
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Yeah, Alameda is NOT near OAK
Last edited by squeakr; Jun 27, 2015 at 11:42 am Reason: link
Jun 27, 2015, 12:14 pm
#11
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Nevertheless, if the hotel offers a shuttle to the Coliseum (for the game), that remains your best bet.
Last edited by Eastbay1K; Jun 27, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Jun 27, 2015, 1:38 pm
#12
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You can take Amtrak's Capitol Corridor from San Jose to Oakland or even from Santa Clara - Great America if that's easier.
Jun 27, 2015, 6:01 pm
#13
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Thanks. Yes, they have a shuttle to the Coliseum. And, yes, I've checked all the online car rental sites and carrentals.com is a little cheaper. Thanks.
Last edited by philemer; Jun 27, 2015 at 6:06 pm
Jun 28, 2015, 9:06 pm
#14
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The Hampton Inn is more like 4 miles from OAK
Not a big deal but I don't consider it too near. Alameda is a world away. In a good sense.
And Amtrak does NOT got to the Airport in San Jose - you'd take a bus to Amtrak, then Amtrak to Oakland then another bus to Alameda.
And Amtrak does NOT got to the Airport in San Jose - you'd take a bus to Amtrak, then Amtrak to Oakland then another bus to Alameda.
Jun 29, 2015, 9:08 am
#15
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Maybe I'm confused but my Hampton Inn is "Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport-Alameda", is <2 miles from the airport I believe. But it does look like there is nothing around as far as restaurants and pubs go. A car is looking more desirable. Thanks. Yes, they have a shuttle to the Coliseum.
And, yes, I've checked all the online car rental sites and carrentals.com is a little cheaper. Thanks.
Thanks. Yes, they have a shuttle to the Coliseum. And, yes, I've checked all the online car rental sites and carrentals.com is a little cheaper. Thanks.
