How to Get from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Downtown SF

Quick Answer

The best way to get from SFO to Downtown San Francisco depends on your budget, luggage, and arrival time. For most travelers with daytime arrivals: BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) - 25-35 minutes, $10-12, avoids traffic. For convenience with luggage or groups: Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) - 20-40 minutes, $35-60. For budget travelers with time: SamTrans bus 292 - 60+ minutes, $2.50. For late night arrivals (after midnight): Rideshare or taxi - 20-40 minutes, $40-80. The internet often says "BART is the best option" but I don't actually recommend BART if you have more than one large suitcase per person or are traveling during commute hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) - the trains are packed, elevators frequently out of service, and navigating crowded stations with luggage is challenging.

How to Get from SFO to Downtown by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

San Francisco International Airport has a direct BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station located in the International Terminal, connected to all terminals via the free AirTrain. BART is the fastest and most reliable public transport to downtown, avoiding Bay Area's notorious traffic. Trains run every 15-30 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight (extended on weekends). The ride to downtown takes 25-35 minutes, with key stops at Powell Street (Union Square), Montgomery Street (Financial District), and Embarcadero.

Route	BART Line	Travel Time to Downtown	Cost (Peak/Off-Peak)	Key Downtown Stops
SFO → Downtown SF	Yellow Line (Antioch-SFO)	25-35 minutes	$10.20-$12.20	Powell, Montgomery, Embarcadero
SFO → Downtown SF	Red Line (Richmond-Berryessa)	25-35 minutes	$10.20-$12.20	Powell, Montgomery, Embarcadero
SFO → Millbrae (Caltrain transfer)	All SFO trains	7 minutes	$5.15	Transfer to Caltrain for 4th/King
SFO → East Bay	Various lines	40-60+ minutes	$10-$20+	Oakland, Berkeley, etc.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with BART

You arrive at SFO with two large suitcases and a carry-on at 8:15 AM on a Tuesday. You read online that BART takes 30 minutes to downtown, so you take the AirTrain to the BART station. The train arrives packed with commuters. You squeeze on with your luggage blocking the aisle, getting dirty looks. At Powell Station, the elevator to street level is out of service. You carry your bags up three flights of escalators, exhausted. A rideshare would have cost $45 split two ways ($22.50 each) vs BART $10.20 each, but saved 20 minutes and major hassle. This happens daily to tourists who don't understand Bay Area commute realities.

BART from SFO: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Follow signs to "AirTrain" in your terminal (free, runs 24/7)
2. Take AirTrain to "Garage G / BART" station (all AirTrains go there)
3. Purchase ticket at BART vending machines (cash/credit/debit)
4. Tap your Clipper card or ticket at fare gates
5. Board any train - all trains from SFO go to downtown San Francisco
6. Exit at: Powell Street (Union Square), Montgomery (Financial District), or Embarcadero
7. Tap out at your destination station

Travel time: 25-35 minutes. Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes weekdays, 20-30 minutes weekends/evenings.

Why the Internet is Wrong About BART Being Always Best

The internet consistently recommends "BART is the best option from SFO." This is only partially true. BART is good for: Solo travelers with light luggage, budget-conscious, avoiding traffic, downtown hotels near BART stations. BART is bad for: Multiple/large suitcases (limited space), commute hours (extremely crowded), mobility issues (elevators often broken), late night (stops around midnight), hotels not near BART stations. Many travel blogs are written by locals with backpacks, not tourists with family-sized luggage. The reality: for many visitors, the extra $20-40 for rideshare is worth avoiding BART's challenges.

BART Fares, Tickets & Clipper Cards

• Cost to downtown: $10.20-$12.20 depending on exact station and time (peak/off-peak)
• Purchase: Ticket vending machines at SFO BART station (cash/credit/debit)
• Clipper card: Reusable transit card, available at machines ($3 for card)
• Mobile payment: Apple Pay/Google Pay with Clipper card in Wallet
• Peak hours: Weekdays 3-7 PM (slightly higher fare)
• Children: Under 5 free, 5-18, seniors, disabled discounts available

Buses & Airport Shuttles from SFO to Downtown

For budget travelers or those going to specific locations, SamTrans public buses and private airport shuttles offer alternatives to BART. SamTrans bus 292 is the main public bus, while various shuttle companies provide door-to-door service. These options are slower but can be cheaper or more convenient for certain hotels.

