Fall 2007 NABC — Nov. 22 - Dec. 2 in San Francisco CA

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Transportation to and from the San Francisco Bay Area is easy and plentiful.  Most major airlines serve the Area as does Amtrak and bus service.

By Air (top)

Three major airports serve the San Francisco Bay Area:  San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK) and San Jose International (SJC).  Downtown San Francisco and the Marriott are easily accessed from both SFO and OAK.  San Jose International is about 50 miles away and public transportation from this airport is limited.

By Train

Amtrak serves the Bay Area and stops in Oakland.  There is convenient ground transportation from Amtrak to the playing site.

By Bus

Long distance bus service serves San Francisco and the terminal is just a few blocks from the Marriott.

Parking

San Francisco has a “transit first” policy.  The downtown area and the tournament site are served by 32 transit lines including BART and Muni Metro.

Do not arrive by car unless you have no other option.

But if you must drive, parking, while expensive, can be found.

Getting Around in San Francisco

Many tourist destinations, shops, hotels, and restaurants are within an easy walk from the tournament site.  And thirty-two transit lines pass by or near the tournament site.  You can virtually anywhere in the city easily.

San Francisco Airport

Most major airlines fly to SFO and it is the most convenient of the three airports.  However, if you wish to fly Southwest or Jet Blue, you will need to use one of the other airports as they do not fly into SFO.

Ground Transportation from SFO

 

BART

The cheapest method of getting from SFO to the playing site is BART.  Also, when traffic is bad, it is the fastest.  You can access BART by following the signs in the baggage claim area to the Air Train.  Take the Air Train (no cost) to the BART station.

Once at the BART station, you will need to buy a ticket.  There are ticket vending machines at the station.  The fare to San Francisco is $5.15 one way.  Be sure to get a San Francisco or East Bay bound train.  The station you want to exit is Powell Street.  The journey will take about 30 minutes excluding waiting time for the train.  The wait should be no longer than 15 minutes.

BART runs from 4:07 in the morning to 11:46 in the evening.  There is no discount for buying a round trip ticket, but you can save time by doing so.

When you put your ticket in the turnstile, it will come back up.  Take it with you.  When you use it for the last time, it will not be returned.

For more information about BART, click here.

TIP:  While the machines make change for small bills, it might be a good idea to have exact change.

When you arrive at the Powell Station, exit at 4th Street and Market.  Walk one block south on 4th Street.  The Marriott is at the northeast corner of 4th and Mission. 

Shuttles

Various shuttle services run from SFO and will take you directly to the Mariott (or any other hotel).

Super Shuttle charges $15 plus tip door to door.  Most of the others are about the same.  To get a shuttle, go up one level from baggage claim, exit the terminal and cross to the center median.  You will see signs for shuttle services.

Shuttle services take about 20-30 minutes depending on how many stops they make prior to your hotel and traffic.

TIP:  Shuttles will take longer during peak periods.

Super Shuttles phone number is 415-558-8500.  Reservations are not needed going from the airport, but are a good idea for the return.

Taxi’s (top)

Taxi’s are plentiful from SFO.  The fare will be between $32 and $40 plus tip plus a $2 airport tax.  This tax only applies to trips originating at SFO.  Taxi’s take about 20 minutes unless traffic is bad.  Then who knows.

OAKLAND AIRPORT

Many major airlines including Southwest and Jet Blue fly to OAK. 

Ground Transportation from OAK

BART

The cheapest method of getting from OAK to the playing site is BART.  Also, when traffic is bad, it is the fastest.  You can access BART by following the signs in the baggage claim area to the AirBART shuttle.  The shuttle costs $2.00.  AC transit bus line #50 ($1.75 regular fare/.85 for seniors) also runs between the airport and the Coliseum BART station.

Once at the BART station, you will need to buy a ticket.  There are ticket vending machines at the station.  The fare to San Francisco is $3.35 one way.  Be sure to get a San Francisco bound train.  The station you want to exit is Powell Street.  The journey will take about 25 minutes excluding waiting time for the train and the shuttle time.  The wait for a train should be no longer than 15 minutes.

BART runs from 4:38 in the morning to 12:23 in the evening (early morning).  There is no discount for buying a round trip ticket, but you can save time by doing so.

When you put your ticket in the turnstile, it will come back up.  Take it with you.  When you use it for the last time, it will not be returned.

For more information about BART, click here

TIP:  While the machines make change for small bills, it might be a good idea to have exact change.

When you arrive at the Powell Station, exit at 4th Street and Market.  Walk one block south on 4th Street.  The Marriott is at the northeast corner of 4th and Mission. 

Shuttles

Various shuttle services run from OAK and will take you directly to the Mariott (or any other hotel).

