BART (Recommended)
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects SFO directly to downtown San Francisco in approximately 30 minutes. The SFO AirTrain connects the terminals to the BART station within the airport. BART also serves Oakland, Berkeley, and other Bay Area destinations. Fares from SFO to downtown San Francisco are approximately $10–12.
Taxi
Taxis are available from the designated taxi zones outside baggage claim. The journey to downtown San Francisco takes approximately 25–40 minutes and costs approximately $45–65 plus tip, depending on traffic.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft)
Rideshare services are available from the designated pickup area. Prices vary by demand. The journey to downtown San Francisco takes approximately 25–40 minutes.
Rental Car
Rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Center, accessible via the AirTrain. A car is useful for day trips to Napa Valley, Muir Woods, and the greater Bay Area.
Key Tips
BART is the most convenient and affordable option for most travelers heading to downtown San Francisco.
The SFO AirTrain is free within the airport and connects all terminals to the BART station and Rental Car Center.
BART fares are distance-based — check the BART website for current fares from SFO to your destination.
Traffic on US-101 and I-280 can be heavy during rush hours — BART is more reliable than taxis or rideshare during peak times.