SamTrans Bus 292: The Budget Option

SamTrans bus 292 runs from SFO to downtown San Francisco via Mission Street. It's the cheapest option at $2.50, but takes 60+ minutes. The bus stops at all SFO terminals (lower level) and goes to downtown SF with stops along Mission Street, ending at Salesforce Transit Center. Buses run every 30-60 minutes from approximately 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Airport Shuttles (Shared Ride Vans)

Shared ride shuttles like SuperShuttle (when operating) or other companies provide door-to-door service. Typical cost: $20-35 per person. You share a van with other passengers going to similar areas. Pros: Door-to-door, help with luggage. Cons: Can take 60-90 minutes with multiple stops, variable pricing. Many companies have reduced service post-pandemic - check current operators.

Hotel Shuttles

Some downtown hotels offer free shuttle service from SFO, typically larger hotels or those near airports. Always check with your hotel in advance. Most downtown SF hotels do NOT offer free shuttles due to distance - this is more common at airport hotels.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Airport Shuttles

You book a $25 shuttle online, expecting 45 minutes to your Union Square hotel. The shuttle makes 8 other stops in downtown SF, dropping passengers at different hotels. Your 45-minute ride becomes 85 minutes. You're the last drop-off. You saved $10 vs rideshare but wasted 40 minutes. Had you known, you'd have paid $35 for an UberX direct. This happens when shuttles are busy and multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

SamTrans Bus 292: Complete Route Information

Bus 292 from SFO to Downtown SF makes these key stops:

1. SFO Terminal 1, 2, 3, International (lower level curbside)
2. San Bruno Ave & Sneath Lane
3. Mission St & Silver Ave
4. Mission St & 30th St
5. Mission St & 24th St BART
6. Mission St & 16th St BART
7. Mission St & 7th St
8. Mission St & 5th St
9. Mission St & 1st St
10. Salesforce Transit Center (end)

Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes. Travel time: 60+ minutes. Cost: $2.50 exact cash, Clipper card, or MuniMobile app.

Rideshares, Taxis & Private Transfers from SFO

Rideshares (Uber, Lyft) from SFO

Uber and Lyft operate at all SFO terminals with designated pickup areas. Cost to downtown: $35-60 normally, $60-120+ during surge pricing. Travel time: 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Designated pickup is on the top floor (departures level) at all terminals - follow signs. UberX (standard) fits 4 passengers. UberXL fits 6. Uber Car Seat and Lyft Car Seat available for families.

Taxis from SFO

Official SFO taxis (yellow cabs) are available at all terminals on the lower level (arrivals). Cost to downtown: Approximately $50-70 fixed rate (meter may be higher with traffic). Taxis use the fast lane on Highway 101. Pros: Fixed rate knowledge, no surge pricing, professional drivers. Cons: Often more expensive than rideshares, older vehicles, payment issues possible.

Private Transfers & Limousines

Private transfer services provide pre-booked cars with meet-and-greet service. Cost: $80-150+ for sedan, more for limousines or vans. Book online in advance. Good for: Business travelers, groups, special occasions, guaranteed service. Luxury options available from companies like Blacklane, Carey, or hotel-arranged services.

Is a Rideshare Worth It from SFO?

For solo travelers: Usually not ($35-60 vs $10-12 BART). For 2 people: Borderline ($18-30 each vs $10-12 BART). For 3-4 people: Absolutely yes ($9-20 each vs $10-12 BART). For late night arrivals: Often the most convenient option. For heavy luggage or mobility issues: Usually worth the extra cost. During surge pricing (rush hour, rainy days, events): Check both Uber and Lyft, wait 10 minutes, or consider taxi fixed rate.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Surge Pricing

Your flight lands at SFO at 4:45 PM on Friday. You request an Uber: $98 to Union Square (3x surge). You wait 10 minutes, it drops to $72. You take it. Meanwhile, a taxi would have been $55-60 fixed rate, or BART $10.20. You paid $62 more than necessary because you didn't check alternatives or wait out the surge. This happens every Friday evening as business travelers and weekend visitors all request rides simultaneously.