Super Shuttle charges $25 plus tip door to door.  Most of the others are about the same.  To get a shuttle, follow signs for shuttle services.

Shuttle services take about 30-40 minutes depending on how many stops they make prior to your hotel and traffic.

TIP:  Shuttles will take longer during peak periods.

Super Shuttles phone number is 415-558-8500.  Reservations are needed.

Taxi’s

Taxi’s are plentiful from OAK.  The fare will be between $50 and $60 plus tip.  Taxi’s take about 30 minutes unless traffic is bad.  Then who knows.
 

SAN JOSE AIRPORT

Many major airlines including Southwest and Jet Blue fly to SJC. 

Ground Transportation from SJC

BART

The cheapest method of getting from SJC to the playing site is BART.  Also, when traffic is bad, it may be fastest.

Board Airport Flyer (VTA #10) at Airport. Exit at the Metro Light Rail Station. Board Light Rail at Metro. Exit at Civic Center. Take the VTA #180 Express Bus to Fremont Bart Station.  This process will take approximately an hour and costs $3.50, $0.75 for seniors.

Once at the BART station, you will need to buy a ticket.  There are ticket vending machines at the station.  The fare to San Francisco is $5.00 one way.  Be sure to get a San Francisco bound train.  The station you want to exit is Powell Street.  The journey will take about 50 minutes excluding waiting time for the train and the time to get to BART.  The wait for a train should be no longer than 15 minutes.

BART runs from 5:06 in the morning to 5:51 in the evening.  After 5:51, you can take a Richmond bound train and transfer to a San Francisco bound train at MacArthur.  This service can be accessed until 12:00 am. There is no discount for buying a round trip ticket, but you can save time by doing so.

When you put your ticket in the turnstile, it will come back up.  Take it with you.  When you use it for the last time, it will not be returned.

For more information about BART, click here.

TIP:  While the machines make change for small bills, it might be a good idea to have exact change 

When you arrive at the Powell Station, exit at 4th Street and Market.  Walk one block south on 4th Street.  The Marriott is at the northeast corner of 4th and Mission. 

Shuttles

Various shuttle services run from SJC and will take you directly to the Mariott (or any other hotel).

Shuttle services charges $69-79 plus tip door to door.  To get a shuttle, follow signs for shuttle services.

Shuttle services take about 60 minutes depending on how many stops they make prior to your hotel and traffic. 

TIP:  Shuttles will take longer during peak periods.

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Taxi’s

Taxi’s are available from SJC.  The fare will be between $150 and $160 plus tip.  Taxi’s take about 60 minutes unless traffic is bad.  Then who knows.

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AMTRAK (top)

If you arrive by Amtrak, the station is about 1 mile from a BART station.  Take a taxi to the 12th Street Oakland Civic Center Station.  It is at 1245 Broadway. 

Once at the BART station, you will need to buy a ticket.  There are ticket vending machines at the station.  The fare to San Francisco is $2.75 one way.  Be sure to get a San Francisco bound train.  The station you want to exit is Powell Street.  The journey will take about 15 minutes excluding waiting time for the train and the time to get to BART.  The wait for a train should be no longer than 15 minutes.

BART runs from 4:42 in the morning to 12:49 at night.  There is no discount for buying a round trip ticket, but you can save time by doing so.

When you put your ticket in the turnstile, it will come back up.  Take it with you.  When you use it for the last time, it will not be returned.

For more information about BART, click here.

TIP:  While the machines make change for small bills, it might be a good idea to have exact change.

When you arrive at the Powell Station, exit at 4th Street and Market.  Walk one block south on 4th Street.  The Marriott is at the northeast corner of 4th and Mission. 

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Buses (top)

If you arrive by bus, you will arrive at the Transbay Terminal which is located at 1st and Mission only 3 blocks from the Marriott.  From the Terminal, go West on Mission Street to 4th Street.  The Mariott is on the Northeast corner of 4th and Mission.

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Parking (top)

San Francisco has a “transit first” policy.  The downtown area and the tournament site are served by 32 transit lines including BART and Muni Metro.

Do not arrive by car unless you have no other option.

If you do drive, please carpool with other bridge players.

Arrive Early! Parking lost will be very congested, especially Thanksgiving weekend.  Allow plenty of time to find a space.

The map above shows parking lots near the Marriott.  The distances are from San Francisco Shopping Center which is about a block from the Marriott.  The numbers on the map are keyed to the information below it showing exact lot locations and prices.

If it says “no attendant,” bring exact change to put into the payment slot.

