San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the biggest and one of four airports situated in the San Francisco Bay area, approximately 13 mi (20 km) south of downtown San Francisco. You have four main transport options from San Francisco Airport to downtown; a taxi, a private transfer, the train, or the bus.
The most convenient options are a San Francisco Airport taxi or a San Francisco Airport transfer; they provide reliable door-to-door services, allowing you to reach your hotel or apartment directly.
If you prefer to keep your budget low but still travel from San Francisco Airport to the city quickly, the BART train is a great option; it can take you to Union Square and other central spots around San Francisco.
Finally, the cheapest but slowest option is the public buses operated by SamTrans. Several routes operate during the day, with route 292 being the most convenient from San Francisco Αirport to downtown. Owl buses are also available, with route 397 operating from SFO Airport after hours.
5 options to go from San Francisco Airport to city center
OPTION | PRICE | TIME | AVAILABILITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer | €58 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| A private transfer is the best choice if you want a fast transport but don't want to rush to the exit after landing. You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim. | ||||||
Taxi | €50 | 30min | 24/7 | Convenience | Book | |
| You can avoid the hassle of long waiting times at the rank by pre-booking your airport transfer; it may cost a bit more but you will leave the airport right after landing. | ||||||
BART Rapid Rail | €19.10 | 30min | 04:58–00:00 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're in a hurry to get downtown, using BART can be faster than taking a taxi during rush hour. | ||||||
SamTrans Bus 292 | €4 | 75min | 04:42–02:12 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If you're in a hurry, the bus is not the best way to leave the airport as it makes multiple stops along the way. The BART train is much faster and still a budget choice. | ||||||
SamTrans OWL Bus 397 | €4 | 55min | 02:21–04:03 | Convenience | Read more | |
| If none of the downtown bus stops is near your accommodation, it's best to take a taxi after getting off the bus and avoid walking, especially if you're traveling alone. | ||||||
A San Francisco Airport taxi is one of the most convenient ways to leave the airport and head to downtown San Francisco. Airport taxis offer on-demand services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they’re ideal if you don’t want to deal with public transport maps and timetables. In average traffic conditions, you can be from San Francisco Αirport to the city in about 30 minutes but during rush hours it can take up to 50 minutes.
How much does a taxi cost from San Francisco airport to city?
San Francisco Airport taxis are metered according to the rates set by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The total fare depends on the distance traveled and traffic conditions and a SFO Airport pick-up fee of $5.50 is added after exiting the airport.
The average San Francisco Airport to Downtown taxi fare is around $55 (€50) and up to 5 passengers can share the same taxi. Note that any tolls are to be paid by the passengers.
Also, destinations 15 mi (24 km) beyond the limits of the City and County of San Francisco are charged 150% of the metered rate.
Where do I get a taxi from?
There are official taxi ranks at all terminals at San Francisco Airport. While you’re on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, follow the ‘Ground Transportation’ signs to the designated taxi zones by the roadway center islands in front of the terminal; you should spot a yellow ‘TAXI’ sign and the lined-up taxis. Uniformed taxi coordinators are stationed at the taxi zones from 07:00 to 14:15 to assist passengers.
Convenience
A taxi from San Francisco Airport to downtown can be a really good option if you want a last-minute solution to leave the airport. However, if your flight arrives during peak hours, you can expect other travelers to have the same idea, resulting in long waiting times at the taxi rank.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreThe BART train from San Francisco Airport to downtown is a good budget option for reaching your accommodation in the city. Trains depart from SFO BART Station and you can take either the Yellow Northbound Line to Antioch or the Red Northbound Line to Richmond.
Both lines go through downtown San Francisco and you can disembark at central locations like Civic Center / UN Plaza, Powell Street, or Montgomery. You can then continue on foot or take additional transport to reach your hotel or apartment.
How much is the fare for the train from San Francisco Airport to downtown?
Fares for BART trains are based on distance traveled. A single ticket from San Francisco Αirport to downtown San Francisco costs $10.55 (€9.55).
