It's close to work & convenient. It's usually pretty busy during the week, but for the most part those traveling are usually respectful with some that don't believe in lines while waiting of course. It's clean, safe and easy to navigate from one level to the next. It still eludes me why there are so many more SF trains (Usually half empty during the weekday) than there are trains going elsewhere (Usually packed). So the negative 2 stars are because the non SF trains are fewer, not as nice/clean and way more packed...DO better Bart! read more

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On May 25, 2026, I was at the 12th St. Oakland City Center BART Station from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. waiting for the Red Line train to San Francisco. During that time, the train never arrived, and the delays and lack of communication caused me significant stress and emotional distress. I am already dealing with injuries and ongoing medical issues from a serious April 2026 accident, including MRI appointments and ongoing treatment. Because of the situation at BART that morning, I became overwhelmed and extremely upset and ultimately left instead of continuing to San Francisco for my appointment. As a result of this experience, I no longer feel comfortable or safe traveling into San Francisco for MRI appointments or medical care through BART. While at the station, I also attempted to get assistance regarding my missing phone and Cash App card. One officer identified herself with badge number 187, but I felt my concerns were not taken seriously. Another officer allegedly refused to identify himself, and I was told there was no watch commander available. I left feeling ignored, unsupported, and frustrated during a time when I was already under significant physical and emotional strain. I believe the public deserves professionalism, accountability, and compassion from public transit employees and officers, especially toward injured or vulnerable riders seeking help. I am documenting everything that occurred and pursuing formal complaints and legal channels to ensure this situation is properly reviewed. This statement is not about threats or violence. It is about accountability, transparency, and making sure no one else experiences this type of treatment while trying to access transportation or medical care. read more

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This isn't the first time BART has broken down and left riders stranded trying to get back to San Francisco. On 4/14/2026 around 4 PM, I was traveling from Pleasant Hill to SF when the train suddenly stopped at 12th Street Station. The operator announced there might be a delay, then later we were told the train would not be going to SF and to go to Track 3. I followed the signs for a train to Millbrae, boarded, and waited about 15 minutes--only to be told to get off because that train also wasn't going to SF. Upstairs, the agents told us to get a "See Agent to Re-enter" sticker when exiting, but gave no clear directions on how to actually get back to San Francisco. Just "go upstairs and take a bus," with no details on where or which bus. I tried calling AC Transit, but that was also frustrating. The agent told me to take bus #6 to SF, which turned out to be incorrect. I checked multiple stops--15th Street, 17th Street--and even asked drivers, and they all said the bus does not go to SF. After walking several blocks trying to figure it out, I finally saw the NL bus going to San Francisco at 20th Street & Broadway and joined a crowd of people trying to board the NL bus. The bus was packed, but thankfully I made it on, and a kind person even offered me a seat. With BART frequently breaking down, the operators should have clear instructions ready to tell riders exactly which alternative buses to take to reach their destination. Instead, the staff seemed to be doing the bare minimum, mainly handing out the "See Agent to Re-enter" stickers without providing real guidance. This is not good customer service, especially for riders who are new to BART and don't know the bus system. Overall, this was a very stressful and confusing experience. The biggest issue wasn't just the disruption--it was the lack of clear communication and direction from BART staff. read more

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There always seems to be delays with Bart. When it rains, the trains are reduced in speed for safety but still are slow. Always never on time either. For this station, platform 1 is where the Richmond/Antioch/pittsburg lines are. Platform 2 is for Berryessa/Oak Airport, SFO Airport/Millbrae. The station isn't too dirty other than the usual dirt/grime. Like anywhere else, be careful of your surroundings. read more

BART - 12th Street Station - Metro Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

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I'm not big on the city of Oakland but I had no issues riding and getting off here. This BART station is very big and has multiple entrances. I came here on accident because I got off at the wrong station for a job interview and it was not pretty. I really don't like how this place looks because it can get tough at night. Luckily for me I am not here during that time but during the daytime this station can be very empty. It's right in the downtown area of Oakland. Once you get off there are a lot of eateries and bars that you can try. Warning: Don't make the same mistake I did or else you will end up running many miles to Grand Ave. Being this place is Oakland, please be aware your surroundings because it can be really scary here. If you are going to Grand Ave please don't get off here or you will be running many blocks. read more

My Powell St to San Leandro evening rush hour train was diverted to 12th St. Over the public address system, we couldn't even understand what was happening. A look on my BART app said there was police activity. Bus bridges were to move us to Coliseum. Exited at 12th Street Station. No buses. I took a ride share to San Leandro. $25. 2 hours to get home. read more

