M
API Matrix

Bay Area Rapid Transit API

⭐ Beginner's Pick Transportation / API Key Intermediate HTTP
Varies by plan (check documentation)
27 Score
Grade F
Visit Official Site Compare Alternatives

Overview

The BART API provides real-time train arrival predictions, station information, and service advisories for the Bay Area Rapid Transit system in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is an excellent beginner-friendly API because it requires only a free API key and returns straightforward XML or JSON data. Developers building commute apps, transit displays, or local Bay Area tools will find it especially useful.

💡

Beginner Tip

Use the special API key 12345678 for testing during development as it works without registration. When you are ready to go live, register for a real key at api.bart.gov for production use.

Available Data

prediction result with confidence score
input name or text
statistical data

Example Response

JSON Response 
{
  "route": "Line 1",
  "origin": "Station A",
  "destination": "Station B",
  "departure": "08:30",
  "arrival": "09:15",
  "status": "On Time",
  "delays_min": 0
}

Field Reference

name Full name of the origin station.
abbr Station abbreviation code used in API requests.
etd List of estimated time of departure objects grouped by destination.
estimate.minutes Minutes until the train departs; Leaving means the train is at the platform now.
estimate.platform Platform number where the train will arrive.
estimate.length Number of cars in the train consist.

Implementation Example 

const url = "http://api.bart.gov/";
// Replace headers or query params with the values required by this API.
const response = await fetch(url, {
  headers: {
  "X-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
  }
});
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

What Can You Build?

Note: These code examples are AI-generated and unverified. Always refer to the official API documentation for accurate usage.

Common Errors & Troubleshooting

No predictions returned The station abbreviation is incorrect or service is not running at that time.
✓ Use the /api/stn.aspx?cmd=stns endpoint to retrieve the valid list of station abbreviations.
XML returned instead of JSON The json=y parameter was omitted from the request.
✓ Append json=y to your request URL to receive a JSON response instead of XML.
Invalid API key error Expired or incorrect API key supplied.
✓ Use the demo key MW9S-E7SL-26DU-VV8V for testing or register for a free key at api.bart.gov.

Matrix Score Breakdown

🌐 Reachability 0/30
⚡ Speed 10/20
🔒 Security 5/15
🛠 Developer XP 12/20
✓ Reliability 0/15

Partially tested on Apr 5, 2026

Technical Specifications

Auth API Key
HTTPS NO
CORS UNKNOWN
Category Transportation
Difficulty Intermediate
Verified: 2026-04-04

Similar APIs

View All →

AIS Hub

59

AIS Hub aggregates real-time Automatic Identification System data from a global network of shore-based receivers to track marine vessels.

API Key Intermediate

AZ511

72

AZ511 is the official Arizona Department of Transportation traffic data API providing real-time road conditions, incidents, and camera information for Arizona highways.

API Key Intermediate HTTPS

BlaBlaCar

0

BlaBlaCar provides programmatic access to search car sharing trips via REST API.

API Key Intermediate HTTPS

Boston MBTA Transit

⭐ Beginner's Pick
69

The Boston MBTA Transit API gives you real-time data for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, including train, bus, and ferry arrivals.

API Key Intermediate HTTPS

Compare Flight Prices

29

The Compare Flight Prices API lets you search and compare airfare across multiple travel platforms in a single request, helping you find the cheapest available flights.

API Key Intermediate HTTPS