San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge
4.5
About
One of the longest bridges in the world, this spectacular structure links downtown San Francisco with the city of Oakland.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- AMohsenPort Said, Egypt603 contributionsNot as popular as the golden gateAlthough it is relatively similar to the Golden Gate Bridge, it is not as popular as the Golden Gate. Maybe the red color of the Golden Gate is the reason behind its impressiveness. However, the Bay Bridge is also picturesque and enjoyable to drive through.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 3, 2024
- Eva TUnited Kingdom5,260 contributionsGreat BridgeOriginal structure was opened in 1936, the new Eastern Span structure in 2013. We went through the bridge from Emeryville Amtrak railway station in the bus; it took about 40 minutes. It was great to see San Francisco from it. It's also quite pretty bridge.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 21, 2024
- Thomas VOakland, California18,107 contributionsTraffic is BackCongestion is back, lots of traffic, and it seems like it happens all the time, regardless of the day of the week or the hour. Still the new span is a pleasure, a lovely design and we like the lights at night. This is the way people get around the Bay.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,818 reviews
Excellent
904
Very good
692
Average
171
Poor
28
Terrible
23
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT1,147 contributions
Jul 2021
We were told by our tour guide that the entire length of this bridge is about 8 miles. Absolutely incredible! Heading into SF, we drove on top of the bridge. Heading back to Oakland, we drove under the bridge. First time I have ever had an opportunity like that - it was amazing. The bridge is quite stunning and so much more impressive than its more famous sister bridge - Golden Gate. We drove over this bridge several times during our vacation and I marveled at the construction and architecture every time. Absolutely fantastic.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,107 contributions
Dec 2020
I've been driving across this bridge for almost 50 years. It's a workhorse that supports millions of drivers. A part of it collapsed in the 1989 earthquake, a tragedy. Now part has been re-built to provide for earthquake safety and the new design is truly beautiful, especially at night, as seen from afar or up close. A work of art.
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mearcats
Letchworth Garden City, UK240 contributions
Feb 2020
We enjoyed the view of Bay bridge from Pier 39, then went for a meal and watched the Bridge illuminate as sunset.
It is beautiful and even more so in the dark. Top tip, get a window table on a Pier 39 to enjoy the sunset!
It is beautiful and even more so in the dark. Top tip, get a window table on a Pier 39 to enjoy the sunset!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,107 contributions
Dec 2022
This has gone from a utilitarian experience of going from here to there, to a magical artful experience on wheels, at night with the lovely lights all around. This bridge is an important part of the traffic infrastructure of my life, as I commuted over it for 34 years. But now it is special and gorgeous with the re-build. Drive it at night.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva T
United Kingdom5,260 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Original structure was opened in 1936, the new Eastern Span structure in 2013. We went through the bridge from Emeryville Amtrak railway station in the bus; it took about 40 minutes. It was great to see San Francisco from it. It's also quite pretty bridge.
Written September 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicko Bondar
17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is an engineering marvel that offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area. Whether you're driving across it, walking the pedestrian path, or simply admiring it from a distance, this iconic structure is a must-see. Its distinctive design and the backdrop of San Francisco's skyline make it a memorable experience for any visitor. Don't miss the chance to witness this architectural wonder.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India808 contributions
Sep 2022
San Francisco Bay Bridge is connecting western and eastern sides of Bay. Transportation is made easy from the down town of the city San Francisco to Oak Land. It is one of the longest bridge.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,254 contributions
Nov 2020
We drove into San Francisco using the Bay Bridge. To pay the bridge fee now, they send you a bill in the mail if you do not have fast pass.
The views of the San Francisco Bay Bridge are quite nice.
The views of the San Francisco Bay Bridge are quite nice.
Written December 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,107 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Congestion is back, lots of traffic, and it seems like it happens all the time, regardless of the day of the week or the hour. Still the new span is a pleasure, a lovely design and we like the lights at night. This is the way people get around the Bay.
Written September 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edwelsh
North Canton, OH7,260 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We have been across Golden Gate Bridge several times. This year after visiting friends in the Oakland area, we had the opportunity to drive over the Bay Bridge. It’s a beautiful structure with nice views, and a surprising tunnel THROUGH the island at the halfway point. Don’t miss it.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian...
You seem to have confused the Golden Gate Bridge with the San Francisco Bay Bridge! One goes to Marin County and the other goes to Oakland... This conversation is about the Bay Bridge....a lovely bridge with an incredibly interesting history...
Written May 15, 2019
One-Time Payments can be made up to 30 days before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge or within 48 hours after and can be made using a credit card or cash/check/money order. They are collected in the west bound lane only.
Written May 10, 2019
I've been googling around for the different bus fates and zones etc and am getting quite confused with the different public transit info. It would be great if someone could help clarify something for me.
What is the fare for taking the Richmond - Daly City/Millbrae from Civic Center to El Cerrito del Norte Station. And then Bus 40 from El Cerrito del Norte BART Station to Francisco Blvd E & Grange St on weekdays.
What is the one-way and the round-trip cost for this route? Does the clipper card apply to this route and if so what would the cost be with one?
Thank you!
Written June 5, 2018
I used the BART to go everywhere but can’t twll you what it cost. It was pretty convenient.
Written June 5, 2018
I assume you are asking about paying the tolls. It's only cash or FasTrak, which you have to prepay with a credit or debit card. Your account cannot go below $15 or your card will automatically be charged an extra $25 to make sure your FasTrak badge has adequate funds. I wish they let you set the amount but it's the only amount.
Written April 19, 2018
Добрый день. При пересечении моста Bay Bridge из Сан-Франциско в Окленд не было поста оплаты. Объясните пожалуйста как оплатить за проезд.
Written November 7, 2017
Здравствуйте. Вероятно Вы поехали “fast track” (не в той полосе) и вам на адрес придёт штраф 25$
Written November 9, 2017
Hello everybody,
I will visit / drive over the bridge in July 17.
Can you pay the toll cash on the bridge ?
Thanks,
Grtz
Written April 25, 2017
Hi, I drove only to the Treasure island, and that section is free, no tolls. Don't know what happens after it. Sorry
Written April 26, 2017
Would like recommendations on bar/restaurants where we could sit and watch bay bridge all lit up
Written December 15, 2016
went to a few but Applebys is good and have a fantastic view of the bridge, however on Pier 39 there are a umber of bars which have outdoor seating again the view from there is very good
Written May 6, 2017
How does the toll system work on this bridge and the Golden Gate bridge?
Written July 22, 2015
San Francisco Bay Bridge operate a one way toll system with toll booths, I am not 100% sure, but they may only take cash. It's only about $6 so just make sure you have enough cash with you.
Golden Gate Bridge is a toll bridge, but there are no longer any toll booths. It's all done by vehicle number plate recognition and the recommended way to pay is with a prepayment. However, we did not realise all of this until after we had driven across! Fortunately you can pay online (or over the phone I think) up to 48 hours afterwards. If you google Golden Gate toll charge you should be able to find the correct website, it's something like Bay Area FasTrak, just make a note of the approximate time you crossed and you should be able to pay retrospectively, which we did with absolutely no problems.
Do not leave it as they will add an administration charge of something like $60 if you do not pay within 48 hours of crossing and if you are in a rental car, the rental company will then add another administration charge and take all of the charges directly from your credit card!
Written July 23, 2015
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