Of all the BART stations I've been to this one is truly one of the dirtiest ones sadly. You can walk a few shorts blocks to catch the train on 19th. I'm addition the staff is a little rude and unhelpful when it comes to helping with any question. After waiting 30 minutes for my train I just wanted to know if I was standing in the wrong place and the staff was sarcastic. That aside, this station consistently has the worst delays. I'm not sure how it doesn't happen to the 19th street station. Maybe I am just unlucky read more

BART - 12th Street Station - Metro Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

Fine for a downtown Bart station. Convenient to the center of Oakland. Escalators down and up. A little confusing to figure out your platforms. Still regular entrance stalls so there are fare jumpers. The gates we used only allow digital clipper cards now. read more

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YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2018 - 90/100. It's THE stop right dab smack in the middle of downtown Oakland. As per many fellow Yelpers' tips, there are 2 levels to this station, so be mindful of which waiting area you need to be for the right train to take you to your destination. It can use some serious upgrade and better lighting. It's pretty dated, almost creepy like. And yes, the smell of cannabis lingers - just like most Bart stations I've been to. And what's with all the clutter of garbage? There's gotta be a clean-up crew somewhere! More than enough times, this is the station where I've seen people jump rails (to avoid paying) IN FRONT OF MANNED BOOTHS and no one does anything about it! Why is that?! But it's a good stop to get off of should you decide to take a stroll around Downtown Oakland. read more

BART - 12th Street Station - Metro Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

This station conveniently spits you out into the heart of downtown Oakland. I usually get off here for a night out to meet friends at the bars and restaurants. You should always be cognizant of what's going on around you, but depending on the time of day you may need to be extra aware of your surroundings as there may be some unsavory characters. Hopefully you're not reading this review as you're walking right now (haha!). read more

I escorted Mom to BART-12TH Street Oakland moments ago. read more

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Scary area with so so many homeless people. I mean they are everywhere (Toronto and even more in St. Petersburg, FL) but this was shocking. I was really scared to walk to Bart station, specially in the evening as there are homeless all around - even in the metro. Just few days ago we saw after a crime scene (during day, stabbing) when the police and ambulance arrived at 12th street right next to the Bart station. Do not walk late! Be aware and carry a pepper spray, please. read more

After finishing up our fun tour through the Oakland Museum, we were hankering for a more substantial meal beyond the snacks we purchased at their Cafe. I suggested that we walk down to Old Oakland and emphasized that the 12th Street BART Station was then only a few blocks away and on our Pittsburg/Bay Point Line. Hence, the only thing between us, our meal, and returning home, was a walk through Chinatown. This is the red brick BART station as opposed to 19th Street which is blue. My experience with this station is mostly from the inside as the trains from 2 different lines align at the same platform. From the outside and even at around 8 PM, the Station seemed safe enough as we entered and during our 17 minute wait for the next train. read more

Broadway seems to be the border between the re-gentrified Oakland and the old school Oaktown. This station is the perfect representation of that. Similar to the Mission BART stations, there's a healthy blend of good (the business professionals) and hood (well.. The people chillin all day, 'err day next to the BART entrance / exit). The location is close to Jack London, Oakland City Center and Oaktown Chinatown. I wish I could give this place 3 stars but I'll never forget when the crackhead lady asked if I had any money, flashed me and then proceeded to rub up on me. My first thought was "this is probably how all girls feel when creepers creep on them at the club". Secondly, I don't carry cash, let alone plastic (I have a fancy metal credit card) so she chose a bad mark! I can't ever unlive that experience. Lesson of the story is to carry enough cash to pay people to leave you alone but not enough to get jacked. read more

The thing about the 12th St station is that it is just the right distance from the Trappist and so many yummy restaurants in Chinatown that you can walk a bit and then not feel like a giant sloth when you finally slink into your seat on the train. I feel more threat of danger from the AC Transit buses on Broadway in this area than any pedestrian, no matter what they look like. Upside to this station is that it is immediately adjacent to Oakland City Center where you can go visit awesome kitties at the East Bay SPCA adoption center! MEW!!! read more

Transfer point and destination to: - Oakland Public Library - Lincoln Square Park - Oakland Convention Center - Oakland City Hall (Civic Center) - Oakland Chinatown - Downtown Oakland - Oakland Public Library (Main Branch) read more

