Oakland International Airport Overview

Oakland International Airport (IATA: OAK – ICAO: KOAK) is a major public international airport located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Situated approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) southeast of downtown Oakland, it serves as a convenient alternative to San Francisco International and San Jose International airports. OAK handles a mix of domestic, international, cargo, charter, and general aviation flights, and is known for its efficiency, shorter queues, and strong links to Hawaii and Mexico.

General Information

  • Location: Oakland, California
  • Country: United States
  • Airport Type: Public, International
  • IATA Code: OAK
  • ICAO Code: KOAK
  • Elevation: 9 feet (3 metres)
  • Coordinates: 37°43′17″N 122°13′15″W
  • Timezone: UTC−8 (Pacific Standard Time) / UTC−7 (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Distance from City Centre: Approx. 16 km (10 miles) southeast of downtown Oakland
  • Website: www.oaklandairport.com
  • Operator: Port of Oakland
  • Services: Scheduled domestic and international flights, cargo, charter, military, and general aviation

Airport Details

  • Runways: 4
  • Runway Designations and Lengths:
    • 12/30: 3,169 m (10,387 ft) – Asphalt
    • 10R/28L: 1,829 m (6,000 ft) – Asphalt
    • 10L/28R: 3,162 m (10,374 ft) – Asphalt
    • Heliport and GA runway facilities
  • Runway Surfaces: Asphalt
  • Runway Strength: Supports all aircraft including Code E (e.g. B777, A330)
  • Fire Services: ARFF Category 9
  • Tower Frequency: Available
  • Ground Frequency: Available
  • Navigation Aids: ILS, RNAV, VOR/DME, GPS
  • Customs and Immigration: U.S. CBP available for international commercial and general aviation arrivals
  • Aircraft Types: Narrow- and wide-body aircraft, cargo aircraft, business jets
  • Terminals: Two passenger terminals (1 and 2) serving domestic and international traffic
  • Cargo Facilities: FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air, and DHL cargo hubs
  • Fuel: JET A, AVGAS
  • FBOs: KaiserAir, Signature Flight Support, Oakland Jet Center
  • Equipment: GPU, lavatory, potable water, de-icing (rarely required), hangars
  • Ground Services: Full commercial and GA support services

Flight Operations

  • Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international GA arrivals; prior CBP arrangement required
  • Permission Required: Yes, for foreign-registered, charter, and non-scheduled international flights
  • Slots: Not required
  • Aircraft Types: Supports aircraft up to Code E
  • Alternate Airports:
    • SFO: San Francisco International Airport
    • SJC: San Jose Mineta International Airport

Contact Information

Passenger Information

  • Immigration Requirements: Passport, visa, or ESTA as per U.S. entry regulations
  • Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration, visa/ESTA if applicable
  • Transport Options: BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), taxis, car hire, Uber/Lyft, airport shuttles
  • Nearby Accommodation:
    • Close to Airport: Hilton Oakland Airport, Holiday Inn Express, Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport
    • Downtown San Francisco: The Fairmont, Hotel Nikko, InterContinental
  • Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); all major credit and debit cards accepted

Local Attractions

San Francisco Bay Area

Oakland offers fast access to San Francisco via the Bay Bridge or ferry—ideal for business or leisure visits.

Jack London Square

A waterfront entertainment and dining district in Oakland featuring historic sites, restaurants, and ferry service.

Lake Merritt

A scenic lake surrounded by parks and gardens, popular for walking, boating, and birdwatching.

Oakland Museum of California

A leading cultural institution focusing on art, history, and natural sciences in California.

Berkeley

Just a short drive away—home to the University of California, vibrant cafes, and panoramic views from the Berkeley Hills.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country

World-class wine regions are just over an hour’s drive from OAK, perfect for day trips or private charters.

Travel Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:
    • Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds
    • Summer: Peak travel to wine country, Yosemite, and festivals
  • Additional Notes:
    • OAK is known for low delays and easier navigation compared to neighbouring airports
    • FBOs offer discreet VIP handling, hangar access, and full customs support
    • Preferred airport for private flights and cargo heading to San Francisco without SFO congestion
    • Fast access to Silicon Valley, Downtown Oakland, and Marin County

Oakland International Airport provides a practical, efficient, and less congested option for travel to the San Francisco Bay Area. With robust commercial, cargo, and general aviation capabilities, OAK is a strategic choice for leisure and business aviation.