1. Eddy between Jones and Taylor.  $8 flat rate.  Valet parking.  Covered.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
2. Corner of Taylor and Eddy.  $9 flat rate.  No attendant.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
3. Eddy between Mason and Taylor.  Early Bird before 9:30 $8.  $5 Sunday all day.  $10 other times.  No attendant.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
4. Mason between Eddy and Turk.  Covered.  Valet parking.  $10 flat rate.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
5. Mason between Eddy and Turk.  $10.  Must leave keys with attendant.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
6. Corner of Taylor and Turk.  $9  $7 early bird before 9:00.  No attendant.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
7. No information available at this time.
8. Jones and Turk.  $6.  No attendant.  Very small lot.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
9. Sutter-Stockton Garage at corner of Sutter and Stockton.  Will fill up by noon.  Attendants.  1865 spaces.
10. Ellis-O’Farrell Garage.  On O’Ferrell between Powell and Stockton.  Valet parking.  Will fill up by noon.  Attendants.  $23 except Sunday.  $6.50 on Sunday.  Closes at 2 am on Friday and Saturday and 1 am other nights.
11. Mission near 6th.  $9.  Very small lot.  No attendant.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
12. Mission between 6th and 7th.  $10.  No attendant.
13. Mission between 6th and 7th.  $10.  Attendant parking.  Will need to leave keys.
14. Fifth and Mission Garage.  Probably best bet for close parking.  Covered.  Attendant.  Will fill up early.  Across the street from the Marriott.  $20 for up to 12 hours.  $23 for 12 to 24 hours.  Large lot 2585 spaces.  Enter on Minna Street.
15. Mission at 5th.  Covered.  Attendant.  Valet parking.  Small lot.  $16.
16. Minna between New Montgomery and Third.  Covered.  Attendant.  $20.  Closes at 11.
17. Jessee near 3rd.  $15 if you enter before 9:30 and leave by 7.  $19 otherwise.  Covered.  Attendant.
18. Stevenson near 3rd.  $19.  Covered.  Closes at midnight.  Closed Sunday.  Attendant.
19. Howard at 5th.  No attendant.  $12.  Rates are higher for special events which is likely to include Thanksgiving weekend.
20. Howard between 5th and 6th.  No attendant.  $9.
21. 6th and Folsom.  Early bird rate $7.  No attendant.  Very small lot.
22. 5th and Folsom.  $10.  No attendant.
23. No information. 
24. Folsom between 3rd and 4th.  $10.  Covered.  Attendant.  Closes at 11.  This lot changes its price depending on how busy it is, so it is likely to be much higher Thanksgiving weekend.
25. Harrison at 3rd.  $10.  No attendant.
26. Harrison at 3rd.  $10.  No attendant.
27. 3rd between Harrison and Folsom.  $18.  Covered.  Attendant.
28. 3rd between Harrison and Folsom.  $10.  Covered.  Attendant.  Closes at 11.  This lot changes its price depending on how busy it is, so it is likely to be much higher Thanksgiving weekend.
29. 3rd between Folsom and Howard.  $22.  Attendant.  Covered.  If you enter before 10 and leave before 10, $8.  Good backup lot if 5th and Mission is full.

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Getting Around the Bay Area (top)

Public transportation is plentiful and generally reliable in the Bay Area.  San Francisco’s Municipal Railway (Muni) is the city’s transportation system. A single fare is $1.50; seniors pay 50 cents. Free transfers allow riders a minimum of 1 ½ hours of system use. Maps of the system are available for $3 at the cable car ticket booth at Powell and Market Streets and in Room 140, City Hall.  

Taxi rates in the city are $3.10 to start and $2.25 per mile thereafter.

Within San Francisco

San Francisco is a walking city.  The Marriott is within an easy walk of wonderful restaurants, excellent shopping and major tourist destinations.

For longer trips, the best bet is Muni.  For $1.50 you can board any Muni line for up to 90 minutes after the start of your first ride.  You can also buy 7-day passes for $18.  Muni will take you to Fisherman’s Wharf on a cable car ($5 one way—no transfers).  Alternatively you can ride the F line to Fisherman’s Wharf for $1.50 (round trip if you stay less than 90 minutes.)

Muni is an excellent choice if you are staying in one of the City’s neighborhoods.  When using Muni, exit at Powell Street to go to the Mariott.  When you arrive at the Powell Station, exit at 4th Street and Market.  Walk one block south on 4th Street.  The Marriott is at the northeast corner of 4th and Mission. 

Taxi’s are also plentiful.  Fares are metered and there are no “extras.”

The Larger Bay Area

BART is generally the best bet, although to commute from the South Bay, Caltrain may be best.  BART serves the East Bay and northern San Mateo County as well as downtown San Francisco.

Bay area traffic and transit information is available by dialing 511, or by visiting the website at 511.org. The site provides links to Bay Area transit providers and has information about current traffic conditions and delays.

Ferryboats serve several destinations from the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street. Pick up a free copy of Bay Crossings at the Ferry Building for full information.