About Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Hotel Accommodations History of Airport Public Art

Oakland International Airport is one of three airports serving the Bay Area and is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering passenger service to more than 14.4 million passengers each year. The airport is currently undergoing a $1.4 billion dollar expansion project, which includes the addition of five gates to Terminal 2, and seven gates to Terminal 1. Currently, twelve different airlines operate passenger and air cargo services from OAK to destinations around the world. www.flyoakland.com

History of Oakland International Airport. Originally constructed in 1927, Oakland Airport quickly became the premier airport on the West Coast with major terminals for west coast and transcontinental passenger travel as well as airmail service. The airport was an epicenter of America’s budding aviation industry, and was instrumental in developing aviation technology, as well as ushering in the new age of air travel. Many major airlines training schools got their start at Oakland Airport, including United Airlines, Transamerica, World Airways, and the Boeing School of Aeronautics. Oakland was also the largest Naval Reserve Air Base for 33 years, serving Marine and Army air reserve units, becoming the major origination point for military aircraft to and from the Pacific.

Parking at OAK. Oakland International Airport offers a variety of parking options for visitors and travelers. OAK offers more than 7,000 close-in spaces and frequent shuttles from parking lots to all airport terminals. Travelers can choose from several daily lots, long-term lots and valet parking lots. Visitors picking up or dropping off passengers can choose from the free Park & Call waiting area or park in the convenient hourly lots for a small fee. OAK offers hourly parking rates from $2 per 30 minutes. Long-term parking rates range from $15-32 per day. Valet parking is $13 per 2 hours or $39 per day.  [Top]

Public Art @ Oakland International Airport. Oakland International Airport boasts a wide range of art pieces, planned and overseen by the Oakland Museum of California. Four commissioned art pieces include a glass window wall by Oakland artist Hung Lui that features a signature drip glass technique, several wall reliefs, that incorporate a combination of plaster, mirrors and glass, and a sculpture made of aluminum and representing bird wings. The Terminal 2 baggage claim area also features a wall of TV monitors presenting a video loop of works other Bay Area artists.

Oakland Aviation Museum. Located in a restored, historic hangar at Oakland International Airport’s North Field, the Oakland Aviation Museum offers visitors a look at Oakland’s interesting aviation history, from its beginnings in the late 1800s through the present day. The museum features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including real airplanes and live presentations that help foster education and awareness. The museum also offers a unique gift shop and a library. The Oakland Aviation Museum is open Weds-Sun, 10am-4pm. www.westernaerospacemuseum.org  [Top]