San Francisco Airport (SFO) to the City

Three ways from SFO into the city

From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) there are three main ways into the city: BART rail, a ride-hailing app or taxi, and a shared shuttle. BART is the most economical (about US$10-12, about 30 minutes).

With lots of luggage or family, a ride-hailing app or taxi (about US$40-70, about 25-40 minutes) is easiest, and if you travel alone, a shared shuttle that drops you at your hotel is cheaper than a taxi. Each option is covered below. Before you fly, check which airport is printed on your ticket.

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BART: the most economical option

BART runs from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) station to downtown, at Powell or Embarcadero station. It takes about 30 minutes to downtown and costs about US$10-12, the most economical of the three options.

BART is a fast link between the airport, downtown and Oakland. Once downtown, you can switch to city buses and light rail to reach your hotel; a transit card (phone-compatible) makes this easy.

Ride-hailing app or taxi: easiest with luggage or family

With lots of luggage or family, a ride-hailing app or taxi is the easiest choice. It takes about 25-40 minutes to downtown depending on traffic and costs about US$40-70.

Ride-hailing uses designated pickup zones at the airport. Tipping is normal in taxis, so keep that in mind.

Some downtown blocks change after dark. If you head to your hotel late, stick to main streets and use a ride-hailing app.

Shared shuttle: cheaper than a taxi if you are alone

A shared shuttle carries several passengers and drops you at your hotel. If you travel alone, it is cheaper than a taxi.

It takes about 40-60 minutes to downtown. Fares vary by operator, so check the official information before you ride.

At a glance

Here are the times and fares for each option, line by line. Fares and times can change, so check official information before you travel.

• BART: about 30 min to downtown, about US$10-12, arrives at Powell or Embarcadero, the most economical
• Ride-hailing app or taxi: about 25-40 min to downtown (depending on traffic), about US$40-70, easiest with luggage or family
• Shared shuttle: about 40-60 min to downtown, fare varies by operator (check official), drops you at your hotel, cheaper than a taxi if you travel alone

Thinking about where you are staying

Union Square is the downtown hub of department stores and hotels, near a cable-car turnaround and BART, so arriving by BART works well. Some nearby blocks change after dark, so stick to main streets.

SoMa, with museums, the convention center and newer hotels, is close to downtown. If you stay elsewhere, such as Fisherman's Wharf or North Beach and Chinatown, you can switch to city buses and light rail downtown, or choose a ride-hailing app, taxi or a shared shuttle that drops you at your hotel from the start.

Arrival-day checklist

Run through these points before you leave the airport. If you are planning your days in San Francisco, see the posts below too.

• For entry requirements, check official US government information
• A transit card (phone-compatible) makes city buses and light rail easy; multi-day passes exist, so check official information
• Cable-car single fares are pricey, so compare with a pass
• Tipping is normal at restaurants and in taxis (usually 15-20% at restaurants); check whether a service charge is already included
• If you rent a car, never leave bags or belongings visible inside; car break-ins are very common
• The hills are very steep, so wear comfortable walking shoes

• San Francisco itinerary and getting around →
• How to choose an airport transfer →

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