Oakland Airport Guide

OAK Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Oakland International Airport.

What to Expect

Oakland Airport (Code: OAK) consists of two terminals (1 and 2) connected by an airside walkway. The terminals have a combined 30 gates, plenty of airside eateries and some shopping options, though few of either landside. WiFi is available, and outlets throughout the terminal are used to charge mobile devices. Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge.

Sleeping in Oakland Airport

If you plan to spend the night, have your boarding pass or onward flight information available. Otherwise, you might be escorted out of the terminal. On the landside/public area, overnight sleepers are directed to a waiting area with couches, padded armrest-free seating and other seating options. To ensure your comfort, consider bringing a travel mat and/or sleeping bag if you are thinking about spending a night at this airport. Food options are limited on the landside, so plan accordingly. One reviewer reports that seating without armrests airside is very limited. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Oakland Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

Oakland Airport is open 24 hours. According to the airport, overnight stays are limited to landside (pre-security) areas only, and access is generally restricted to ticketed passengers with next-day travel. Travellers may be asked to show identification and proof of onward travel, and security may limit access late at night.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Oakland Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport   » Check Rates
• Hilton Oakland Airport  » Check Rates
• Oakland Airport Executive Hotel  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Oakland Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door or purchasing a lounge pass.

Escape Lounge– Location: Terminal 1, Airside, between Gates 8 and 8A. Lounge Access: Pay at the door.

Drinking Water

Water refill stations and fountains are available throughout both terminals.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules, although most have opening hours of 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Terminal 2 has more food options than Terminal 1.

Food outlets operate on varying schedules, with most opening between 4:30 AM and 11:00 PM. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Terminal 2 generally offers a wider selection than Terminal 1, but late-night options are limited overall.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

FuelRod portable charging kiosks are available in both terminals, primarily in airside areas. Travellers can purchase a FuelRod battery and exchange depleted units for fully charged ones at participating kiosks.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available for 45 minutes. Connect to the “Boingo” network. A short advertisement is required to connect, and sessions can be restarted by viewing another ad. Paid commercial-free high-speed internet is also available.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information