Transportation Options at UC Berkeley

Mastering the public transportation system is crucial when settling into a new city. Luckily, local and international students at the University of California, Berkeley, have access to various convenient options, including buses, shuttles, and BART trains, making navigating both Berkeley and the surrounding areas easy.

Bikes

At the University of California, Berkeley, biking is encouraged with plenty of bike parking, dedicated lanes, and trails. Bicycles are permitted on all campus roads and paths, unless marked otherwise. Enhanced safety measures make cycling easier on campus. Secure Bicycle Parking offers Cal 1 Card access, parking enforcement during business hours, daily monitoring by attendants, and two covered bike parking facilities. Additionally, UC Berkeley is part of Bay Wheels, a regional bike-sharing system that helps students explore the campus and nearby communities.

Scooters

Scooters are allowed on the UC Berkeley campus, but riders must follow the college's policies. It is strictly prohibited to ride scooters on sidewalks, as this can create safety issues. UC Berkeley emphasizes two main safety measures: wearing a helmet and being vigilant around pedestrians and vehicles.

E-scooters must never be parked on ramps or in any location that could obstruct access for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, when pedestrians are nearby, riders should reduce their speed and yield the right of way to them.

Bear Express

UC Berkeley operates the Bear Transit shuttle system, which serves the residence halls, campus, and surrounding areas. The shuttles are open to everyone and connect the campus to Downtown Berkeley BART, parking lots, and other locations.

Typically, Bear Transit charges a small fee for non-university affiliated people; however, UC Berkeley students, staff, and emeriti can travel for free with a valid ID. To ride the Regional Free Shuttle (RFS) line, a pass or fee is required. Additionally, all UC Berkeley students can ride the Night Safety Shuttle for free after 7:30 p.m. on Bear Transit. For updated route and fare information, please visit the website.

Rapid Transit for the Bay Area

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects the San Francisco Peninsula to the East Bay and South Bay, covering 131 miles with 50 stops. Locals and tourists use BART for reliable transit, particularly to explore Berkeley, which has three BART stations. However, the Student The university-issued EasyPass does not provide UC Berkeley students with free BART rides; it only includes access to AC Transit buses.

Ride Sharing

UC Berkeley offers various transportation services for students and staff, including campus programs like CarShare and Berkeley Moves, as well as ride-hailing apps like Lyft and Uber. Berkeley Moves helps users find commuting partners, save on carpool permits, and arrange rides home. Students can also rent vehicles through a company called Zipcar by the hour or day.

Options for Transportation Over Greater Distances

The Parking and Transportation Department at UC Berkeley provides information about other various public transportation options. Among these is the BerkBus, which runs between UC Davis and Berkeley. For longer distances, students can utilize FlixBus and Amtrak. FlixBus is an affordable and convenient option for those looking to explore areas outside of the Berkeley region, making it easy to plan weekend getaways or holidays without the need for a flight. Additionally, Amtrak trains offer another excellent and often more cost-effective choice for longer journeys.

Walking

Exploring the campus on foot is one of the best ways to see UC Berkeley. Not only is it completely cost-free, but it also provides excellent guidance while you explore the region. Walking has several health advantages, including being active and maintaining a healthy heart. There are also several ways to see more of Berkeley: take a self-guided tour of the campus, join a free guided walking tour, or roam about and take it all in.

Berkeley is in a beautiful part of California, and there is a ton to learn there. To begin determining which educational programs are most suited to your needs, schedule a meeting with an SAF counselor.