✈ How to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco

San Francisco is Bay Area’s crown jewel and should definitely be on your list if you’re exploring the US’s west. It’s among the country’s largest cities and attracts all types of travellers from across the globe for good reason. The Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic cable cars, and its rich food culture are only a few of the reasons to visit San Francisco.

If your flight arrives at San Jose Airport, there’s no need to worry; you can still easily make your way to San Francisco. The fastest and most convenient transportation option is to take an airport taxi or pre-book a San Jose airport to San Francisco transfer and reach your accommodation comfortably. If you’re travelling on a budget and don’t mind a slower ride, you can reach San Francisco by train. There is no direct connection from San Jose Airport so you’ll need to take a bus first but there are two different train companies that operate in the Bay Area; BART and Caltrain. Both options will take you to downtown San Francisco for a low fare, while you get to enjoy the view.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Jose 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	€196	60min	24/7
Train	€26	110min	04:34–23:18

How to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco by taxi

The fastest and most comfortable transportation option to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco is taking an airport taxi or pre-booking a personalised private shuttle. The ride is approximately 1 hour long and you’ll reach your accommodation directly, no matter what time your flight arrives at SJC Airport.

How much is the fare for a taxi from San Jose Airport to San Francisco?

Official San Jose taxis are metered but for longer routes, you might be able to negotiate a price with the driver beforehand. The average cost to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco with a standard taxi should be about $210 (€196) for up to 4 passengers; keep in mind that each operator might have different rates and additional fees. Pre-booking your airport shuttle will ensure a competitive rate which you’ll know and pay in advance.

Photos (1)

Official San Jose, CA taxi

Cost

$210

Trip Duration

1 h

The total fare might differ depending on the provider, exact distance and other fees that might apply per operator.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available at San Jose Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Official taxis are available at San Jose Airport 24/7 for on-demand service. You’ll find them lined up outside Terminal A at Stop 2 and Terminal B at Stop 1.

Convenience

If you’re looking for the most convenient transportation option to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco, taking an airport taxi or booking a reliable private shuttle service in advance is definitely it. It might be a pricey option but you’ll save valuable time and energy, without having to wait for the bus or train and check timetables. Especially if you’re travelling with many pieces of luggage or young children, taking a taxi to reach your accommodation directly, will ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.

Editor’s Note

The high fare might make taking a taxi a less attractive transportation option if you're a solo traveller or you're travelling on a budget. For larger groups or families with young children, however, choosing an airport taxi to reach San Francisco will offer a much smoother and more comfortable travel experience.

Useful Tips

Different rates apply among the different taxi companies so if you don’t book your taxi in advance, you can ask the driver what the rate is before you start the ride.

Most taxis in San Jose accept card payments but it’s best to carry some cash on you just in case.

Tipping your driver is at your discretion; a 10% tip or more is customary in San Jose, especially for longer routes.

Make sure to ask for a receipt at the end of the ride in case you leave any personal items behind or wish to file a complaint.

How to get from San Jose Airport to San Francisco by train

San Jose Airport isn’t directly connected to San Francisco by train but it still is a possible and budget-friendly transportation option. There are two options available; the BART Green line or L1, L2, and L5 operated by Caltrain. Each train company is accessible at a different train station but you can easily reach both stations by taking the VTA bus line 60 from San Jose Airport.

How much does the train ticket cost from San Jose Airport to San Francisco cost?

The total fare for the trip from San Jose Airport to San Francisco depends on which train you’ll choose. A single BART ticket costs $8.15 (€7.60), while a Caltrain ticket costs $10.50 (€9.80) per traveller. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to purchase a bus ticket for taking line 60 from the airport, which costs $2.50 (€2.30) per traveller.

Photos (3)

Bus line 60, BART, and Caltrain

Cost

$10 - $13