BART - North Berkeley

The North Berkeley BART station features a distinctive circular main entrance building. For cyclists, there are bike racks and 96 on-demand BikeLink lockers. Accessibility is ensured with an elevator connecting the street level to the concourse and train platforms, located at the Sacramento Street edge. Recent upgrades have also enhanced pedestrian plazas and bike pathways around the station.

Yes, the station offers direct access to the Ohlone Greenway, a 4.5-mile multi-use path. This greenway is excellent for walking, running, or cycling, connecting Berkeley with Albany, El Cerrito, and Richmond. You can head north towards Albany for a continuous green corridor or south to explore other parts of Berkeley. A short journey along the Greenway also leads to Cedar Rose Park.

The immediate area around the North Berkeley BART station and the Ohlone Greenway is generally flat and paved, making it suitable for easy walks, runs, and bike rides. The elevation of the station itself is approximately -4 meters below ground. While the Greenway offers a smooth path, exploring further into Berkeley's residential areas might involve gentle inclines.

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The Ohlone Greenway provides a safe and pleasant environment for walks and bike rides with children. Nearby Cedar Rose Park, accessible via the Greenway, features expansive lawns and playgrounds. Many parts of the Ohlone Greenway are dog-friendly, but always ensure your dog is on a leash and check local signage for specific regulations in parks or other areas.

Currently, the station has surface parking lots. However, significant changes are planned. The City of Berkeley and BART are developing a transit-oriented development (TOD) project that will replace these parking lots with housing, retail, and public spaces. Construction is anticipated to begin no earlier than mid-2025, so parking availability may be impacted in the future. For current information, it's best to check the official BART website.

The North Berkeley BART area is suitable for outdoor activities year-round, thanks to Berkeley's mild climate. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling. Summer can be warm but is generally enjoyable. Winter is also an option, though you might encounter rain. The Ohlone Greenway can be popular, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather, so arriving earlier in the day might help avoid peak crowds.

Yes, the North Berkeley BART station itself is accessible with an elevator connecting the street level to the platforms. The adjacent Ohlone Greenway is a paved, multi-use path that is generally flat and suitable for wheelchairs, making it an excellent option for accessible outdoor recreation directly from the station.

For food and drink, the North Shattuck district, known for its artisan food scene and the popular Cheese Board Pizza Collective, is about a mile's walk east from the station. While there aren't many direct pubs or accommodation options immediately adjacent to the station in its residential area, the North Shattuck district and other parts of Berkeley offer various choices within a short walk or public transit ride.

For walking or cycling along the Ohlone Greenway and in the surrounding Berkeley area, comfortable athletic wear and appropriate footwear (walking shoes or cycling shoes) are recommended. Layers are always a good idea, as coastal weather can change. A water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat are advisable, especially during sunnier months. For cyclists, a helmet is essential.

The station area is slated for a significant transit-oriented development (TOD) project. This plan, which received approvals in December 2024, aims to replace the surface parking lots with approximately 743 housing units (including affordable homes), a childcare center, retail space, and new public areas. It also includes an extension of the Ohlone Greenway. Construction is anticipated to begin no earlier than mid-2025.