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Getting from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Sonoma

Sonoma, a short drive from San Francisco, is renowned for its exceptional wines, produced by over 425 wineries, and its natural beauty, from ancient redwoods to scenic coastlines. This diverse destination combines outdoor adventure with the comforts of small-town charm and luxury spas, making it an alluring escape for travellers.

To travel from SFO to Sonoma, a taxi or private shuttle offers a comfortable and direct journey. With a road distance of about 105 km (65 mi), the trip usually takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can opt for a shared SFO to Sonoma shuttle bus, which departs hourly and takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Finally, you can also use a combination of buses starting with a BART trip from SFO to the city centre and then transferring to a regional bus service to Sonoma. This option requires a transfer and the total travel time can vary significantly, based on your connection times and the schedules, but averages around 3 to 4 hours.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Francisco at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €243 70min 24/7
Shuttle €90 135min 05:30–00:30
BART + Bus €40.60 190min 05:30–18:50

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma by taxi

Taking a taxi or private shuttle ranks as the top option for your transportation from SFO to Sonoma thanks to the speed and convenience factors. These services, accessible 24/7 at San Francisco Airport, provide a direct link to Sonoma, with the travel time hovering around 1 hour and 10 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi fare from SFO to Sonoma

The taxi fare from SFO to Sonoma can vary based on several factors, including the specific taxi company, the time of day and the traffic conditions. As a rough estimation, considering the road distance of approximately 105 km (65 mi), the cost of a taxi would be around $260 (€243).

Keep in mind that extra costs for things such as time of day, number of passengers and surcharges may also apply. To secure a set-rate fee, why not book a private shuttle in advance with Welcome Pickups?

Cost

$260 (€243)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 10 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis and private shuttles are available 24/7 at San Francisco Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxi ranks are located outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal at San Francisco International Airport. In periods of high demand, designated coordinators are present to facilitate service and assist passengers.

Convenience

Travelling through the bustling San Francisco International Airport can present challenges. Opting for a taxi or private shuttle simplifies the journey to Sonoma, ensuring a prompt and uninterrupted route directly to your destination with the convenience of door-to-door service.

Editor’s Note

Booking your ride ahead of time during busy travel periods, such as holidays or local events, can ensure that a car is reserved for you, preventing long waits and potential delays in reaching your desired destination.

Useful Tips

Keep the taxi's information, like the driver's name and license number, in case you leave something behind.
Ask about the preferred route and estimated travel time considering traffic patterns.
Most taxis accept card and cash payments, but it's always wise to verify if they accept your preferred method of payment before starting the trip.

How to get from SFO to Sonoma by shuttle

To travel from San Francisco International Airport to Sonoma, you can take the SFO to Sonoma Airport shared shuttle, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. This direct route, which includes a few stops, provides a picturesque and economical option for reaching Sonoma.

How much does it cost to get from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma by shuttle bus?

The cost of travelling from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Sonoma County by shuttle bus is $48 (€45) per person. You can purchase tickets online or directly from the bus driver as reservations are not required.

Cost

$48 (€45)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 15 Min.

The SFO to Sonoma shared shuttle runs every hour.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The shared shuttle from SFO to Sonoma runs daily from 5:30 to 00:30.

Where do I get the shared shuttle bus from?

When departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sonoma via shuttle, you can easily locate your shuttle pickup areas. For International arrivals, exit customs through door #2 and cross the street to the centre island, where you’ll find the signpost labelled ‘Airporters’. For those arriving at Domestic terminals (1, 2, & 3), the pickup is just as convenient. Simply cross the street from the lower level baggage claim to find the ‘Airporters’ sign at the blue posts on the centre island. It’s advised to arrive at these spots 10-15 minutes before your chosen shuttle’s departure to ensure a smooth and timely boarding process.

Convenience

Using a shuttle bus as your transportation from SFO to Sonoma is an economical and convenient option. It offers a balance between affordability and comfort, making it a popular choice for many travellers. However, it’s important to note that while shared shuttles are cost-effective, they may have longer travel times compared to private transfers, especially with the multiple stops along the way. This option also takes you from SFO to Sonoma Airport meaning you will have to find other means of transportation to get to your specific destination in Sonoma.

Editor’s Note

For travellers eligible for discounted fares on the shuttle from SFO to Sonoma, such as seniors, military personnel, or students, it's crucial to have your identification and any necessary documents readily accessible.

