Pub crawls around one neighborhood? So passé.

In the Bay Area, we have a superior, speedy option: BART. It can enable a one-of-a-kind beer tour that's safe, convenient, cost-effective and, of course, full of world-class craft selections.

Dozens of bars, bottle shops, bistros and brewpubs are within a short stroll of BART's 44 stations, spread over four counties and 104 miles of rail. We've ridden from Pittsburg to SFO to Pleasanton and back to find the top spots within a quick walk from stations. Grab your Clipper card, consult our map, and head out on the BART Brew Tour. Just don't miss the last train.

Looking for still more options? The folks at BeerByBART.com have also been on the case. Check out their detailed list.

ØL Beercafe & Bottle Shop 1541 Giammona Drive, Walnut Creek Station: Walnut Creek Walking time: 9 minutes This is the stop where you peruse a cooler full of hundreds of Belgian bottles for a choice bottle, possibly a St. Bernardus Prior 8 dubbel. (925) 210-1147; www.beer-shop.org Triple Rock Brewery and Alehouse 1920 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley Station: Downtown Berkeley Walking time: 3 minutes Here's where to stop for a taste of history. Triple Rock - originally called Roaring Rock when it opened in 1986 - is one of the Bay Area's first brewpubs. (510) 843-2739; www.triplerock.com The Bistro 1001 B St., Hayward Station: Hayward Walking time: 8 minutes Owner Vic Kralj hosts the renowned Double IPA Festival in February, where Russian River's Pliny the Elder debuted in 2000. Expect live music and strong ales. (510) 886-8525; www.the-bistro.com Ben & Nick's Bar & Grill 5612 College Ave., Oakland Station: Rockridge Walking time: 2 minutes With 19 taps, a classic dive vibe and vintage kitschy decor, this bar shines among the Rockridge craft destinations. (510) 923-0327; www.benandnicks.com Hog's Apothecary 375 40th St., Oakland Station: MacArthur Walking time: 9 minutes House-butchered meat treats and an impressive, California-only daily draft list - what's not to like? Try the Billionaire sausage sandwich ($15) if it's available. (510) 338-3847; www.hogsapothecary.com The Trappist 460 Eighth St., Oakland Station: Oakland City Center/12th Street Walking time: 6 minutes Learn from well-schooled bartenders at this haven for beer geeks with arguably the most eclectic list in the East Bay. (510) 238-8900; www.thetrappist.com Mikkeller Bar 34 Mason St., S.F. Station: Powell Street Walking time: 2 minutes Show up for the beer, stay for the Flux Capacitor tap-controlling system, with variable serving temperatures depending on the style. (415) 984-0279; www.mikkellerbar.com Cellarmaker Brewing Tasting Room 1150 Howard St., S.F. Station: Civic Center/ U.N. Plaza Walking time: 7 minutes Expect something new every time at this SoMa spot that constantly experiments with its small batches. Try the Coffee and Cigarettes porter if it's on tap. (415) 863-3940; www.cellarmakerbrewing.com The Monk's Kettle 3141 16th St., S.F. Station: 16th Street Mission Walking time: 5 minutes Even the most discerning aficionado will drool over a list that, along with sister restaurant Abbot's Cellar, remains one of the Bay Area's best. (415) 865-9523; www.monkskettle.com Gordon Biersch Terminal 3 Boarding Area F near Gate 74, San Francisco International Airport Station: San Francisco International Airport Walking time: Short walk, 3-minute tram ride on the Red Line, and then a short walk through a security checkpoint Want a craft beer before taking to the skies above SFO? Prepare for takeoff here. Sadly, no flights are offered. www.gordonbiersch.com

Tim O'Rourke is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke