Getting around
You can get around Richmond using public transit, rented cars, or your own vehicle.
If you're driving, be sure to note the time periods during which car pool lanes are in effect and the number of passengers needed to qualify as a car pool.
Oakland Airport recommends Travelers' Tips for the busy Holiday season.
To avoid any unexpected and costly fines, be sure to have a quick look at our tips on Parking and Curbside Regulations.
Bridge tolls are $4.00 for all bridges except on the Golden Gate Bridge, which is $5.00. Exact change is not necessary.
By air
Getting to Richmond is easy. Both Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport link to BART, stopping at our Inter-Modal BART/Amtrak Station.
Public transit options
Two local bus systems provide service for the Richmond area: AC Transit and WestCAT. The other systems listed below link Richmond to Marin, San Francisco, Sacramento and beyond.
AC Transit provides service in Alameda County and West County. Go to their website (www.actransit.org) for maps, schedules, fare information and more. Or call 817-1717 or 511 and say, "AC Transit," to speak with a person about route information including time points, destinations, or trip planning.
WestCAT (www.westcat.org) offers service in West Contra Costa County as well as a bus to San Francisco. They also provide "Dial-a-ride" service. Call (510) 724-7993 or visit their website.
Golden Gate Transit (www.goldengatetransit.org) provides service from Marin County to Richmond, Route 42.
BART, Bay Area Rapid Transit, (www.bart.org) is a light rail system that brings you to San Francisco, Oakland and other East Bay cities, and both the Oakland and San Francisco International airports. Two BART stations serve Richmond: the El Cerrito Del Norte station and the Richmond station.
Amtrak (www.amtrak.com) stops at the Richmond BART station. You can conveniently ride Amtrak to Sacramento in about 1-1/2 hours.
Driving
Bay Area freeways challenge even the locals. As a visitor, therefore, better take all the help you can get. That help is only 3 numbers away: dial 511 on your telephone, or go to www.511.org on the web. The website also has tips that will help you make best use of the 511 phone help system.