When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Oakland?
Because California has an ‘eternal-spring’ climate, it’s always a good time weather-wise to find flights to Oakland. With Netflights, you can compare return flights, direct flights and last-minute flights easily. View deals month-by-month to pick out cheap flights to Oakland. The European and United States (US) summer holidays and the Christmas holiday season are peak times for tourism, so book flights well in advance to travel at these times.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Oakland?
Most of Oakland’s music and arts festivals take place in July and August, and return flights increase in price consequently. Book at least eight weeks in advance to get a good deal. The shoulder seasons, March to mid-June and late September to early December can be good times to pick up bargain Oakland flights. You might also get luck in January and February. Though temperatures are at their lowest in these winter months, there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy, so keep an eye out for deals on last-minute flights.
Flying to Oakland International Airport OAK
California’s fourth-largest airport and the Bay Area’s second busiest, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a mid-sized airport located approximately 16 kilometres south of the city centre. Its proximity to San Francisco makes it a popular alternative for travellers heading to this city. Direct flights are provided by Norwegian Air, departing from London Gatwick. A wide range of top airlines offer one-stop Oakland flights, including American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic. These flights to Oakland usually have a connection somewhere in the United States. Travellers can check in at London Gatwick and London Heathrow as well as airports around the United Kingdom (UK), such as Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Multi-leg connections are also available, which can sometimes be more economical and expand the number of departure airports available.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
There are two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), which are located a few hundred feet from each other. They are connected post-security, so passengers can go straight to connecting flights without re-clearing security. Terminal 1 is the main passenger building and boasts a wide range of facilities, including bars, restaurants, banking services and a prayer room. Terminal 2 is reserved for Southwest Airlines flights only.
Getting to the City from Oakland International Airport OAK
The Coliseum-Oakland International Airport line, also called the BART to OAK airport line, is an automated system that connects airport buildings to BART Coliseum station in east Oakland, where travellers can connect to the local Amtrak rail system and Oakland city buses. The journey takes eight minutes with departures every five minutes during the peak hours of the day. Public Buses 21 and 73 connect the airport to the city centre; for transportation after hours, take the night bus, 805. Taxis depart from designated zones outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Why Visit Oakland?
Rising from the overpowering shadow of neighbouring San Francisco, Oakland is quickly emerging as the multicultural ‘hipster’ city of California. The port city is one of the most ethnically diverse in the United States, dubbed ‘Brooklyn by the Bay’. This cultural fusion has given rise to some of the best cafes and restaurants in the region as well as an eclectic art and music scene. Its rejuvenated waterfronts, leafy parks and pedestrianised city centre have helped a city famous for its political activism blossom into a top destination.
Called the “Sunny Side of the Bay” by locals, the city receives on average 260 sunny days a year. With its close proximity to the ocean and the famous Californian redwood forests and lovely urban Lake Merritt surrounded by walking trails, Oakland is ideal for travellers looking for active city breaks. Don’t miss the farmers' markets at Jack London Square, which the famous writer once frequented.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
The Visa Waiver Program enables travellers using a British passport to enter the US without a visa for the purpose of tourism and allows stay up to 90 days. However, travellers do need to submit a request to enter the country via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This should be done 72 hours before you leave the UK. You may be asked to show proof of funds to sustain your trip and a return ticket. US dollars are available from ATMs and currency exchange facilities throughout the airport.