You will need a Clipper card to ride the BART, the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card. You can purchase a Clipper card from the vending machines at the station. Only select machines accept credit and debit cards so make sure to carry some coins and dollar bills.
There is a one-time $3 fee to purchase a plastic Clipper card. Alternatively, you can get a new Clipper card on your mobile for free with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
BART Yellow Line operates from 04:58 to 00:00 Monday through Friday, from 05:48 to 00:00 on Saturdays, and from 07:48 to 00:00 on Sundays. BART Red Line operates from 06:16 to 20:54 Monday through Friday, from 07:16 to 20:54 on Saturdays, and from 09:16 to 20:54 on Sundays.
Where do I get the train from?
The SFO BART Station is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (G Gates side). If you’re already in the International Terminal, follow the signs and use the elevators or escalators to reach the Departures Level. If you’re arriving at a different terminal, you can access the BART Station by riding SFO’s AirTrain to the Garage G/BART Station stop.
Convenience
The BART is a great value-for-money option if you’re traveling solo or in a small group. For families with young children or travelers with multiple pieces of luggage, it may not be the best choice; the trains can get quite crowded during peak hours and since this is not door-to-door service, you may need to walk or look for additional transport to reach your accommodation.
Timetables
BART schedules and map
Yellow and Red Lines
BART ticket information
BART fare calculator
Useful Tips
SamTrans bus route 292 is a very convenient option if you want to cover the San Francisco Αirport to downtown distance by bus. Route 292 starts from Hillsdale Mall, stops at all terminals at SFO, and makes multiple stops in downtown San Francisco, all the way to Mission St & 1st St on the eastern part of the city. You can look for the nearest stop to your accommodation and then continue on foot, by bus or train to your end destination.
How much is the ticket for the bus from San Francisco Airport to downtown?
A single adult ticket for the bus from San Francisco Αirport to the city costs $2.25 (€2). There is a discounted fare for anyone under 18 years old at $1.10 (€1).
You can also purchase a Day Pass for $4.50 (€4.10) if you plan on using public transport again during the day.
You can purchase your ticket on the bus only in cash. Be sure to have the exact fare as drivers don’t provide change. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket via the SamTrans mobile app.
SamTrans bus route 292 operates from 04:42 to 02:12 Monday through Friday and from 04:42 to 01:46 on the weekends.
Where do I get the bus from?
SamTrans bus route 292 makes multiple stops on the Lower Level at SFO Airport:
Follow the signs reading ‘Ground Transportation’ and look for the Public Transit/SamTrans signs on the sidewalk. There are also markings on the road marking where the bus will stop.
Convenience
The local shuttle bus from San Francisco Airport to downtown is the best value-for-money option, ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Service is available from early in the morning until late at night and it makes multiple stops so you should be able to disembark near your hotel or apartment. However, luggage space is limited on the bus so it may not be the best option if you’re carrying multiple suitcases.
Timetables
SamTrans bus route 292
Map, stops, and schedule
SamTrans fare information
Useful Tips
SamTrans OWL Bus 397 is a convenient night route that connects San Francisco Airport to downtown. It starts from Palo Alto, stops at San Francisco Airport, and makes over 15 stops in the downtown area so there’s a good chance to find a bus stop near your hotel or apartment.
How much is the ticket for the bus from San Francisco Airport to downtown?
A single adult ticket for all SamTrans buses to the city costs $2.25 (€2). Anyone under 18 years old is entitled to a discounted fare of $1.10 (€1).
If you plan on using public transport again during the day, you can purchase a Day Pass for $4.50 (€4.10).
You can purchase your ticket on the bus only in cash. Be sure to have the exact fare as drivers don’t provide change. Alternatively, you can purchase a ticket via the SamTrans mobile app.
SamTrans bus route 397 departs from SFO Airport at 02:21, 03:03, and 04:03 daily.
Where do I get the bus from?
Route 397 makes four stops at SFO Airport so you can easily catch it from any terminal. All bus stops are on the Lower Level:
Follow the signs reading ‘Ground Transportation’ and look for the Public Transit/SamTrans signs on the sidewalk. There are also markings on the road marking where the bus will stop.
