Cheap Hotels in Downtown San Francisco Near the BART
The Powell BART station in the heart of San Francisco near Union Square is one of the most desired locations for tourist and business travelers. There are 16 hotels within a four block radius of the Powell BART station and we have organized each of the Powell BART hotels by cost. The best all around choice for economy near the Powell BART in downtown San Francisco is Hotel Fusion. Rates there average $150 on weekdays and $180 on weekends. You’ll get free wifi, a small room and a tiny bathroom. All in all, good enough for couples or single travelers, but not ideal for families.
Cheap Hotels Near San Francisco Airport
Its common that travelers will want to find a hotel that is convenient to San Francisco airport and within walking distance to the BART. There are a handful of hotels that can do this. The cheapest option that is within walking distance to the BART and only two stops from the airport is the El Camino Inn at the Colma station. Rates at El Camino are about $80 per night. A step up and a better choice in terms of convenience to the Caltrain, BART and airport is the Dylan at Millbrae station. There rates hover around $200 per night and the hotel provides a shuttle to the airport as well.
Travelers should consider that it might be appropriate to stay near SFO one night, but multiple nights won’t really provide too much economical benefit with the cost of the BART and relativity affordable options downtown. The BART far into the city from the airport is $8.00 one way and is about a 30 minute ride, the airport BART fair is more expensive that other stations. See our article on all hotels near the San Francisco airport for more options.
Cheap Hotels Outside of San Francisco East Bay off I-5, or I-80
The BART spans deep into the suburbs east of San Francisco, and south east of Oakland. The BART stations of West Dublin, and Dublin / Pleasanton have several hotels right off the highway. These are ideal location to stay overnight and access the city via BART if you are driving in from the south on I-5 or coming from the west on I-80. Nearly every hotel at either the West Dublin or Dublin station will offer free parking. The cheapest hotel is the Best Western at the Dublin Station. It is only 2 short blocks from the BART platform, and rates usually hover around $100 per night. Expect to spend about 50 minutes and an $11 far riding into downtown.
Cheap Hotels Near Fisherman’s Wharf
The runaway cheapest hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf is the Travelodge. This hotel has been going through renovations as of January 2014. Guests who need a hotel as somewhere to sleep and nothing more will appreciate the Travelodge. See our article on hotels near Fisherman’s Wharf to learn more.
Cheap Hotels in Berkeley
Berkeley has three motels along University Ave. where the rates hover around $100 per night. Each motel is about 10 to 12 minute walk from the North Berkeley BART station and about 15 minute walk from Shattuck Ave. that contains most of the restaurants and attractions in Berkeley. Riding into downtown San Francisco from North Berkeley costs ~$3.75 for adults and will take about 20 minutes. Parking is free at each of these motels, and a grab and go breakfast is included.
Cheap Hotels in Downtown Oakland
There are two hotels in downtown Oakland which offer rooms for about $110 per night and are within walking distance to the BART. Those are the Washington Inn and the Clarion Hotel. The ride time into downtown SF from downtown Oakland will take about 20 minutes and cost ~$3.30. Downtown Oakland will offer a little more convenience in terms of restaurants than the hotels in North Berkeley.