This station is a perfect representation of what I think about public transportation. It is dirty, smelly, and is filled with sketchy people. Last week was my first time taking Bart and guess what? It will also be my last. There are two floors at this station. It is very dark so watching each and every step is a must. They have benches for you to sit while you wait but the thought of people pissing and throwing up on them deterred me. I just stood towards the wall. On the good side, I only had to wait 10 min for my train to come. As soon as the doors open, the rush of people coming in and out are mad men. Holy moly, why not let the people out first and then walk in? The seats were plastic and I can only question myself if they ever clean the seats. The people taking Bart looked like zombies and I was afraid that at any given moment, the 3 schizo men sitting on the corner were going to do something crazy. Sure, my fare only costs me $3.50 from Downtown Oakland to San Leandro but is it worth it? Definitely not. I would rather spend $$ for an Uber or even sit in dead stop traffic driving my car. read more

Convenient if you work in City Center-my BF did and literally just went up the escalator to his office building. During the week the area is buzzing with commuters and the like. Weekends, it's just a stopping and connecting point in and out of SF. We got off here on a Saturday to walk over to Chinatown-let me just say that it was a little dicey for a few minutes. The transients in the immediate area once you leave the City Center complex seemed to all converge towards us at once, Night of the Living dead style. Would I stop here again, heck ya!! Anything to not have to drive and deal with parking in downtown Oakland... read more

It's convenient, and cetralized to the downtown work/fun area. From here you have access to the many fine places in Oakland. At 12th street, there are trains to every destination with no need to transfer. Outside the station is a pretty gritty-- crazy people off their meds looking for spare change or someone to shout swear words at, and again there are no toilets. Public restrooms are an absolute must to keep a city from being gross, but this station has big city vibe (if you are missing the big Apple). The city center amenities are gradually improving around the station too. Bicycle parking around the station is limited, but if you're lucky to get a locker, they are very secure. read more

BART - 12th Street Station - Sign on San Francisco bound platform. - Metro Stations Near Me - Oakland, California

I was staying nearby so this stop was convenient. Mind you there are several exits which got me a bit turned around as this was my first visit to Oakland. Now another thing to keep in mind the platform layout is a bit confusing. Trains going back towards SF you need to go to the very lower level. There are elevators that service this station to the street and to the platforms mind you they do smell of urine, but most major cities subway systems always seem to have this issue so this wasn't a shock to me. Also several of the exits also escalators too so if you have luggage. Bart gets the job done, although be sure to look and see where the final stop is versus looking at the color of the line as the maps on the trains allude to, the colors are meaningless as I found out on my return to the airport. read more

Bring on the crazies, the sexy shakers and movers of the bay area and the 70's flood lighting. 12th street BART station, located underneath City Center. City center with it's perfectly priced eateries. I gave this station three stars because it is at the center of everything Oaktown has to offer. Clothing, food, entertainment, banks, China Town, happening bars, city hall, sex toys,Farmers Markets, yoga, probably your job. Perfect walking distance to everything. If you are a commuter, this station has a ticket exchange booth. Which is so far the cheapest ( $2 dollars) when turning in your old, defective Bart tickets. You know those tickets with 10 - 50 cents left that you find in your pants pocket, or around the house. Those left over tickets add up. Make those old tickets work for you and turn them in. Check out hours of operation on BART's website. I don't frequent this station a lot because I am guaranteed a seat at 19th street BART. I don't mind exiting 12th street to grab breakfast and dinero on my way to work. There is only so much I can take at this station. For instance, a rude commuter creating a line beside me, SO annoying. The filth of this station, like old spill stains, gross. Other than the typical commuter annoyances. I appreciate what 12th street BART has to offer. read more

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Dirtier than usual today. Actual piles of vomit on the stairs down to the lower platform. Not usually a clean place but this was much worse. +1 star for bart train on time so I could leave quickly. read more