SFO to Downtown Routes & All Stops

SFO is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, connected by Highway 101 and BART tracks. The map below shows routes from San Francisco International Airport to Downtown San Francisco. BART follows a direct rail route, while road transport uses Highway 101 or I-280.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from SFO to Downtown San Francisco on Google Maps

BART from SFO: Complete Stop List to Downtown

BART from SFO International to Downtown San Francisco stops at:

1. SFO International Airport - Airport station (start)
2. San Bruno
3. South San Francisco
4. Colma
5. Daly City
6. Balboa Park
7. Glen Park
8. 24th Street Mission
9. 16th Street Mission
10. Civic Center/UN Plaza
11. Powell Street - Union Square, shopping district
12. Montgomery Street - Financial District
13. Embarcadero - Ferry Building, waterfront

Travel time to Powell Street: 30 minutes. Key transfer: At Balboa Park for Muni Metro.

Driving Routes from SFO to Downtown

Primary route: Highway 101 North (James Lick Freeway) to downtown. Alternative route: I-280 North (Junipero Serra Freeway) to downtown - more scenic but slightly longer. Distance: 13 miles (21 km). Normal driving time: 20-30 minutes. Rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): 40-60+ minutes. Friday evenings, holiday weekends, Giants games: 60-90+ minutes.

SamTrans Bus 292: Key Stops to Downtown

Bus 292 from SFO to Salesforce Transit Center makes approximately 20-25 stops including:

• SFO All Terminals (lower level)
• Mission St & Silver Ave
• Mission St & 30th St
• Mission St & 24th St (BART connection)
• Mission St & 16th St (BART connection)
• Mission St & 7th St
• Mission St & 5th St
• Mission St & 1st St
• Salesforce Transit Center (end)

From Salesforce Transit Center, connect to Muni buses, trains, or walk to downtown hotels (10-20 minutes).

SFO to Downtown: Ticketing & Costs Comparison

Cost Scenarios: Different Traveler Types

Solo traveler with backpack to Union Square: BART $10.20 vs Uber $35-60 (BART wins). Couple with one suitcase to Financial District: BART $20.40 vs Uber $35-60 (BART wins). Family of 4 with kids to Fisherman's Wharf: BART $40.80 vs Uber $45-70 (Uber often wins). Group of 3 with heavy luggage: BART $30.60 vs Uber $40-65 (Uber often wins). Late night arrival (1 AM): BART $0 (not running) vs Uber $50-80 (only option). The internet's cost comparisons often ignore the "luggage hassle factor" and time value.

BART Fares to Specific Downtown Stations

• To Powell Street: $10.20 (off-peak), $12.20 (peak 3-7 PM weekdays)
• To Montgomery Street: $10.20 (off-peak), $12.20 (peak)
• To Embarcadero: $10.20 (off-peak), $12.20 (peak)
• To Civic Center: $9.75 (off-peak), $11.75 (peak)
• To 16th/Mission: $9.20 (off-peak), $11.20 (peak)

Peak hours: Weekdays 3:00-7:00 PM. Off-peak: All other times including weekends.

San Francisco Reality: Traffic, Safety & Hills

Getting from SFO to Downtown San Francisco involves navigating the Bay Area's infamous traffic, considering safety perceptions, and accounting for San Francisco's hills. Your experience depends on: 1) Time of day and day of week (Friday evenings are worst for traffic), 2) Luggage type and amount (wheeled suitcases on BART vs car trunks), 3) Hotel location relative to hills/BART (Nob Hill with luggage is challenging). First-time visitors are often surprised by: 1) BART's cleanliness and safety perceptions vary (airport trains are fine, some downtown stations less so), 2) Rideshare surge pricing can double costs unexpectedly, 3) SF hills make walking with luggage difficult. Late night arrivals have limited options but rideshares are reliable. Early morning departures require planning as first BART is around 5:00 AM. Overall: check traffic before choosing transport, pack light for easier mobility, and consider paying more for door-to-door if you have heavy bags or are in a group.

