San Francisco International Airport (SFO) sits about 13 miles south of downtown, on the bay in San Mateo County. Getting into the city is easy. BART runs straight from the international terminal to downtown in about half an hour, and taxis and rideshares wait outside every terminal.
In this guide
This guide is part of our getting around San Francisco hub. If it is your first trip, also read our first-time tips.
The quick answer
- Cheapest and most predictable: BART, about 30 minutes to downtown for $11.80.
- Easiest with luggage or a group: a taxi or rideshare, usually 25 to 45 minutes.
- Cheapest of all: the SamTrans bus, slow but only a few dollars.
BART
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) leaves from the SFO station inside the International Terminal. From any other terminal, ride the free AirTrain to the International Terminal or Garage G stop and follow signs for BART.
Trains run to Civic Center, Powell Street, Montgomery and Embarcadero downtown, and on to the East Bay. The ride to Powell Street takes about 30 minutes. The one-way fare to downtown is $11.80, and you can pay by tapping a contactless credit card, phone or Clipper card at the gate.
BART runs from about 5am on weekdays (later on weekends) until around midnight. Check the BART website for the current fare and last trains.
Taxi and rideshare
Taxis line up at the arrivals level of each terminal. Uber and Lyft pickups are on the departures level of the domestic terminals and at marked zones at the International Terminal. A ride downtown usually takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, and fares typically run $45 to $70 before tip, more at busy times.
A taxi or rideshare is often worth it for groups of three or four, families with lots of luggage, or late-night arrivals after BART stops running.
Shuttles and buses
Shared-ride vans run from the domestic terminals’ upper levels to downtown hotels. They are cheaper than a private car for solo travelers but stop several times. SamTrans route 292 runs from the airport to the Salesforce Transit Center downtown for a few dollars. It is the slowest option, often an hour or more.
Driving and car rental
The SFO Rental Car Center is a short AirTrain ride from the terminals. If you are staying in the city, you probably do not need a car. Parking downtown is expensive, and car break-ins are a real problem. See our guide to parking in San Francisco if you do drive.
Tips
Tap your own contactless card at the BART gate so you do not need to buy a ticket. If you arrive late, check BART’s last train time before you land. Morning and evening rush hours add time to car trips on Highway 101.
Official resources: San Francisco International Airport, BART, SamTrans.
Frequently asked questions
How long does BART take from SFO to downtown?
About 30 minutes to Powell Street or Montgomery.
How much is a taxi from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
Usually $45 to $70 plus tip, depending on traffic and where you are going.
Can I pay for BART with a credit card?
Yes. Tap a contactless credit or debit card, or a phone wallet, at the fare gate.
Does BART run 24 hours?
No. Service ends around midnight and starts again early in the morning.
Photo credits
Featured image: Pi.1415926535 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; BART: Insightwm / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.