BART is the best way to go holiday shopping!
You know BART is the best way to commute every day, but it's also the best way to get your holiday shopping done. You'll avoid traffic, parking and arrive relaxed and ready to shop.
Remember, there's plenty of free weekend parking in BART lots and you can plan your trip using bart.gov's online QuickPlanner.
Win a $400 Visa gift card and a $40 Clipper card
Click here for a chance to win one of 10 Shop and Ride Prize Packs. Each Shop and Ride Prize Pack contains a $400 Visa gift card and a $40 Clipper card. Official sweepstakes rules are available here. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., December 31, 2012. All prizes are courtesy of BART's 40th Anniversary Sponsors: Bombardier Transportation and Titan 360 Outdoor Advertising.
Great offers from our holiday shopping partners
There are so many fabulous shopping centers near BART stations, there's no need to drive to satisfy everybody on your shopping list. Here are some of the shopping centers with the most convenient BART access:
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Powell Street BART Station
With entrances right in the Powell Street BART Station, you won’t even have to bring an umbrella to shop at the Westfield San Francisco Centre.
Westfield San Francisco Centre provides visitors with a VIP Passport to Savings, filled with thousands of dollars in special offers, services and amenities from participating retailers and restaurants. Present your BART or Clipper Card to Westfield Concierge located on Level 1 at the Market Street Entrance to receive your complimentary savings book.
Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero BART Station
Plan a special holiday experience with your friends and family and skate under the stars in the shadow of the waterfront throughout the holiday season at Embarcadero Center, where you can shop, skate and dine. There's no better place during the holiday season than Embarcadero Center. The Embarcadero Ice Rink is open through January 6, 2013.
Broadway Plaza
Walnut Creek BART Station
Free shuttle connection
Not all the great shopping is in San Francisco! Take BART to Walnut Creek, catch the County Connection Free Ride Trolley and enjoy Broadway Plaza without worrying about traffic or parking. The trolley schedule and route map is available here, but make a note that the shuttle will run later during the holiday season.
Downtown Berkeley
Downtown Berkeley BART Station
Get all of your holiday shopping done in Berkeley. Download a free mobile app powered by Chinook Book with more than 100 seasonal coupons from independent Berkeley businesses. Attend exciting holiday-themed events and support the local economy throughout the holiday season in Berkeley.
Rockridge
Rockridge BART Station
Many of Oakland’s best restaurants, eateries, and wine bars are found along College Avenue in the Rockridge district. College Avenue boasts many intriguing shops including bookstores, boutiques and home furnishings stores, and the Rockridge BART station is right in the middle of it all.
The Shops at Tanforan
San Bruno BART Station
If you’re heading up or down the Peninsula, pop in to The Shops at Tanforan where you'll find great sales and promotions throughout the holiday season. There you’ll find dozens of stores, plenty of dining and you can even catch a movie at Century Theatres. The Shops at Tanforan are just steps from the San Bruno BART station.
BART shopping tips:
- Don't shop solo. It's safer and more fun to shop with friends and family.
- Keep your personal items close by and hide valuables such as cell phones when not in use.
- Keep wallets secure. Use purses or bags with zippered compartments or keep them in a front pocket.
- Stay alert on the train. Avoid dozing off on BART.
- Make sure your keys are readily accessible when approaching your vehicle and be sure not to buy more than you can safely carry.
- Report suspicious activity to the Train Operator via intercom or BART Police via toll free phone number: 877.679.7000.
