Wondering why you’re not getting the best Oakland airport parking rates? If you've ever returned from a trip and been shocked at paying a hefty airport parking bill, you’re not alone.

Finding cheap Oakland airport parking can be a little frustrating, but it’s definitely possible! In fact, there are several easy ways to keep more of that money in your pocket, it just takes a little planning. (Note: For easy reference, links are given here will open in new tabs for you)

Search private off-site lots for cheaper Oakland airport parking rates

Where do budget-savvy Bay Area travelers find more economical parking? Oakland airport is surrounded by a number of private parking lots that offer dramatically lower rates.

Here's the site we recommend to compare the nearest 5+ lots all in one go.

BONUS SAVINGS: Use our Oakland Airport parking coupon code HELPER5 at checkout to save an extra $5 on your reservation!

These lots are within a three-mile radius of the airport, have enhanced security features and usually are open 24 hours a day. Among the most popular is Expresso Airport Parking, which offers rates as low as $9.95 per day (compared to $18 per day for the on-site economy Oakland airport parking lot). Another cool perk of Expresso Parking Oakland is their auto spa services (additional charge) so you can come home to a nice, clean car!

All of the off-site lots offer free and frequent shuttle service directly to and from your terminal, which is super convenient. It varies by company, but the shuttles generally run every 5-10 minutes.

Perhaps the best part of this Oakland long term parking solution is that you can reserve your spot in advance.

No more circling the remote OAK lot only to find it full and having no choice but to park in the higher-cost daily lot ($24-$38 per day). And off-site lots offer free cancellation so if you’re plans change, it’s no big deal.

Flyers often pose the question: “What's the best place for long term parking at OAK?” Or, “How much does it cost to park at Oakland airport?” We advocate using an aggregate web site that does most of the work for you, showing you comparison pricing, locations, amenities and customer reviews.

Below is a sample of local off-site lots that provide discount Oakland airport long term parking and short term parking from a reputable off-site airport parking partner. Parking Lot Parking Type Distance To OAK Airpark Oakland Airport Parking Self Uncovered 1.6 mi VIP Airport Parking Self Uncovered 1.6 mi In and Out Parking (Hegenberger) Self Uncovered 1.9 mi FastTrack Self Uncovered, Self Covered 2.1 mi In and Out Parking (Doolittle) Self Uncovered 2.2 mi Expresso Airport Parking Self Uncovered, Valet Covered, Self Indoor 2.3 mi Park ‘N Fly Self Uncovered 2.4 mi

You can also search nearby Bay Area off-airport lots, including San Francisco airport parking and San Jose airport parking.

Get free long term parking at Oakland airport with special hotel deals

There are a number of hotels by Oakland airport that are happy to let you park your car for free when you stay at least one night there.

How long you're allowed to leave a vehicle varies by the hotel but it’s generally 7-21 days of free parking.

If an airport hotel with free parking sounds good, it’s easy to compare rates and read reviews on this Oakland page at ParkSleepFly.com.

BONUS SAVINGS: Use our Oakland Airport promo code HELPER5 at checkout to get an additional $5 off your deposit!

When booking, you only have to provide a small deposit with the balance due upon check-in. They offer the best price guarantee so you know you’re getting the cheapest rate. Plus, cancellations are free.

This airport parking strategy is the way to go if you have a super early flight or if you live far from OAK and prefer to come in a day early. It’s also popular with those who aren’t familiar with the region and want to avoid Bay area traffic at peak times.

Depending on the length of your trip, it may actually be cheaper for you to pay for one night’s hotel room than to pay overnight rates for Oakland airport parking. Give it a quick search using the link above and compare rates.

Similar to off-airport lots, each hotel near Oakland airport provides a free shuttle to and from your terminal. They also offer a guaranteed spot for your car (unlike parking at the airport) and peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in safe location.

How do you find out what hotels near OAK offer long term parking? The best way to easily locate park sleep and fly hotels near OAK with airport parking is to use an established aggregate website with outstanding values and choices to fit any budget.

The following are sample hotels from our park sleep fly partner that offer free parking with airport shuttles. They can be reserved here. Hotel Distance To OAK Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Oakland Airport 1.0 mi Oakland Airport Executive Hotel 1.6 mi Days Hotel Oakland Airport 2.5 mi La Quinta Inn Oakland Airport 3.0 mi

Find an Oakland airport parking coupon through daily deal sites like Groupon

Looking for Oakland airport long term parking coupons? You can find super deals for off-site lots frequently through Groupon, which is also a great place to look for deals on an Oakland airport shuttle, limo service, car service, shared airport rides or other OAK airport transportation.

Here's a link directly to all the airport parking offers for the Oakland area.

These local companies are willing to offer a steep discount – often 50 percent or more – in the hopes you’ll be happy with the service and become a regular customer. When purchasing a Groupon deal it’s important to read the fine print and make sure the discount is good for the dates you’ll be using it.

