I'm considering a move to Benicia in the next few months. I originally thought I could work primarily from home, but now it appears I will have to go into the office in downtown Oakland several times a week. Given that and the increased time and cost, I'm wondering if I should consider Martinez instead although I really wanted to be in Benicia. I'm wondering if being in Martinez would actually save that much time compared with Benicia. I will likely take BART. Also does anyone know of resources for commuters from Benicia? Like do people carpool from Benicia to BART? Or is there a bus? Thanks.
Neither town is great for commuting to Oakland. People from Benicia drive to Pleasant Hill BART if they're going to take BART. People from Martinez drive, at least as far as my acquaintance goes. Any time you add a bridge to the equation, it gets dicey, so in general I'd say Martinez is better than Benicia strictly from the commute perspective.
Just an FYI that Amtrak runs from Martinez to Jack London Sq in Oakland - so that might be another option.
Hi there. I live in Benicia. As another poster mentioned, with either Benicia or Martinez you would have to drive to Pleasant Hill Bart. The bridge commute isn't that bad, depending on timing. For me, it would depend on what kind of town I want to live in, schools, etc. You are welcome to email me if you have any questions.
One feature that Martinez has that Benicia does not have is a direct connection on Amtrak from Jack London Square (or West Berkeley). The Capitol Corridor trains run several times each day, although the latest one to Oakland leaves Martinez at about 10:30 p.m. Most points in downtown Martinez are (for those without mobility limitations) within walking distance of the Amtrak station.
And the scenery is amazingly beautiful! The train goes along the Bay Shore, looking out at the Golden Gate. There is a direct transfer point to BART in Richmond.
Another vote for the Amtrak Capitol from Martinez to Oakland.
A Benicia public option is bus to Vallejo Transit Center from Benicia. 80 bus from VTC to Del Norte BART. BART to downtown Oakland. I worked a few years in downtown Benicia commuting from Berkeley this combo. The best ride of all is the ferry from Mare Island Channel but it only goes to Alameda and by way of SF.