Useful Tips

Check the shuttle schedule beforehand to plan your arrival at SFO accordingly.
Keep an eye on traffic reports or shuttle service notifications for any delays that might affect your travel time.
Book your shuttle ticket in advance to guarantee a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

How to get from SFO to Sonoma by BART and bus

To travel from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma by public transit, you can take the BART Line from SFO to “Civic Centre” station, then walk 270 metres to “Larkin St & Grove St”. This first leg of the journey takes about 30 minutes. Then you’ll board the 101 Golden Gate Transit bus towards Santa Rosa, which takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Finally, you will transfer at Copeland St for the Sonoma County Transit’s 40 bus to your end destination, which takes an additional 55 minutes, excluding waiting times.

How much does it cost to get from SFO to Sonoma by bus and the BART?

The initial part of the trip to “Civic Centre” via the Yellow Line BART from SFO is priced at $5.35 (€5) per individual. While you have the option to buy a paper ticket from the machines at the airport, be aware there’s an additional 0.50 cent surcharge for the paper ticket. The 101 Golden Gate transit from “Larkin St & Grove St” to Petaluma, “Copeland St” will cost around $14,25 (€13.30).  The price for Bus 40 from “Copeland St” to Sonoma is approximately $2.10 (€2) per person. The overall expense for travelling from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma using public transit is $21.70 (€20.30) per person.

Cost

$21.70 (€20.30)

Trip Duration

3 Hr. 10 Min.

The BART Yellow-N Line runs from SFO every 30 minutes. The 101 Bus runs hourly, and the SCT 40 bus from Copeland St runs 5 times a day.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The BART Yellow line is available Mon-Fri 05:00 to 00:00; Saturday from 06:00 to 00:00; Sunday form 08:00 to 00:00. The 101 Bus is available from 03:52 to 21:56 daily. SCT 40 runs from 06:10 to 18:50 daily.

Where do I get the BART service from?

To travel from SFO to Sonoma using public transportation, start by taking the Yellow-N BART line towards Antioch from SFO and alight at Civic Center / UN Plaza. It’s easily signposted as you walk out of Baggage Claim. From there, walk about 270 meters to the “Larkin St & Grove St” bus stop. Catch the 101 Golden Gate Transit bus towards Santa Rosa. Your next transfer is at Copeland St, where you’ll board the Sonoma County Transit’s 40 bus heading to Sonoma.

Convenience

Transportation from SFO to Sonoma can present challenges, particularly if you are accompanied by children or have substantial luggage. While opting for public transportation might be the cheapest method, it’s important to consider the convenience factor. This multi-step journey requires careful attention to transfer points and schedules, which makes it the slowest way to reach Sonoma. In contrast, choosing a taxi or private transfer can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering the advantages of comfort and privacy.

Editor’s Note

When opting for the BART+bus option from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma, it's crucial to allow additional travel time. This precaution accounts for potential delays or extended waiting periods during bus transfers.

Useful Tips

Familiarise yourself with the bus schedules and transfer points in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Pack light and efficiently, as managing heavy or multiple pieces of luggage can be challenging with bus transfers.
Have small change or a transit card ready for bus fares to avoid any inconvenience while boarding.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San francisco. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How can I travel from SFO to Sonoma?

You have several options to travel from San Francisco Airport to Sonoma. These include taking a shared shuttle service, which is both cost-effective and convenient, booking a taxi or private transfer for a more direct and personal experience, or using public transportation, which is the most economical option although it involves transfers and longer travel times.

How far is Sonoma from San Francisco Airport?

Sonoma is approximately 105 km (about 65 miles) from San Francisco Airport. The travel time can vary, but it typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Can I get an Uber from SFO to Sonoma?

Yes, you can get an Uber from SFO to Sonoma. However, it’s important to consider that while Uber offers convenience and direct service, it can be significantly more expensive than other options, especially for such a long distance. Additionally, Uber prices can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, and traffic conditions.

For a more predictable and often more budget-friendly experience, consider using a service like Welcome Pickups. With Welcome, you can enjoy a fixed rate, the convenience of pre-booking, and the assurance of a comfortable and reliable journey without the uncertainty of inconsistent fares or availability issues that can sometimes affect services like Uber.

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