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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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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
1,820 reviews
Excellent
906
Very good
692
Average
171
Poor
28
Terrible
23
Eva T
United Kingdom5,877 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 21 September 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.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,426 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Driving across this bridge is a pleasure because of the gorgeous design of the new span. Driving across this bridge is misery because of all the traffic. I have crossed it hundreds of times. It is also graceful (the new span) from afar. It is an essential part of the transportation network in the Bay Area. I commuted across this bridge for 34 years.
Written 21 February 2025
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, CA19,426 contributions
Sept 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 28 September 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.
AMohsen
Port Said, Egypt696 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Although 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.
Written 3 May 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.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,426 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 28 December 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.
Nicko Bondar
17 contributions
Sept 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 1 October 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.
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT1,273 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 18 August 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.
Balasubramanian R
Chennai (Madras), India807 contributions
Sept 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 26 September 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.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA19,426 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 23 December 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.
Passenger755440
San Antonio, TX10 contributions
Jul 2019
It's hard to imagine how long this bridge has been a round. It's an engineering marvel for its day. Paths for bikes and walking allow you to enjoy a fantastic view of the bay. Cruise ships, people in boats and ski sails abound.
The bridge is so well taken care of that it takes a year to paint it completely only to start again the next year. We walked it twice on too annual trips. It's nearly as grand as the Grand Canyon!
The bridge is so well taken care of that it takes a year to paint it completely only to start again the next year. We walked it twice on too annual trips. It's nearly as grand as the Grand Canyon!
Written 5 March 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.
Hi, we travelled from Emeryville Amtrak station via Bay Bridge with coach and it was part of the Amtrak service transfer from the railway station to the centre of SF so we didn't pay any toll.
There is a toll on Golden Gate Bridge if you travel into SF but I don't know how you pay it. We travelled from SF and there is no toll on this way. I guess you can pay with bank card but better to check it before travel.
Written 29 December 2024
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 15 May 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 10 May 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 5 June 2018
I used the BART to go everywhere but can’t twll you what it cost. It was pretty convenient.
Written 5 June 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 $25 to make sure your FasTrak badge has adequate funds. I wish they let you set the amount but it's the only amount.
Written 19 April 2018
Добрый день. При пересечении моста Bay Bridge из Сан-Франциско в Окленд не было поста оплаты. Объясните пожалуйста как оплатить за проезд.
Written 7 November 2017
Здравствуйте. Вероятно Вы поехали “fast track” (не в той полосе) и вам на адрес придёт штраф 25$
Written 9 November 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 25 April 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 26 April 2017
Would like recommendations on bar/restaurants where we could sit and watch bay bridge all lit up
Written 15 December 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 6 May 2017
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