San Francisco Airport taxi
The best way to ensure a stress-free start to your trip in San Francisco is by securing a comfortable ride that will take you directly to the door of your accommodation. A San Francisco Airport taxi is the most convenient option to reach your hotel or apartment and avoid crowded public transport.
Taking a taxi from San Francisco Airport taxi is safe and you can find one at the official taxi rank 24/7. They are considered the best way to travel to and from the airport, especially for families with young children or business travelers. By hopping in an airport taxi, you can reach Downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes or nearby destinations, like San Jose in 50 minutes.
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Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
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WHAT'S THE COST OF A SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT TAXI?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFO TO DOWNTOWN SAN FRANCISCO | 55 € | 55 € | 30 MIN |
| SFO TO OAKLAND | 85 € | 85 € | 35 MIN |
| SFO TO SAN JOSE | 160 € | 160 € | 50 MIN |
| SFO TO FREMONT | 110 € | 110 € | 55 MIN |
| SFO TO SANTA ROSA | 230 € | 230 € | 1 H 30 MIN |
| SFO TO SACRAMENTO | 335 € | 335 € | 1 H 50 MIN |
San Francisco Airport taxi cost
For a taxi from San Francisco Airport, the price is calculated using a taximeter according to the rates set by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
The rates are the same throughout the day but the distance to the destination and traffic conditions can affect the total fare. Note that there is no luggage surcharge but there is a SFO Airport pick-up fee of $5.50 per ride and passengers pay any bridge tolls.
That being said, the average fare for a San Francisco Airport taxi to the city center is approximately $55 (€50) for up to 5 passengers. You can also take a taxi from San Francisco Airport to a nearby city, like San Jose, for around $160 (€145).
To avoid the uncertainty of a metered fare, you can pre-book your airport taxi from San Francisco with a reliable operator like Welcome Pickups. You will secure a fixed fare and pay online in advance, meaning you can relax even if you get stuck in a traffic jam on the way to your hotel downtown.
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Where can I find the San Francisco Airport taxi rank?
Airport taxi cab services in San Francisco are available around the clock so you can secure a ride even if you’re on a red-eye flight. You can catch a taxi from the designated taxi zones located at all terminals. Follow the signs to the roadway center islands, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level and you should spot the lined-up taxis. From 07:00 to 14:15, uniformed taxi coordinators are stationed at the taxi zones to assist passengers.
If you’re traveling during peak hours, there’s a way to skip the rank; you can book your San Francisco Airport taxi in advance with a top-rated operator like Welcome Pickups and ensure a personalized meet and greet inside the Arrivals Hall.
Useful tips for taking a taxi from San Francisco Airport
- Avoid unlicensed drivers approaching tourists at the airport and head directly to the official taxi ranks.
- When you get in the taxi, check that the taximeter is set to the base fare of $4.15 (€3.75).
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available at SFO; you can contact the taxi coordinator to request one.
- San Francisco Airport taxi safety is usually not an issue but it’s a good idea to track the route on your mobile to ensure your driver is taking the most efficient route.
- Most taxis accept card payments but it’s best to confirm upfront if you don’t carry any cash.
- Drivers from SFO Airport are allowed to ask for upfront payment depending on your destination so don’t be alarmed.
- Drivers can charge an additional fee for luggage that doesn’t properly fit in the trunk of the taxi.
- Make sure to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride if you wish to file a complaint or claim a lost item.
- Tipping your taxi driver 15%-20% of the total fare is customary for good service.
- Most sedan taxis can accommodate up to 5 passengers. If you’re in a larger group or carrying multiple luggage, it’s best to book your taxi in advance.
- During peak hours, waiting times at the airport taxi rank can be long; pre-booking your ride is a great way to skip the line and save time.
San Francisco Airport taxi to Hotel Zone
Most hotels in downtown San Francisco are on the eastern side of the city, around Union Square. No matter where your hotel or destination is, after a long flight, the last thing you want is to check public transport timetables and try to locate the nearest bus or train stop to your hotel. Dragging heavy luggage around or traveling with young children surely doesn’t make things any easier.
Pre-booking your taxi from San Francisco Airport to your hotel is the best way to ensure a seamless experience and avoid all the hassle. That way, you will leave nothing to chance and secure reliable door-to-door service with a professional driver; all you have to do is relax and start planning how to spend your first day in San Francisco!