I have to preface this review with a disclaimer --- I am not particularly fond of BART. Any entity that sucks down over $300 million in public subsidies and still can't be bothered to wave a bar of soap in the general direction of the smelly upholstery does not get a vote of happiness from me. I have learned to consider BART to be like the public transit version of an eggplant. I hate eggplant. It's a slimy, weird-tasting vegetable with a not particularly appetizing color underneath that lovely purple skin. But on rare occasions eggplant, like BART, surprises me. And BART did just that last weekend --- in the form of two station agents who absolutely made my day. At the 12th Street station I found that all of the BART tickets in my wallet were demagnetized. I went to the station agent who checked all the tickets and replaced them and then issued me a one-way fare for Montgomery Station --- even though they aren't supposed to do that sort of thing on the weekends. He was pleasant and helpful and got me on my way in no time. Imagine my dismay when I realized --- halfway through the trans bay tunnel --- that I had left behind a BART ticket worth almost $12. Dammit! When I arrived at Montgomery Station I went to see the station agent there to get myself let out with my one-way ticket. She immediately greeted me with "The 12th Street agent just called --- did you leave anything behind?" I was shocked. And delighted. I thought my ticket was a lost cause and was extremely pleased that he thought to call ahead. My ticket was replaced with a comparably-priced one they had in the booth. I left BART that day with my $12 ticket, a smile on my face and a new appreciation for eggplant. Okay, maybe BART does not induce vegetable appreciation, but you know what I mean. read more

"THIS IS A STICK UP! EVERYBODY ON THE FLOOR!!!!!!" yes...this is exactly what a man said as he entered my lucky bart train one evening commute back home to the city. ...dead silence. He then laughs and exits the train before the doors close leaving all of the passengers...including myself...sh*tting in our pants. People at this station really aren't helping Oakland's Rep. read more

In the words of Little Orphan Annie, "When you gotta go, you gotta go..." Which is exactly how I feel about getting to East Bay via BART. Riding along the subway line for 8+ stops is not my favorite, but it sure beats getting stuck in traffic or worrying about getting your car broken into in a shady part of town. This station is cleaner than some, but I've definitely run across some questionable characters late at night. But hey, that's BART for you. Just don't forget your headphones 'cause when you go underwater, it makes your ears pop. Major bonus if someone is there at the end of the line to pick you up! read more

This is one of the many original stations around when BART first opened back in September 1972. Back in the days, instead of taking AC #51 to Berkeley from Downtown Oakland, I rode the BART to Downtown Berkeley from this station...much faster and less stops along the way (19th St., MacArthur, Ashby and, voila, Berkeley). I also have ridden BART from this point to Downtown San Francisco. I consider this "subway" station and the many bus routes above the "boardwalk" aka Broadway the transit hub of Downtown Oakland. Heading to JLS? This is the station to get off at, and one has a choice of catching the 72 or 72M (AC) or the Shuttle bus...which is cool. City Center with the shops and restaurants and facing the Federal Building - 13th Street exit (westerly direction); Frank Ogawa Plaza, Tully's Coffee, City Hall and State Building - 14th Street exit (northerly and westerly direction); Oakland Chinatown, EBMUD - 11th Street exit and a two blocks walk in a southerly and easterly direction, respectively; and 12th, 13th and 14th Street exits (easterly direction) one will see Goodwill Industries, Burger King, DeLauer's bookstore, Rite Aid, etc., respectively. I not only use this station as traveling to and from San Francisco, Berkeley and/or El Cerrito, but also as a station where I can walk the passageway for a few blocks to get from 14th Street to 11th Street for a destination of either Oakland Chinatown or Farmer's Market on Fridays and back. It makes me think of the song, Under the Boardwalk, by the Drifters..."when the sun beats down upon the tar roof...and you wish your tired feet were fireproof..." and there's an advantage to do so. "Heat wave" hot or it's raining hard, use the passageway under Broadway (aka boardwalk) from City Center to Oakland Chinatown to avoid street and foot traffic - it's cool down there during the summer and warm (don't have to put up an umbrella) during the rainy season. BTW, this station is not the only one that has the passageways for people to avoid street and foot traffic for at least 2 to 3 blocks above. There's 19th Street (Oakland); Embacadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center (SF); and Berkeley. Check it out, have fun walking the passageways because it's a good thing. read more

The taxi stand across the street makes this stop completely worth it... that and its close proximity to the Trappist. Otherwise, it's everything else you would expect from a BART station. read more

Well, what can I say? It's noisy and dirty and poorly maintained, but that's every BART station. The booth attendants make up for this with their bad attitude. Do not--repeat do NOT--approach them with a question or complaint. I had a minor problem with my Clipper card and the guy acted like he was extracting a kidney to sort it out for me. He kept saying he didn't have time to deal with it...in a nearly empty station...when he was doing nothing but sitting and surfing his laptop. I have to take this BART station or else I'd avoid it. I would mention the near-constant presence of the criminal element loitering around the station entrances, but that's as much the fault of the Oakland PD as it is the BART cops...by the way, has anyone ever *seen* a BART cop? I heard rumors one was spotted in the Embarcadero, once, but they're like Bigfoot...the existing video footage is grainy and rather suspect. read more

