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San Francisco Travel & Transportation

Flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO is the preferred airport for visiting San Francisco. It’s phenomenally well-connected to dozens of domestic and international cities and serves as the west coast gateway for much of the Asia-Pacific region. It’s also one of the cleanest, safest, and most unique airports in the world.

Once you land at SFO, it’s easy to get into the city itself. Here are a few different ways:

BART

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) all-electric trains are a fast, inexpensive, and dependable way to get from SFO to San Francisco. Once you have your luggage, follow the signs for AirTrain, a free tram service to all terminals. Take either the Red or Blue AirTrain line to the Garage G and BART stop in International Terminal G. Proceed to the platform and board the San Francisco/Antioch train.

BART fares are based on distance traveled; the greater the distance, the higher the fare. A round-trip fare from SFO to downtown San Francisco is $22.30 ($11.15 one-way).

When you arrive at your destination, you must scan your Clipper Card again to exit the station. If you don’t have enough money on your ticket to exit, don’t worry. You can add more at the Add Fare machine in the station.

All About the Clipper Card

First thing’s first: whether you’re getting to, from, or around San Francisco during your stay, having a Clipper Card will make your travels much easier. The Clipper Card is an easy way to use the various modes of public transportation throughout the Bay Area. Purchasing a Clipper Card allows you access to BART, Muni buses, Metro, and cable cars. When you board, hold the card over a scanner and listen for the beep to make sure that you have an adequate balance on your card for your fare. Cards can be bought at multiple locations and refilled at Muni/BART stations. You can also keep Clipper on your phone! The service is compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Ride-Sharing Apps

With app-based transportation services, including Lyft and Uber, you can arrange to ride with drivers using their personal, non-commercial vehicles via smartphone. These services pick up passengers on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. This video demonstrates how to find your ride at SFO. Fares and travel times vary according to demand and traffic.

Shared Van & Shuttle Service

Several privately-owned, shared-ride vans provide service between SFO and passenger-specified locations. The one-way rate from SFO to the city center is approximately $17. Depending on the number of passengers, shared ride vans may make multiple stops, so the travel time can vary. In the Domestic Terminals, shuttles pick up passengers curbside on the Arrivals Level. In the International Terminal, passenger pick-up is on the Arrivals Level roadway center island.

Taxis

SFO is served by a number of taxi and limousine companies. Taxis depart from roadway islands on the lower level outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claims area in all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators work from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. to ensure a smooth process for travelers. All cabs are metered. The travel time to popular drop-off points in downtown San Francisco is usually around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) and fares range from $45 to 60.

SamTrans Buses

The San Mateo County Transit Agency (SamTrans) runs public buses between SFO and downtown San Francisco on the SFO, 292, and 398 lines for $2-$5 one-way for adults. Find SamTrans bus stops in the following locations at each terminal:

  • Terminal 2: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island adjacent to Courtyard 2.
  • Terminal 3: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside adjacent to Courtyard 4.
  • International Terminal: Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside adjacent to Courtyard G.

Flying into San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)

 

BART

Taking BART from OAK is an easy and low-cost option to get to San Francisco. After you’ve picked up your luggage, look for BART signs in the baggage claim. The station is located across from the Terminal 1 baggage claim area and a short walk from Terminal 2. Board a train for the quick eight-minute ride from OAK to the BART Coliseum station, where you can transfer to the BART train bound for your final destination in San Francisco.

OAK trains depart every 5 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Service is less frequent at other times. Round trip BART fares from OAK to San Francisco ($25.30), downtown Oakland ($8.50) or other East Bay cities are less than half the cost of taxis or shuttles to the same destination.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Smartphone app-based transportation services like Lyft and Uber serve OAK, providing rides via drivers in their personal, non-commercial vehicles. Arrange your ride via the app, and then follow the signs for Smartphone App Rides in Terminals 1 and 2. Drivers wait for passengers on the second curb of the pickup area. Fares and travel times vary according to demand and local traffic, but a typical ride from OAK to San Francisco takes approximately 45 minutes and ranges in price from $30 to 45.

Shuttle, taxi and limo service prices vary for shuttles, taxis and limousines from OAK to San Francisco. There are multiple options and special prices for traveling groups.

Arriving by Train

Amtrak offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to get to San Francisco. The city is served via Thruway bus connections at Emeryville. Ride with the convenience of amenities and picturesque scenery right outside your window as you explore what the Bay Area has to offer.

  • From the North, take the Coast Starlight from Seattle and Portland.
  • From the South, the Coast Starlight travels daily from Los Angeles.
  • From the East, the California Zephyr travels from Chicago and Denver daily.
  • The Amtrak San Joaquin offers departures from Bakersfield and Fresno.

The Capitol Corridor, also operated by Amtrak, serves 18 stops between Sacramento and Silicon Valley.

Parking at the Marriott Marquis

Valet: Daily: $91.20

Valet Parking Only. Overnight Fee $91.20-$199.50 (over-sized vehicles) + tax.

Limited Spaces. First Come First Serve.

Getting Around San Francisco

Muni

Muni is San Francisco’s bus and metro system that runs throughout the city, operating buses, trains, cable cars and the F-line streetcar. Muni buses remain above ground and on streets while Muni Metro runs on rails and sometimes go underground. Bus stops come in many forms: small bus shelters, yellow paint on street poles, and white paint on streets. Metro stops can be found on an island in the middle of the street and in underground stations. Using the Metro Map  find the nearest Metro to your location.

Cable Cars and Street Cars

Cable cars and street cars are San Francisco’s historic public transit. Cable cars are located downtown and run on three lines: Powell-Hyde,  Powell-Mason, and California Street. The F-Line streetcar runs up and down Market Street all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. Purchase fares in advance at multiple locations or via smartphone using the MuniMobile app. A Clipper Card will work on both cable cars and streetcars. 

PresidiGo Shuttle

The​ PresidiGo Shuttle system provides free and accessible transportation to an​d around the Presidio from three routes in the city, seven days a we​ek. Many stops are within a short walking distance from Muni or Golden Gate Transit bus lines.

Ride Sharing

There are a few on-demand car services to choose from, most of them started by San Francisco locals. You must first download the app, register, and set up a credit card payment system to use them. To use these services, set a pick-up location and destination in the app. Within minutes, you will be matched with a driver. Make sure to communicate with your driver; call, text, or wave down their car and always confirm that you are getting in the correct vehicle.

Taxi

As is customary in most U.S. cities, visitors may hail a taxi directly or use a smartphone app.