One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
OAK7.8
SJC8.4+0.6
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
OAK6.8
SJC7.3+0.5
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
OAK7.2+0.3
SJC6.9
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
OAK8.0
SJC8.2+0.2
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
OAK6.7
SJC7.8+1.1
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
OAK7.0
SJC7.1+0.1
Best for
OAK
Southwest-heavy itinerariesEast Bay/Oakland originsBART-connected city tripsQuick low-stress domestic departures
SJC
Quick domestic hops and Silicon Valley business tripsTravelers who value free transit connections and fast Wi-FiPriority Pass holders seeking a quiet loungeFamilies and light-luggage passengers who hate mega-hub chaos
Watch out for
OAK
Only one Priority Pass lounge (closes early)Southwest peak crowds and limited gate seatingBART requires Coliseum transfer + higher airport connector fareFacilities feel dated pending modernization
SJC
Only two Priority Pass lounges, both in A and one closes middayLong walk to high-numbered B gates with no moving walkwaysFood options solid but not destination-level; peaks can thin choicesNo direct rail into terminals—requires free bus transfer for BART/Caltrain
Amenities and tips
OAK
Escape LoungeLocal dining (Calavera, Tay Ho, OAK Clubhouse)BART connectorFree Wi-Fi + chargingNursing rooms & pet reliefCLEAR + PreCheck
Build 90–120 minutes for Southwest banks
Peak pressure is early morning and late afternoon Southwest banks in Terminal 2. PreCheck and CLEAR help; the airside connector lets you pick the shorter checkpoint when you have time.
Walk airside between T1 and T2
You do not re-clear to change terminals after security. International arrivals process in Terminal 1; JSX uses a separate building on Earhart Road.
Use the T1–T2 connector for better food
Terminal 2 is Southwest-heavy and fills at banks. Walk to Terminal 1 for more variety or the Escape Lounge if your card or day pass covers it.
OAK · OAK delivers easy navigation and solid BART access with local food options but trades off limited lounges and aging facilities against SFO's scale.
SJC · SJC delivers an easy, reliable, compact experience with excellent free transit and Wi-Fi but limited lounge depth and mid-tier food variety compared with larger hubs.