Skip out on the random parking lots and one way streets in Downtown Oakland. 12th Street BART drops you right there in the heart of it all! Make certain to follow the signs! This BART has multiple layers and has transfers to all of the lines. The lower level will take you to SF. read more

OK. This is a pretty long station. There are at least two agent booths. One issue is that there is almost always no one near the 11th booth. I could always see at least two agents in the middle (Civic Plaza) booth though. They were just chitchatting away usually. I saw people jumping the gate or going through the emergency gate all the time without paying fares. If they do their enforcement job better, maybe they don't have to raise fares on the paying customers as frequent. Also, please do something about homeless on Bart. They should not be in there in the first place unless they pay. And maybe make the seats less comfortable to lay across. We don't need those nasty looking cushioned seats. read more

This station is a bit stinkier and grimier than its neighbor at 19th, but that's probably to be expected in the most popular commuter location in Oakland, and it's better than San Francisco stations. The main problem with this station as others have mentioned, is poor signage. Unless you are a regular, it's not obvious you have to go down two levels to get to the City. And the profusion of exits is confusing too (South side 14th Street exit is actually closer to 13th). All in all, could be better. Or a lot worse. read more

5 days a week, I haul ass to this station. I think my review is swayed by the amazing coffee shop (Roma) near one entrance. I try to avoid the Broadway side of the station and approach it from the federal employee side (you know, walk by the florist, past Show and Tell). For the most part it's ok. Attendants can be helpful and most everyone keeps to themselves, which is fine by me. When you have to go to SF, this station can be a pain because often times you get a packed train---kinda like a can of sardines. Still beats ever having to drive or park in the mission. read more

Wanna hear a story? One time, I was walking down the Frank Ogawa Plaza entrance/exit and there was a PILE OF DIARRHEA on the stairs man. DIARRHEA. That is all. read more

Clean and small. An underground station. Leaves you a block from the Friday Farmers Market! read more

THIS IS THE BEST BART STATION EVER. There are cheap parking lots all around with tons of open spaces. You can catch a train going to SF just about every 5 minutes. Upstairs from the platform is the beloved DeLauers where you can browse international magazines while you're waiting for your pickup ride. There's also a Walgreen's and Long's on the same block for that emergency umbrella or cough medicine or just whatever. Walk three blocks up and have some authentic asian food. I believe the entire length of the ride from 12th Street to Embarcadero is 13 minutes. The. Perfect. Commute. read more

This BART station looks almost exactly like its 19th Street counterpart. It's almost as clean. It's a little bit more crowded, but in general, I've never had a problem when I've used this one. (I've used the 19th Street one far more often.) It also should get major props because the Pittsburg/Bay Point and Richmond trains are almost always perfectly aligned, so if you're trying to get to Berkeley and you're on the Pittsburg/Bay Point line, you don't have to wait for the train. I don't really like malls, but it's right at the mall near Oakland's city hall. read more

Not the cleanest or meanest. But serves it b purpose. MASS TRANSIT!

My work commute routes through here and I have little to no complaints. Only thing is that there are always people asking for something, signatures, money, etc. right as I'm trying to swipe my clipper card. A simple "no" usually does the trick if you're low on cash or just don't want to be bothered. Besides that it is usually clean and problem free. ***If you don't know this area well, Chinatown is just a few blocks over w/ amazing food, also DT Oakland has some other great eats (B Restaurant is one of my faves). There is also a free shuttle to Jack London Square.*** read more

This station is underground in Downtown Oakland. Convenient if you work in Oakland or live nearby. Not horrible and not piss-infested like Berkeley BART - but you still need to be careful. After riding the NYC MTA, PA's SEPTA and BART - I have to say I just love BART. read more

This is a nice station in downtown Oakland. It is clean, bright and well kept-up. Like some other reviewers, I initially was confused by which level to catch the train (SF is the lower level) but this is likely my lack of paying attention although it seems that alot of other people complain about the lack of signage...so maybe it's not me. I have never felt unsafe in this station, although at times it can be very empty and seem like you are the only person in the station. The other day we had a train delay caused by "police activity" and while it was about 30 minutes, BART did a great job keeping everyone informed of what was happening and apologizine for the delay. read more