Another good tip is to check Groupon for hot deals at your destination city. Spas, restaurants, shows, concerts, and museums are almost always offering discounts.

So if you’re looking for a deal on a shuttle to Oakland airport, an Oakland airport parking coupon or just some fun stuff to do on your travels be sure to check out the Groupon Oakland link above.

Consider two one-way car rentals in lieu of parking at Oakland airport

If you live a good distance away from OAK or if you’ll be traveling for an extended period of time, you may want to consider leaving your car at home and completely eliminating Oakland airport long term parking. How?

Employ a double car rental strategy.

We recommend searching for deals using RentalCars.com (part of the Priceline Group) because it’s easy to compare costs for all the brand name rental agencies, the prices are competitive and online reservations can be made easily and without a credit card. If your plans change, cancellations are simple, too.

With this method, you search for a good deal on a car rental from your hometown to the Oakland airport for the day you’re flying out. You pick up the car on your travel day and return it to the OAK car rental desk when you get to the airport. (Of course, you’ll need a ride home when you return so be sure to reserve a second car for the day you fly back in so you can reverse the process.)

The benefits of this savings method are you can enjoy your trip knowing your personal vehicle is safe at home, you didn’t have to ask a friend or family member for a ride to and from the airport and you eliminated the stress of driving around looking for long term parking. Oakland airport can be crazy busy, right?

Rental cars can get pricey during times when tourists enjoy visiting the Bay Area. But if you use an online car rental aggregator and reserve the smallest car possible to accommodate you, your traveling companions and your luggage, it can be a great way to save.

Search now with the link above and see what kind of rates you can find for your next trip.

Compare the long term and short term fees for on-site Oakland parking

We are always getting asked ‘Where's the best place to park at OAK?' and ‘How much is long-term parking at Oakland airport compared to alternative offsite vendors?'

Oakland airport parking onsite facilities fees vary depending on distance away from the terminals. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reserved and/or prepay options available.

The economy lot, which is located off John Glenn Drive near Terminal 1 seems to offer the best value for extended stay parking and complimentary shuttle service.

There are also choices for a daily lot and an hourly lot that are closer to the terminal (within walking distance), but of course, your cost goes up. See costs below.

Here are the most recent on-site OAK airport parking prices as of the date of this article: Parking Lots Hourly Rate Max Daily Rate Premier Parking Lot $4 per 1/2 hour $38 max Hourly Parking Lot $1 per 12 minutes $34 max Daily Parking Lot $5 per hour $24 max Economy Parking Lot n/a $18 flat rate

Combined, the airport offers more than 7,000 spaces. Other onsite parking amenities at OAK include free charging for electric vehicles in the Premier, Daily and Economy lots (first-come, first-served basis), and free on-airport parking shuttle service between the Economy Parking Lot and the terminals.

The official Oakland International Airport parking site does offer a frequent parker discount program, which you may want to check out if you fly a lot for work or pleasure.

Questions? Check the FAQs and most current OAK parking rates for short term and extended stay parking at the official web site for Oakland International Airport.

Current Oakland Airport Parking Map:

Frequently asked questions about Oakland airport

Where is Oakland airport located?

The Oakland airport address is 1 Airport Dr, Oakland, CA 94621.

How can I call the Oakland airport?

The Oakland airport phone number is (510) 563-3300.

What is the Oakland airport code?

OAK

How much does parking cost at Oakland Airport?

The best value for on-site parking at OAK is the Economy Parking Lot at $18 flat rate. From there, parking costs go up the closer you get to the terminals. The Daily Parking Lot is a short walk to the terminals and has a $24 daily max rate, the Hourly Parking Lot is a little closer and has a $34 daily max rate, while the Premier Parking Lot is directly across from the terminals and has a $38 daily max rate.

Is there long term parking at Oakland Airport?

Yes. All four on-site parking lots at OAK airport offer long-term parking, but the cost varies with the distance to the airport terminals. The Economy Parking is the cheapest with a flat rate of $18 per day. There are also long term options at the Daily Parking Lot, the Hourly Parking Lot and the most expensive Premier Parking Lot – which tops out at $38 per day.

Where can I find Oakland Airport parking promo codes?

Use our parking coupon code HELPER5 to save $5 on either OAK off-site lots or a deposit on Oakland hotels with free airport parking at our recommended vendors above. In addition, you can also visit our Top Travel Deals page for discounts on other travel needs such as airfare, car rentals and more.

How do I confirm the parking status at Oakland airport?

Should you decide to try to park your car in the on-site economy lot, it's essential to confirm the OAK airport parking status prior to traveling. There is no online interactive map. However, you may check the status by calling (510) 563-3200 or, when you get near the airport, tuning your radio to AM 1700.

When the economy lots are nearing capacity or full, it's probably not too late to make a reservation at a private off-site OAK lot. It's super quick and easy! Plus, you'll have a guaranteed space close by (no driving around in circles – nerve-racking!) as well as a hassle-free shuttle ride right to your terminal. You'll almost certainly reduce costs, too. Use the links to offsite vendors above in Section 1 and don't forget to use code HELPER5 at checkout to save an additional $5!

