San Francisco, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, offers a comprehensive public transportation system to help you explore every corner. To make your travels seamless and efficient, especially if you plan to use public transit, the Clipper Card is your essential companion. This reloadable transit card simplifies access to various modes of transportation across the Bay Area, including BART, Muni, and cable cars. Just tap your Clipper Card at the reader when you board and listen for the beep confirming your fare. Clipper cards are readily available for purchase and easily rechargeable at numerous locations, including Muni and BART stations. For added convenience, you can even use Clipper directly from your smartphone via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Arriving in San Francisco: Airport Transportation Options
San Francisco is served by three major airports, each with its own set of transportation links to the city.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO, the primary gateway to San Francisco, is well-connected globally and domestically. Beyond its extensive flight network, SFO stands out for its amenities, including an accredited museum and the delightful Wag Brigade of therapy dogs. Getting from SFO to downtown San Francisco is straightforward with multiple options:
BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit
BART is a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable electric train service linking SFO to San Francisco and the wider Bay Area. After collecting your luggage, follow signs for AirTrain, SFO’s free airport tram. Take either the Red or Blue line AirTrain to Garage G and the BART station in the International Terminal G. Board a San Francisco/Antioch bound train. A one-way BART trip from SFO to downtown San Francisco costs approximately $11.15 (round-trip $22.30), with fares calculated based on distance. Remember to tap your Clipper Card again when exiting the station at your destination. If your card balance is insufficient, add funds at the Add Fare machines inside the station.
Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft
Ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber offer convenient door-to-door service from SFO. Pick-up zones are located on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. This video provides visual directions for finding your ride. Fares and travel times are subject to demand and traffic conditions.
Shared Van and Shuttle Services
Shared-ride vans provide another transportation option from SFO to various locations. A one-way trip to downtown San Francisco averages around $17. These vans may make multiple stops, affecting travel time. In Domestic Terminals, shuttles pick up curbside on the Arrivals Level. At the International Terminal, pick-up is on the Arrivals Level roadway center island.
Taxis and Limousines
Taxis and limousines are readily available at SFO. Taxi stands are located on the lower level outside Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas at all terminals. Uniformed coordinators are present from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. to assist passengers. Taxi fares to downtown San Francisco range from $45 to $60, with travel times around 30 minutes, traffic dependent. For limousines, pre-booking is recommended, or you can arrange upon arrival using the Lodging, Transportation and Attraction Boards in the Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas.
SamTrans Buses
SamTrans buses offer a public transit option from SFO to San Francisco. Routes SFO, 292, and 398 connect the airport to downtown for approximately $2-$5 per adult, one-way. SamTrans bus stops are situated at:
- Terminal 2: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island near Courtyard 2.
- Terminal 3: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside by Courtyard 4.
- International Terminal: Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside near Courtyard G.
Parking at SFO
While San Francisco offers numerous parking options, SpotHero allows you to pre-book parking, simplifying your travel experience.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
BART from OAK
BART provides easy and affordable access from OAK to San Francisco. Follow BART signs in the baggage claim area to the station, located opposite Terminal 1 baggage claim and a short walk from Terminal 2. Take the BART train for the quick 8-minute ride to Coliseum station, then transfer to a San Francisco-bound BART train. Trains to Coliseum depart every 5 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with less frequent service at other times. Round-trip BART fare from OAK to San Francisco is approximately $25.30.
Ride-Sharing from OAK
Ride-sharing services including Lyft and Uber also serve OAK. Arrange your ride via the app and follow signs for Smartphone App Rides in Terminals 1 and 2. Drivers pick up on the second curb of the pickup area. A typical ride to San Francisco takes about 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $45, depending on traffic and demand.
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Caltrain from SJC
Caltrain commuter rail connects San Jose Airport to San Francisco. From SJC, take the free Airport Flyer-VTA Route #60 bus to the Santa Clara Transit Center. Shuttles depart every 15-30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. One-way fare is $2. Caltrain fares are zone-based. San Francisco has two Caltrain stations (22nd Street and Fourth Street), both in Zone 1. The Caltrain journey to San Francisco takes at least 60 minutes.
Shuttles from SJC
Shuttle services are also available from SJC to San Francisco, with prices varying.
Arriving by Train: Amtrak
Amtrak offers a scenic and comfortable train travel option to San Francisco via Thruway bus connections at Emeryville.
- Coast Starlight: From Seattle and Portland (North) and Los Angeles (South).
- California Zephyr: From Chicago and Denver (East).
- San Joaquin: From Bakersfield and Fresno.
- Capitol Corridor (Amtrak-operated): Serving 18 stops between Sacramento and Silicon Valley.
Getting Around San Francisco: Local Transportation
Once in San Francisco, navigating the city is easy with its diverse public transit options:
Muni: San Francisco Municipal Railway
Muni, San Francisco’s public transit system, encompasses buses, metro trains, cable cars, and historic streetcars. Muni buses operate on surface streets, while Muni Metro trains run on rails, partly underground. Bus stops are marked by shelters, yellow paint on poles, or white street markings. Metro stops are found on street islands or in underground stations. Utilize the Metro Map to locate the nearest Metro station.
Cable Cars and Streetcars: Historic Transit
San Francisco’s iconic cable cars and streetcars provide both transportation and a historic experience. Cable cars operate on three lines downtown: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. The F-Line streetcar runs along Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. Fares can be purchased in advance or via the MuniMobile app. Clipper Cards are accepted on both cable cars and streetcars.
