Millbrae station

Millbrae station is a major intermodal transit hub located in Millbrae, California, serving both the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Caltrain systems. Owned by the San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans), it functions as a primary gateway between San Francisco and the Peninsula and Silicon Valley. The station's design facilitates easy transfers between the region's two primary rail networks, featuring extensive parking and direct access to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

History

The site's rail history dates to the late 19th century with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which operated the historic Peninsula Commute service. Planning for a modern intermodal facility began in the 1980s as part of BART's extension to San Francisco International Airport. After significant construction, the station opened on June 22, 2003, concurrently with the BART extension to SFO. The project was a joint effort between BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, and the Caltrans, representing a major investment in regional connectivity. The opening consolidated rail services previously scattered around Millbrae, replacing an older Caltrain stop.

Description

The station is a large, modern structure with two distinct levels. The upper level houses the BART system, featuring an island platform served by two tracks under a soaring, arched glass and steel canopy. The lower level contains the Caltrain station with two side platforms adjacent to its two tracks. Designed by the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the station incorporates extensive use of natural light and materials like granite and stainless steel. A central atrium connects the levels, and the facility includes a SamTrans bus plaza, large kiss-and-ride area, and over 2,000 parking spaces across multiple lots. Artwork integrated into the station includes "Wind Portal" by Ned Kahn.

Services

On the BART side, Millbrae station is served by the Red and Yellow lines, providing direct service to San Francisco International Airport, downtown San Francisco via the Market Street subway, and eastern destinations like Oakland, Berkeley, and Dublin/Pleasanton. For Caltrain, it is a regular stop on both the local and limited-stop Baby Bullet services, connecting to San Jose to the south and San Francisco's 4th and King Station to the north. The station is a designated transfer point in the regional Clipper card fare system.

Connections

The station functions as a primary transit center for northern San Mateo County. The adjacent bus plaza is a major hub for SamTrans routes, including lines to San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo, and Foster City. Direct shuttle service to San Francisco International Airport terminals is provided by the SFO AirTrain. Private shuttle operators, such as those serving Stanford University and various Silicon Valley corporations, also utilize the station. Taxi stands and rideshare pick-up zones are prominently located.

Operations

The station is owned by SamTrans but operated under a joint powers agreement with BART and Caltrain. BART manages the upper level and overall facility maintenance, while Caltrain operates its lower-level platforms. Security is provided by the BART Police Department and contracted personnel. With nearly 2,200 parking spaces, it is one of the largest park-and-ride facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Weekday ridership typically exceeds many other suburban stations, with significant peaks corresponding to Caltrain commuter schedules and airline passenger flows to SFO.

Category:Railway stations in San Mateo County, California Category:Bay Area Rapid Transit stations Category:Caltrain stations Category:Railway stations opened in 2003 Category:Transportation buildings and structures in Millbrae, California