Where can you go on AC Transit?
AC Transit provides service all the way from Pinole to Milpitas - a service area that spans almost 50 miles! With 130 routes and around 5,400 bus stops, AC Transit can take you many places in the East Bay and San Francisco. AC Transit operates the following service types:
- Local lines: Numbered 1-299, these lines serve the East Bay. The earliest lines begin service around 5am and the latest end after midnight.
- Transbay lines: Lettered A-Z, these lines provide service between San Francisco and the East Bay.
- All Nighter lines: Numbered 800-899, these lines only operate late at night when local lines are not running.
- School lines: Numbered 600-699, these lines primarily offer service to K-12 schools only during school hours.
Transit Connections
AC Transit connects to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), the Bay Area's regional rapid transit system, at multiple locations. Refer to this page for more information about BART. There are a few stations that you can quickly reach by taking the bus:
- Downtown Berkeley station: Most AC Transit lines serving campus stop at or near this station. Connect here for service to Richmond (with direct transfers to Amtrak), Oakland, San Francisco (Red Line), and the East Bay and San Jose (Orange Line).
- Rockridge station: Connect to the Yellow line for service to Downtown Oakland, San Francisco, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the Peninsula, and the East Bay. Served by the 51A, 51B, 36 and 851.
- Ashby station: Connect to the Red and Orange lines. Served by the F, 27, 7, 12 and 800.
Things to Remember
- Always make sure to tag your Clipper card on the reader upon entering the bus. Even if you have EasyPass, the driver cannot assume that you are affiliated with the university. Every passenger needs valid fare to ride.
- All AC Transit buses are low-floor (providing step-free access) and ADA-compliant. You may request for the driver kneel the bus down or deploy the ramp for easier boarding access. Every bus has space for two wheelchairs.
- Be sure to check the final destination of your bus! The 51B, for example, has two different last stops for westbound buses at the Berkeley Marina and the Berkeley Amtrak station. This means that only half of the line's runs go to Amtrak, while the other half continue to the Marina (Marina-bound 51B runs still get close to the Amtrak station, but do not drop off directly at the station).
- AC Transit may close bus stops, either temporarily or permanently. Stay in the know by checking the Transit app for posted updates on stop closures and alternative stop options.
- Give thanks to your bus driver when exiting the bus! They provide an essential service and deserve recognition.