Travel Information
Travel and Visa Information
International travel to meetings in the U.S
We advise anyone who may need a visa to attend the TOUGH Symposium and/or Training Courses to apply early. Visa applicants should apply at least 3 months in advance of the meeting. Security-related policies have greatly increased the processing time for visa applications. U.S. consular officers now usually interview applicants as part of the application process.
If you need a letter of invitation, e-mail TOUGH Symposium 2009 to make your request.
General information about visas
The National Academies maintains a web site about visa-related issues and travel information for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.
The State Department maintains a web site about U.S. visa policy and procedures.
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for visitors traveling to the U.S.
- Visas for students and exchange visitors in the U.S.
The State Department has required citizens from VWP countries to obtain visas if they do not have machine-readable passports and they wish to visit the U.S. One-time exemptions are no longer available to VWP nationals who do not possess a machine-readable passport or a non-immigrant visa.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
The most convenient airports to Berkeley are the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). The Oakland Airport is closer to Berkeley, but SFO offers an easier and more economical connection to Berkeley via the local train system, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which stops at downtown Berkeley. (Local shuttle service to your hotel should be arranged through the hotel.) Rental cars, shuttles, cabs, etc., are also available at both airports. See the links below for further information:
Click here for Transportation from SFO or OAK to LBNL
Maps and Directions to the Lab
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
LBNL Shuttle Bus Service to TOUGH Symspoium (9/14 - 9/16)
Directions to LBNL from Hotel Durant using LBNL Shuttle Bus Service
- Turn left on Durant St. after exiting hotel
- Turn right on Bowditch to Bancroft Avenue
- Cross the street and go right up Bancroft to the LBNL shuttle bus stop at College and Bancroft (or down the street at Telegraph and Bancroft)
- You’ll see the “Berkeley Lab” sign
- The LBNL “Orange” shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes until 9:40am
- Please wave at the LBNL bus driver to ensure that they know you would like to ride the shuttle bus.
- Some of the bus stops are also stops for the UCB and other public transportation. Make sure you take the bus labeled “LBNL” or “Berkeley Lab”
- Please tell the driver you are attending the TOUGH Symposium in Building 66
- The “Orange” shuttle will drive to downtown Berkeley, then up the Hill to LBNL along the north side of campus.
- The shuttle will stop at Bldg. 66
Directions to LBNL from Downtown Berkeley using LBNL Shuttle Bus Service
- The shuttle stop is on the north east corner of Shattuck Avenue at Addison
- You’ll see the “Berkeley Lab” sign
- The LBNL “Orange” shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes until 9:40am
- Please wave at the LBNL bus driver to ensure that they know you would like to ride the shuttle bus.
- Some of the bus stops are also stops for the UCB and other public transportation. Make sure you take the bus labeled “LBNL” or “Berkeley Lab”
- Please tell the driver you are attending the TOUGH Symposium in Building 66
- The “Orange” shuttle will drive to downtown Berkeley, then up the Hill to LBNL along the north side of campus.
- The shuttle will stop at Bldg. 66
Click here for the Orange Route schedule and Map
Click here for Next Bus – GPS based arrival times
Click here for information on the LBNL Shuttle Buses
LBNL Shuttle Bus Service to the TOUGH Courses (9/9 - 11 and 9/17 - 19)
All TOUGH Courses will be at LBNL in Building 90
Directions to LBNL from Downtown Berkeley using LBNL Shuttle Bus Service
- The shuttle stop is on the north east corner of Shattuck Avenue at Addison
- You’ll see the “Berkeley Lab” sign
- The LBNL “BLUE” shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes
- Please wave at the LBNL bus driver to ensure that they know you would like to ride the shuttle bus.
- Some of the bus stops are also stops for the UCB and other public transportation. Make sure you take the bus labeled “LBNL” or “Berkeley Lab”
- Please tell the driver you are attending the TOUGH Courses in Building 90
- This bus will take you to Building 90
Directions to LBNL, Building 90 from Hotel Durant using LBNL Shuttle Bus Service
- Turn left on Durant St. after exiting hotel.
- Turn right on Bowditch to Bancroft Avenue.
- Cross the street and go right to College Avenue.
- Go up Bancroft to the LBNL shuttle bus stop at College and Bancroft (or down the street at Telegraph and Bancroft).
- You’ll see the “Berkeley Lab” sign.
- The LBNL “Orange” shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes until 9:40am
- Please wave at the LBNL bus driver to ensure that they know you would like to ride the shuttle bus.
- Some of the bus stops are also stops for the UCB and other public transportation. Make sure you take the bus labeled “LBNL” or “Berkeley Lab”
- Please tell the driver you are attending the TOUGH Courses in Building 90
- The “Orange” shuttle will drive to downtown Berkeley, then up the Hill to LBNL along the north side of campus.
- Get off at the Hearst and Leroy bus stop (in front of Cory Hall on UCB campus).
- Please pull the chord in the bus above the window to alert the driver.
- Wait at the same bus stop for the LBNL “Blue” bus.
- Please wave to the driver.
- This bus will take you to Building 90