Transfer to/from - San Francisco airport (SFO)

 

Public transportation services, licensed taxis and rideshare, private transfer companies and car rental services in San Francisco airport (SFO)

Transportation

 

Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft)

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have designated pickup zones that vary depending on the flight type:

  • Domestic Flights: The pickup zone is located on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. Passengers should follow the signs from the baggage claim area to the garage.
  • International Flights: Pickup is at the center island of the Departures Level roadway, in zones 14-17.

Attendants are available to help passengers find their vehicle.

Train (BART)

The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) train system connects SFO directly to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities, being one of the fastest and most efficient forms of transportation.

Airport Station: The station is located on the Departures Level of the International Terminal (G gates) and is accessible from all terminals via the free AirTrain.

Fares: Payment is made with a Clipper card, which can be purchased and reloaded at the station's vending machines. The trip to downtown San Francisco takes about 30 minutes.

Public Buses (SamTrans)

The SamTrans bus service is the most economical option for traveling to San Francisco and San Mateo County, operating 24 hours a day.

Airport Stops:

  • Terminals 2 & 3: On the center island of the roadway, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level.
  • International Terminal: On Level 1, in courtyards A and G.

Main Routes: Routes 292 and 397 connect to downtown San Francisco. The ECR route operates overnight.

Taxis

Taxis are available at all terminals and offer direct service to your destination. Designated taxi stands are located on the center island of the roadway on the Arrivals Level, where taxi coordinators will assist you in getting a vehicle.

Rent a Car

 

Shared Shuttles

Shared shuttle services offer an economical option for traveling between the airport and various hotels or addresses in San Francisco. These vehicles make multiple stops, so the travel time may be longer than a taxi. The stops are located on the center island of the roadway, on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals.

Regional Shuttles and Airporters

There are scheduled bus services (Airporters) that connect SFO with neighboring counties and cities. They are a convenient option for traveling to destinations such as Marin, Sonoma, and Monterey. Some of the most well-known companies are:

  • Marin Airporter: Offers frequent service to Marin County.
  • Groome Transportation: Connects to Sonoma and Monterey Counties.

The stops for these services are clearly marked on the center island of the Arrivals Level at the domestic terminals and the International Terminal.

Pre-Arranged Limos and Vans

For a more personalized service, you can pre-arrange a private vehicle (sedan, SUV, or limousine). The pickup area for these services is located on the center island of the Arrivals Level at all terminals.

 
 

Latest updates: November 18, 2025

Transportation Tips to/from the airport

Although there are issues that seem more than obvious, it is always advisable to take them into account when moving to or from the airport, and especially if we go by public transport.
 
 1- To the airport - It is convenient to leave with a little more anticipation than what is commonly suggested. If you choose a taxi or a private car service, always take into account peak traffic times, demonstrations, strikes or events that may delay the journey to the airport from where you are. It is always good to be informed about what is happening.
 
If you contract a shared transfer service, have a contact telephone number handy in case of any delay by the company. In these cases they usually already have a scheduled collection time.
 
If you use public transport (collective, train) take into account the schedules (weekends and holidays tend to have less frequency), if you have to change and also how to board (if you need a card or paying the driver or motorist at the moment ). These are details that seem obvious, but it is advisable to know so as not to have surprises and suffer a delay that could cause complications.
 
If you rent a car to get to the airport, check where to leave the vehicle. At some airports, there is an exclusive parking lot for rental cars.
 
 2 -From the airport- Here it is a little less stressful since you don't have the pressure of missing your flight. In the worst case, you will arrive later at the place where you are going to stay or at the meeting point where you are trying to arrive.
 
Once you leave the plane, look for your suitcase and finish with the arrival procedures that are required. Then, follow the directions for public transportation or ask the airport staff.
 
It is very useful to find out in advance the schedules of the buses or trains in case you arrive late at night. Not all work 24 hours. The same goes for taxis. In case of using an Uber-type service, have the mobile application handy to contact the driver.
 
On the other hand, if you booked a private transport service, it is likely that they will have a person waiting for you, identified with a sign. If you rent a car to go from the airport to your final destination, for greater peace of mind it is advisable to book it in advance. Rental counters are usually available in the arrivals hall.

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