Major city · United States
Union CityUnion City, California
Skip Union City as a base: it is a BART suburb between Hayward and Fremont. Stay only if you need cheap parking or a Tri-Cities stop for 1 night.
Union City is a residential East Bay suburb of about 73,000 people, 30–45 minutes by BART from Oakland and San Francisco. There is no old town to walk and no headline sight: the draw is a BART stop, free parking, big-box shopping at Union Landing, the Alameda Creek Trail and hill parks above the bay. Treat it as a one-night stop or a day trip from Fremont or Hayward, not a holiday base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov–Mar (rain), late-Aug–Sep (inland heat)
- Airports
- OAK · SFO · SJC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Union City911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Union City Police non-emergency510-471-1365
- Poison control (24 h)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Union City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetySuburban and generally calm; the real risks are traffic on I-880, unlit trail sections after dusk and summer heat inland.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 510-471-1365 Union City Police non-emergency · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control (24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckOAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (Closest big airport; BART or a 25–35 min drive south on I-880 (check traffic)).
- Getting aroundBART is the reason to be here: Union City station links Fremont and San Jose to the south with Hayward, San Leandro, Oakland…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- BeerDraught beer in a beer garden$8–12
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$280
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$130 · High US$240
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- OAK Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (Closest big airport; BART or a 25–35 min drive south on I-880 (check traffic)) · SFO San Francisco International (BART to Union City with a change; allow 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min) · SJC Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International (Drive north on I-880, about 30–40 min outside rush hour)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
not flagged
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Care
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Oct. Mixed: Sep. Avoid: Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Union City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
BART is the reason to be here: Union City station links Fremont and San Jose to the south with Hayward, San Leandro, Oakland, Richmond and San Francisco to the north. AC Transit and Dumbarton Express buses reach Palo Alto over the Dumbarton Bridge. Union City Transit runs four local routes timed with BART, with fares around $1.75 adult and $1 youth. Driving is easy by Bay Area standards and parking is mostly free; walking covers little beyond each strip mall.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 15–25 min
BART one or two stops south, or I-880
Mission San José, Niles district and the trailheads; the better half of the Tri-Cities for a visitor.
Door to door: 15–20 min
BART north, or I-880
Shares the Garin/Dry Creek visitor centre; Japanese gardens and a walkable downtown strip.
Door to door: 45–60 min
BART from Union City, about 30–40 min
Museums, Lake Merritt and food; the nearest real city day out.
Door to door: 1 h 15 min
BART direct, about 50–60 min
Doable as a day trip, but staying in the city is better than commuting both ways.
Palo Alto and Stanford
cautionDoor to door: 45–70 min
Dumbarton Express over the Dumbarton Bridge
Bridge traffic decides the trip; check the timetable before committing.
Door to door: 20–25 min
BART north
Only worth it for a specific restaurant or the marina.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
BART station / Union Square Marketplace
Walk to trains and a Safeway-anchored strip mall; the practical choice without a car.
Alvarado-Niles Road corridor
Chain hotels with free parking and quick I-880 access; best if you drive.
Union Landing area
Big-box stores, cinema and fast food; car-first, no street life.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–95 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–180 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$130 | US$260 |
| BART Union City ↔ San Francisco, both ways2 × US$16 | US$32 |
| Union City Transit local fare, one ride2 × US$2 | US$4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$50 |
| Trip total≈ US$273 per person per day, bed included | US$546 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax; excludes flights and car rental. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Fast-food or food-court meal | $10–16 |
| Dim sum at a Chinese seafood restaurant | $25–45 per person |
| Draught beer in a beer garden | $8–12 |
| BART Union City → San Francisco | about $8 one way |
| Rideshare, Union City → Oakland airportSurge at peak hours. | $35–60 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- This is a car-and-BART suburb: sidewalks between districts are long and dull, so do not plan to walk everywhere.
- I-880 and the Dumbarton Bridge back up badly at commute hours; add 20–30 min to any timed plan.
- Summer afternoons inland can pass 32 °C (90 °F); carry water on the creek and hill trails.Summer afternoons inland can pass 90 °F (32 °C); carry water on the creek and hill trails.
- Hill parks close at dusk and their gates lock; check seasonal closing times before an evening hike.
- Cattle graze in Dry Creek Pioneer and Garin: keep distance and do not approach calves.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Union City Police non-emergency
- 510-471-1365
- Poison control (24 h)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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Union CityUnion City, California
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Union City Police non-emergency510-471-1365
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies here; consulates-general sit in San Francisco. US visitors: your own country's consulate is in San Francisco (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BART Union City → San Francisco: about $8 one way, 50–60 min
- BART Union City → Oakland: about $5 one way, 30–40 min
- Union City Transit local ride: $1.75 adult, $1 youth
Say or show
- Where is the BART station? — Where is the BART station?
- One ticket to San Francisco, please — One ticket to San Francisco, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there parking here? — Is there parking here?
- How long is the wait? — How long is the wait?
- Thank you — Thank you
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Union City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov–Mar (rain), late-Aug–Sep (inland heat) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for OAK and SFO: last BART departures field-checked, rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: BART station and Union Square Marketplace, Alvarado-Niles hotels, Union Landing.
- Place pages with verified hours (Dry Creek Pioneer, Alameda Creek Trail, farmers' market) and eat pages with last orders.
- Commute-hour and heat fixtures so gate decisions can go green.
Sources
Ask about Union City
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