Practical Tips for SFO by Situation & Arrival Time

• With large luggage/suitcases (2+ bags): Rideshare or taxi. BART has limited space and crowded trains during commute hours.
• Family with kids/car seats: Uber Car Seat, Lyft Car Seat, or taxi. BART with strollers is challenging during crowded times.
• Late night arrival (after midnight): Rideshare or taxi. Last BART around midnight, check schedule. SamTrans owl service limited.
• Early morning flight departure: First BART to SFO around 5:00 AM weekdays, 6:00 AM weekends. For flights before 8:00 AM, rideshare or airport hotel.
• Friday evening arrival (3-8 PM): Worst traffic of week. BART avoids traffic but is crowded. Consider BART or wait out surge pricing.
• Business traveler with carry-on only: BART is efficient. Rideshare if company pays. Allow extra time during commute hours.
• Elderly/disabled travelers: Rideshare/taxi door-to-door. BART has elevators but they're often out of service.
• Group of 3-4 people: Rideshare often cheaper per person than BART. Split cost.
• Rainy day arrival: Rideshare/taxi avoids getting wet. BART requires walking to/from stations.
• Hotel near Union Square: BART to Powell Street (under Union Square). Walk to most hotels.
• Hotel in Financial District: BART to Montgomery Street. Most hotels within 5-10 minute walk.
• Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf: BART to Embarcadero then taxi/rideshare (10 minutes) or historic streetcar.
• Hotel on Nob Hill/Russian Hill: Consider rideshare - hills are steep with luggage.
• Return to airport: From downtown to SFO, allow: BART 30 minutes + buffer, rideshare 30-50 minutes + traffic buffer.
• Mobile apps: "Clipper" for transit, "Uber"/"Lyft" for rides, "Google Maps" for real-time directions/traffic.
• Payment methods: BART: credit/debit at machines, Clipper card. Rideshares: app/credit card. Taxis: cash/card.
• Surge pricing strategy: Check both Uber and Lyft, wait 10-15 minutes, walk to departures level for pickup, or take taxi.
• BART during commute hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM): Trains are packed. Board at front or back for more space. Airport trains start empty at SFO.
• Safety on BART: Keep luggage close, avoid empty cars, be aware of surroundings. Airport trains are generally safe.
• AirTrain to BART: Free, runs 24/7. From International Terminal, BART is in same building.

Common SFO Mistakes & Traffic Stories

The "Friday Evening BART vs Uber" Decision Error

You arrive at SFO Friday at 5:15 PM. Uber shows $98 (surge). You take BART to save money. BART takes 35 minutes, but you're crammed with commuters and your luggage blocks the aisle. At Powell Station, the elevator is broken - you carry bags up three escalators. Total stress: high. Had you waited 15 minutes, Uber surge would have dropped to $55, and you'd have had a direct, comfortable ride to your hotel. Lesson: Friday evenings, sometimes paying surge is worth it. Or wait it out.

The "Last BART" Timing Miscalculation

Your flight lands at 11:40 PM. You think you have time for last BART around midnight. Deplaning, walking to BART takes 20 minutes. You reach station at 12:00 AM, but the last train left at 11:50 PM. Now you need a $65 Uber. Had you gone straight to rideshare pickup, you'd have paid $45 and been downtown sooner. Lesson: If landing after 11 PM, assume BART isn't an option. Check schedule, but be prepared for rideshare.

The "I'll Save with SamTrans Bus" Reality Check

You decide to save $7.70 with SamTrans bus 292 ($2.50) vs BART ($10.20). Bus takes 70 minutes with 20+ stops. You're tired, bus is slow, and you arrive exhausted. You saved $7.70 but wasted 40 minutes. For a tourist with limited time, BART's extra $7.70 is worth the 30-minute time savings. Lesson: Time has value. For most tourists, BART is worth the extra cost over SamTrans.

The "We're 4, BART is Cheaper" Math Error

Four adults calculate: BART $10.20 each = $40.80. Uber shows $55. They choose BART. What they don't factor: 1) BART station is 10-minute walk from hotel (uphill), 2) Need taxi from station $10, 3) Total $50.80 + 20 minutes extra vs Uber direct $55. Uber would have been better. Lesson: Factor final door-to-door cost and time, not just airport-to-station.

The "Morning Flight" BART Schedule Assumption

You have 7:00 AM domestic flight from SFO. First BART from downtown at 5:00 AM arrives 5:30 AM. You need to be at airport 1.5 hours before (5:30 AM). It's tight but works. But it's Sunday - first BART is 6:00 AM. You're late. Lesson: Check BART start times for your specific day. Weekends start later.

The "Surge Pricing Panic" Overpayment

You land at 4:30 PM Friday. Uber shows $110 (3x surge). You panic and book it. Had you waited 10 minutes, it would have dropped to $65. Or taken a taxi for $60 fixed rate. Lesson: During surge, wait 10-15 minutes, check both apps, or take a taxi.

The "Nob Hill Hotel with Luggage" Hill Surprise

You take BART to Powell, Google Maps says hotel is 12-minute walk. What it doesn't show: 8 blocks uphill with 15% grade. You struggle with bags for 25 minutes. A $10 Uber from Powell Station would have been wise. Lesson: Check elevation changes to your hotel. SF hills are no joke with luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions: SFO to Downtown San Francisco