Convenience
If you’re arriving at SFO Airport late at night and you’re looking for a budget-friendly transportation option, the owl bus is the best available option. However, only a few departures are scheduled from the airport so you need to time your flight arrival with the next bus departure to avoid long waiting times.
Timetables
SamTrans bus route 397
Map, stops, and schedule
SamTrans fare information
Useful Tips
The best transportation option from San Francisco Αirport to the city is a San Francisco Airport transfer. Welcome Pickups’ tailored services ensure an elevated, personalized experience and allow you to enjoy peace of mind through meet and greets, trained professional drivers, flight monitoring, and much more.
In a matter of minutes, you can book a top-rated service trusted by travelers all around the world and leave nothing to chance on the day of your arrival. Also, with a flexible cancelation policy and 24/7 customer support, you’re covered even if anything doesn’t go as planned.
What's the cost of a private transfer from San Francisco Airport to the city?
One of the main benefits of pre-booking your private transfer from San Francisco Αirport to downtown is that it comes with a fixed fare. This guarantees you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your arrival.
A sedan private transfer from San Francisco Αirport to downtown San Francisco costs $64 (€58), a minivan transfer $85 (€77), and a minibus $349 (€315).
The booking process is straightforward and will guide you to select the best vehicle type based on the number of passengers and luggage. The quote you’ll get is final and includes all taxes so you don’t need to worry about any hidden fees. You’ll then pay securely online leaving nothing pending at the end of the ride.
You can book a private transfer from San Francisco Airport (SFO) 24/7.
Where do I get a transfer from?
Your driver will have the flight information you submit during the booking and will monitor your arrival. They will wait in the Arrivals Hall of whichever terminal your flight lands and they will hold a sign with your name. You should be able to spot them in the crowd easily but you can also check the Welcome Traveler App for the exact meeting point or to contact your driver.
Following a friendly meet and greet, your driver will help with your luggage, lead you to your pre-selected vehicle, and then you’re all set for a comfortable transfer from San Francisco Αirport to downtown.
Convenience
If you want a seamless travel experience after landing at SFO Airport, a private transfer is by far the best choice. You’ll enjoy a fast and reliable door-to-door service for you and your travel party at a competitive fixed price. It’s the ideal solution if you’re traveling with young children or you’re on a business trip and you prefer to avoid the overwhelming public transport or waiting at the taxi rank for a ride.
Useful Tips
Sedan up to 3 passengers
€55Starting from 18.3 EUR / passenger
Minivan up to 5 passengers
€73Starting from 14.6 EUR / passenger
Minibus up to 12 passengers
€275Starting from 22.9 EUR / passenger
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from San Francisco Airport to the city?
Getting from San Francisco Airport to downtown is easy by taxi, private transfer, train, or bus. Taxis and private transfers are the most convenient options as they are available 24/7 and offer comfortable door-to-door services. The BART train is the fastest option to cover the San Francisco Αirport to downtown distance during rush hour. Finally, SamTrans buses are the cheapest option and are available even late at night with owl routes.
What is the cheapest way to get from San Francisco Airport to downtown?
Getting from San Francisco Airport to downtown by bus is the cheapest transportation option. With adult tickets at $2.25 (€2) and service around the clock, they are the best value for money to reach the city. Keep in mind, however, that this option adds about an hour to your travel time when you factor in waiting for the bus and making multiple stops.
Is there a shuttle from SFO to downtown?
A San Francisco airport shuttle to downtown is not a recommended transport option as it’s usually not good value for money. Public transport is a much cheaper option but if you prefer door-to-door service, you can take an airport taxi or book a private transfer in advance for a reasonable fare.
How much is a taxi from SFO to the city?
San Francisco Airport taxis are metered so the total fare depends on your end destination. The average fare from San Francisco Αirport to downtown is around $55 (€50) for up to 5 passengers.
Maria Papakonstantinou
Maria is a seasoned travel writer and avid traveler with a knack for research and itinerary planning. Specializing in airport transport and destination guides, she blends personal experience with local insights to help make every journey seamless.
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