Berkeley, a city synonymous with intellectual curiosity, vibrant culture, and stunning Bay Area views, also offers a surprisingly convenient way to explore California: Amtrak. While not a bustling hub like Emeryville, Berkeley’s dedicated Amtrak station serves as a gateway for commuters and leisure travelers alike, primarily via the popular Capitol Corridor route.
If you’re looking to ditch traffic, enjoy scenic views, and travel sustainably, read on for your complete guide to Amtrak in Berkeley.
The Berkeley (BKY) Amtrak Station: Your Local Hub
Berkeley’s Amtrak station is a straightforward and accessible stop, perfect for those starting or ending their journey in the city.
- Location: 1900 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 (at the intersection of University Avenue and 3rd Street). It’s situated in West Berkeley, a short distance from the bustling downtown area.
- Station Type: This is primarily an unstaffed platform stop. Don’t expect a grand waiting room or ticket counter.
- Services: The Berkeley station exclusively serves the Capitol Corridor route. This train connects the Bay Area with Sacramento and points in between, offering frequent daily service.
- Amenities:
- Covered shelters with benches.
- Quik-Trak self-service ticket kiosk (for purchasing tickets on the spot).
- Bike racks.
- ADA accessible platform and ramp.
- There are no restrooms directly at the station, so plan accordingly.
- Parking: Limited paid street parking is available in the vicinity. It’s often easier to bike, walk, or take public transit to the station.
Why Choose Amtrak from Berkeley?
- Traffic-Free Travel: Skip the notorious Bay Area congestion.
- Scenic Routes: Enjoy views of the Bay, rolling hills, and California landscapes.
- Comfort & Space: More legroom and freedom to move around than a car or bus.
- Productivity/Relaxation: Work with onboard Wi-Fi (on Capitol Corridor) or simply relax and read.
- Environmental Friendliness: A greener way to travel compared to driving solo.
- Bike-Friendly: Capitol Corridor is known for its bike capacity (reservations sometimes recommended/required for busy periods).
Getting To & From the Berkeley Station
- Walking/Biking: Accessible for those in West Berkeley.
- AC Transit: Several bus lines have stops near the station, connecting to downtown Berkeley, UC Berkeley, and other parts of the city. Use Google Maps or the AC Transit website for specific routes.
- Ride-Share: Uber, Lyft, and taxis can easily pick up and drop off at the station.
- BART Connection: While not directly connected, you can take an AC Transit bus or a ride-share from Downtown Berkeley BART station to the Amtrak station.
Key Destinations & Distances from Berkeley (BKY)
1. Direct Capitol Corridor Destinations (Bay Area & Central Valley)
The Capitol Corridor is your direct link from Berkeley to numerous cities, offering frequent service throughout the day. Travel times are approximate and can vary.
- Richmond (RIC): ~10-15 minutes
- Martinez (MTZ): ~30-35 minutes (Gateway to the Delta)
- Fairfield-Vacaville (FFV): ~45-50 minutes
- Davis (DAV): ~1 hour (Home of UC Davis)
- Sacramento (SAC): ~1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes (California’s Capital)
- Oakland Coliseum (OAC): ~20-25 minutes (Direct connection to Oakland Airport)
- Hayward (HAY): ~30-35 minutes
- Fremont (FMT): ~45-50 minutes
- San Jose Diridon (SJD): ~1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes (Silicon Valley hub, connections to Caltrain)
2. Connecting to Amtrak Long-Distance Routes (Via Emeryville)
For routes like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, or San Joaquins (which connect to Southern California), you’ll need to transfer at Emeryville (EMY).
- Emeryville (EMY): ~5-7 minutes (one stop north from Berkeley).
- To go North/South: Catch the Coast Starlight (to Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles).
- To go East: Catch the California Zephyr (to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago).
- To go Southeast: Catch the San Joaquins (to Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield, with bus connections to Los Angeles and other Southern California cities).
- Tip: Amtrak offers a free Thruway bus connection to/from San Francisco’s Salesforce Transit Center, which also departs from Emeryville for passengers with connecting long-distance tickets.
Distances to Key Airports from Berkeley (BKY)
Reaching the Bay Area’s major airports via Amtrak and connecting transit is a convenient and often less stressful alternative to driving.
1. Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Distance: Approximately 10-12 miles.
- Travel Time: ~45-60 minutes total.
- Route: Take the Capitol Corridor train south from Berkeley (BKY) to Oakland Coliseum (OAC) station (~20-25 minutes). From OAC, transfer directly to the BART AirBART Connector for a short ride to the airport terminal.
2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Distance: Approximately 25-30 miles.
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours total.
- Route:
- Take the Capitol Corridor train south from Berkeley (BKY) to Emeryville (EMY) (~5-7 minutes).
- From Emeryville, use the free Amtrak Thruway Bus shuttle to the Emeryville BART station.
- Take BART from Emeryville to SFO station.
- Alternative: You can also take Capitol Corridor to Oakland Coliseum (OAC) and then transfer to BART, but the Emeryville connection often feels smoother for SFO.
3. San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles.
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes total.
- Route:
- Take the Capitol Corridor train south from Berkeley (BKY) to San Jose Diridon (SJD) station (~1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes).
- From San Jose Diridon, catch the VTA Airport Flyer (Route 60), a free shuttle service that runs directly to the SJC terminals. Alternatively, a short ride-share/taxi is also an option.
Tips for a Smooth Amtrak Journey from Berkeley
- Book Ahead: Especially for longer distances or peak travel times, booking your tickets online in advance is recommended. You can choose e-tickets for convenience.
- Check for Delays: Always check the Amtrak app or website for real-time train status before heading to the station.
- Arrive Early: While Berkeley isn’t a large station, arriving 10-15 minutes before departure gives you time to find your spot and board without rush.
- Bikes: If traveling with a bike on Capitol Corridor, you’ll generally roll it right onto designated cars. During very busy times, a bike reservation might be advisable (check Amtrak’s bike policy).
- Food & Drink: The Capitol Corridor has a Café Car. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Seating: Capitol Corridor is generally unassigned seating, so you can pick your preferred spot.
Whether you’re commuting to Sacramento, connecting to a cross-country adventure, or heading to a Bay Area airport, Berkeley’s Amtrak station offers a convenient and enjoyable starting point for your rail journey. All aboard!
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