Berkeley Amtrak Station

From SFWiki

The Berkeley Amtrak Station is located beneath the University Avenue Overpass at 3rd St. The station consists of only a platform and semi-enclosed waiting area beneath the University Avenue Overpass. This location is defintely a bit dodgy at night, and waiting a long time for a train can be uncomfortable. However, shortly before and after a train arrives there are a number of people around, and it is more comfortable.

As the Berkeley Amtrak station is an unstaffed station, there is nowhere to buy tickets, so you must buy them on the train. There will be no additional charge for this service because you boarded at an unstaffed station.

It's also worth noting that Union Pacific has precedence over Amtrak on the same tracks. What this means is that trains can often be VERY late. I've personally seen a train at Berkeley be up to two hours late. Moral of the story: don't plan on Amtrak if you're in a time sensitive situation.

The Berkeley Amtrak station at night. Due to a recent renovation, the platform is well-lit.

Parking

Parking is available nearby. There is limited free parking on the nearby streets, and the parking lot across from Spengers is also available -- although it is NOT free. Do not park in the restaurant parking lots. You may not find your car when you return! Instead, use AC Transit (Alameda Contra Costa County Transit) Bus 51 on University Avenue, connecting to the University of California campus, which is located about two miles east. (from Caltrans).

Nearby Restaurants

Spenger's Fish Grotto

Going to the bathroom

If you need to use a toilet while you are waiting for a train at the Berkeley Amtrak Station, you can usually sneak into Brennan's, which is about a block away.