EN
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary international airport serving San Francisco and the greater Bay Area of Northern California. It is one of the busiest and most significant airports on the U.S. West Coast, offering extensive domestic and international connections through major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and numerous global carriers.
The airport is located about 21 kilometers south of downtown San Francisco, making it relatively accessible compared to many major U.S. airports. Depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transportation, the journey from SFO to the city centre typically takes between 20–40 minutes. San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, cable cars, multicultural neighborhoods, and waterfront attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, offers a vibrant urban experience for visitors from around the world.
About the Airport
Official Name: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Location: San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
Airport Facilities: SFO provides a comprehensive range of services including cafés, international restaurants, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, premium lounges, yoga rooms, shower facilities, and rental car centers.
How to get from San Francisco International Airport to the city centre? Travelers can reach downtown San Francisco via the BART train system (direct airport station), airport shuttles, SamTrans buses, taxis, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), or pre-booked San Francisco Airport private transfers for added comfort.
Photo by Timo Strohmann on Unsplash
BART Train from San Francisco Airport to Downtown
BART trains run directly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown San Francisco. The BART station is located inside the airport, and trains operate frequently from early morning until late at night. The journey to key stations like Powell Street or Montgomery Street typically takes about 30 minutes. From SFO, BART provides easy connections to major destinations such as Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, and Daly City. Passengers can transfer between lines to reach locations across the wider Bay Area, including Fremont, Walnut Creek, and Concord.
BART Fare from SFO to City Center
The price of a one-way ticket from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco is approximately $10. Tickets can be purchased at BART vending machines inside the airport station or via the Clipper card/app.
Airport Shuttle from San Francisco Airport to City Center
Various shared airport shuttle services operate between San Francisco International Airport and the city centre. These shuttles run throughout the day and pick up passengers from the arrivals area of each terminal. The journey to central districts such as Union Square or Financial District usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Many airport shuttles offer direct transportation to destinations across the Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Oakland, and Berkeley. Several companies also provide door-to-door hotel transfers within San Francisco.
Airport Shuttle Fare from SFO to City Center
A one-way shared shuttle ride from SFO to downtown San Francisco typically costs $20–$25. Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased directly from shuttle company desks in the arrivals area.
SamTrans Bus from San Francisco Airport to City Center
SamTrans public buses offer a budget-friendly option for traveling from San Francisco International Airport to downtown. The most commonly used routes from SFO are Route 292 and Route 398, which operate from early morning until late evening. The journey to downtown San Francisco takes approximately 45–60 minutes.
SamTrans buses connect SFO to neighboring cities such as San Bruno, Millbrae, Palo Alto, Daly City, and Redwood City. Route ECR also provides convenient service to several Peninsula communities.
SamTrans Bus Fare from SFO to City Center
A one-way SamTrans ticket from SFO to downtown San Francisco costs approximately $2.25–$5, depending on the route. Tickets can be paid directly onboard with cash or via the Clipper card.
SFO Airport Taxi to San Francisco City Center
Taxi from San Francisco Airport to City Center
Taxis are easily available 24/7 at designated taxi ranks located outside each terminal at San Francisco International Airport. A taxi ride to San Francisco downtown typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Official airport taxis offer direct rides to many Bay Area destinations, including Sausalito, Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, and San Jose. Taxi drivers follow regulated fares, and all rides are metered.
Taxi Fare from SFO to City Center
A one-way taxi ride from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco usually costs $70–$80, including airport surcharges and potential toll fees. Payment can be made by cash or card.
All major ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Domestic flights typically use the Level 5 Domestic Garage, while international flights use the designated "Ride App Pickup" areas on the departures level. However, fares are roughly the same as local taxis.
First-class Transfer Service at San Francisco Airport
Private Transfers from San Francisco Airport to City Center
A smooth, reliable, and stress-free travel experience awaits you with private black-car transfers from San Francisco International Airport on AirportTransfer.com. The Bay Area is surrounded by iconic towns and scenic destinations that you may want to explore during your stay. Sausalito, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Mountain View, Half Moon Bay, Sonoma, Napa Valley, and Silicon Valley campuses are all within easy reach and worth adding to your itinerary.
Journey Time: The ride from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco typically takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day.
Key Point: You can book a fixed-price, door-to-door SFO private car transfer in advance, ensuring a comfortable and personalized start to your Bay Area visit.
By securing your ride with AT, you’ll benefit from licensed, professional English-speaking drivers, a wide range of vehicles suitable for individuals, families, or larger groups, and helpful add-ons like child seats or extra luggage capacity. Additionally, the flexible cancellation policy allows you to cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you complete peace of mind.
SFO Ariport private taxi booking is easy via the AirportTransfer.com app, available on both the AirportTransfer Google Play Store and the AirportTransfer App Store.
SFO Bus Rental Service with a Private Driver
Group Bus Transfers at SFO Airport
Group bus rentals at San Francisco Airport are an excellent option for corporate groups, university delegations, families on vacation, tech events, wedding parties, cultural tours, and sports teams traveling together.
Available San Francisco Bus Options at AirportTransfer.com:
Minibuses (8–19 seats): Ideal for compact group travel, offering comfort and efficiency for small teams or family groups.
Mid-Size Coaches (20–35 seats): Equipped with air conditioning, spacious luggage bays, and comfortable seating—perfect for medium-sized groups exploring the Bay Area.
Luxury Full-Size Coaches (36–55 seats): Designed for premium comfort with wider aisles, extra legroom, reclining seats, and onboard amenities, making them suitable for long-distance journeys to locations like Napa, Silicon Valley, or Monterey.
San Francisco Hotel Transfers
If you want a seamless and premium travel experience in San Francisco, you can easily reach top-rated accommodations with the VIP SFO hotel transfer services provided by AirportTransfer.com. Below is a curated list of some of the most notable and luxurious hotels in San Francisco:
Popular Luxury Hotels in San Francisco:
Fairmont San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Palace Hotel (A Luxury Collection Hotel), InterContinental Mark Hopkins, St. Regis San Francisco, Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel, Hotel Nikko San Francisco, Taj Campton Place, The Westin St. Francis Union Square, W San Francisco, InterContinental San Francisco, LUMA Hotel San Francisco, The Battery, and The Beacon Grand.
AirportTransfer.com is not affiliated with the hotels listed. They are provided for reference only. You can book a premium San Francisco transfer to any of these hotels by entering the hotel name when reserving on our website or app.