Does OAK offer valet parking and should I use it?

Traditional valet parking (where you drop your car off at the door and it is returned to you at the same location) at OAK is not available. However, keep reading for additional convenient alternatives.

There are a number of “valet” options offered by private off-site establishments, although the description varies. With some lots, the attendant will drive you to the airport in your car, drop you off at your terminal and then park your vehicle in their secure off-site lot during your trip. At other lots, the attendant might meet you at the airport and then drive your vehicle straight to the off-site property. One more meaning of “valet parking” is when the attendant meets you at your vehicle in the off-site lot to help you with your bag when you get on the shuttle (and again when you're dropped off at your terminal).

Fortunately, the privately-owned lots do a great job of defining what their valet options include within the individual profile (along with other amenities) so that it is quite easy to assess if spending a little bit more is worth it to you for this bonus.

How big is Oakland airport?

OAK has two passenger terminals and four runways. It covers approximately 2,600 acres and is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland. It is the fourth largest airport in California.

How busy is OAK?

In 2018, OAK ranked as the 37th busiest airport in the United States with more than 5.9 million boardings. [source]

Where can I find an Oakland airport map?

Click for a direct link to the OAK airport map, also referred to as the OAK terminal map.

What's the best way to get to Oakland International Airport?

To find the least complicated way to OAK, it's a good idea to map it prior to leaving for the airport. You'll type in your starting point and let Google do the rest. Either print out the directions or use your smartphone and follow the comprehensive instructions. With your smartphone, you'll also get traffic alerts, which will enable you to adjust your route, if needed.

Get directions to Oakland airport.

An Insider Guide to Oakland International

Oakland International Airport OAK, one of three airports in the San Francisco Bay, is owned by the Port of Oakland. More than 11 million passengers per year utilize OAK, which is California’s fourth-largest airport.

Conveniently located just 5 miles from Oakland’s central business district, OAK is easily accessed from Interstate 880 from both north and southbound directions.

More than a dozen regular and low-cost airlines, including Southwest and Allegiant (both of which claim it as a focus city), combine to offer non-stop service to more than 50 domestic and international destinations.

If you’re wondering where to eat at Oakland International Airport OAK, we have several standouts to recommend. At Terminal 2 near Gate 24, you’ll find Pyramid Ale and Taproom, which offers seasonal bites and premium beer. Beer nerds may also want to imbibe at Gordon Biersch, a casual restaurant that offers classic pub fare and a wide variety of craft beer.

For a bite with some history, check out Heinold's First and Last Chance, an outpost of an Oakland saloon that dates back to 1883. Another eatery with local flavor is Fenton’s Creamery where you can enjoy a scoop of sinfully delicious ice cream in a variety of sweet and savory flavors.

If you’re short on time, grab a quick bite at Chili’s Too, Andale (Mexican food), California Pizza Kitchen or Subway. Get your coffee fix at Starbucks (near gates 22 and 26), Peet’s (23 and 28) or Training Grounds (pre-security).

Shopping opportunities are limited at OAK but you may want to stroll by Gate 22 and check out Oakland Sports Scene, which sells a variety of merchandise for the Oakland Raiders, Oakland A’s and Golden State Warriors.

If you need some R&R in between flights, consider a respite at the new Escape Lounge at OAK. Starting at $40 (no membership necessary), you can enjoy a quiet spot, business amenities, beverages, and fresh, chef-prepared food. The facility is located in Terminal 1, near Gate 9.

While not offering quite the upscale amenities as its sister facility across the Bay, San Francisco International, the smaller Oakland airport still has a lot going for it.

You’ll find a public arts program run by the Oakland Museum of California with displays both pre-security and post-security. OAK also offers “Tunes in the Terminal,” which allows buskers (musicians who perform in public spaces) to bring their talents to the terminals.

If you have a longish layover consider checking out the nearby Oakland Aviation Museum (within walking distance), whose mission is to “educate about the role of historic North Field at Oakland International Airport, Oakland and the Bay Area in the development of aviation on the West Coast and in the US by collecting, preserving and interpreting aircraft and aviation artifacts that reflect this proud heritage; Celebrate the history and technological achievements of aviation, and inspire individuals by linking aviation’s past to the future.”

Also in close proximity is Metropolitan Golf Links, a reasonably priced, 18-hole course open to the public with abundant views of the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline and the Oakland Hills and Peninsula. Designed by Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss, the course is links-style with wide-open fairways and undulating greens.

Related Oakland CA information

10-day weather forecast for Oakland

Oakland traffic update

101 things to do in Oakland, California (via visitoakland.com)

Dive deeper into our airport parking tactics

Having problems figuring out which one of these cost-effective options is better for you? Have a look at our comprehensive Airport Parking 101 posts. These helpful articles explain the main advantages of each airport parking alternative in an easy-to-digest format.