San Francisco, a city celebrated for its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, offers a diverse and efficient public transportation system to help you explore every corner. Understanding your transportation options is key to a seamless San Francisco experience. At the heart of it all is the Clipper Card, your essential tool for navigating the city’s extensive transit network.
The Clipper Card: Your Key to San Francisco Public Transportation
Imagine a single card that unlocks access to buses, trains, streetcars, and even cable cars throughout the Bay Area. That’s the Clipper Card. This reloadable transit card simplifies travel on various systems including BART, Muni (buses, Metro, streetcars, and cable cars), and more. Using a Clipper Card eliminates the need for paper tickets and ensures you always have the correct fare. Simply tap your card at the reader when boarding and listen for the confirmation beep.
Clipper Cards are readily available for purchase at numerous locations, including Walgreens stores, Clipper Customer Service Centers, and ticket vending machines at Muni and BART stations. For added convenience, you can also digitize your Clipper Card by adding it to your smartphone via Apple Pay or Google Pay, offering a contactless and modern approach to public transit.
Arriving in San Francisco: Airport Transportation Options
San Francisco is served by three major airports in the Bay Area, each offering various transportation links to the city.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Transportation
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the primary gateway to the city, boasts excellent connectivity to downtown San Francisco.
BART from SFO
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides a swift and economical rail connection from SFO to San Francisco. Upon arrival, follow signs for AirTrain, SFO’s free tram. Take either the Red or Blue line to Garage G and the BART station located in the International Terminal G. Board any San Francisco/Antioch bound train.
BART fares are distance-based. A one-way trip from SFO to downtown San Francisco costs approximately $11.15. Remember to tap your Clipper Card again when exiting the station at your destination. Insufficient funds? Easily add value at the Add Fare machines inside the station.
Ride-Sharing Services from SFO
Ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber offer door-to-door service from SFO. Designated pickup areas are located on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. Follow signs within the airport or watch this video for detailed directions. Fares and travel times are subject to demand and traffic conditions.
Shared Van and Shuttle Services from SFO
Shared-ride van services provide transportation between SFO and various locations in San Francisco. Expect to pay around $17 for a one-way trip to downtown. Shuttles pick up from the Arrivals Level curbside in Domestic Terminals and the Arrivals Level roadway center island in the International Terminal. Travel time can vary depending on passenger stops.
Taxis and Limousines from SFO
Taxis are readily available at SFO, departing from roadway islands on the Arrivals Level outside baggage claim areas at all terminals. Uniformed coordinators are present from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. to assist passengers. Metered taxi fares to downtown San Francisco range from $45 to $60, with a travel time of approximately 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
For limousine services, pre-arrange with a company or use the free phone connections at the Lodging, Transportation and Attraction Boards in the Arrivals/Baggage Claim areas.
SamTrans Buses from SFO
San Mateo County Transit Agency (SamTrans) buses offer a budget-friendly public transit option from SFO to San Francisco. Routes SFO, 292, and 398 connect the airport to the city for $2-$5 per adult one-way. Find SamTrans bus stops at:
- Terminal 2: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island adjacent to Courtyard 2.
- Terminal 3: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside adjacent to Courtyard 4.
- International Terminal: Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside adjacent to Courtyard G.
Parking at SFO
While parking is available at SFO, and throughout San Francisco, pre-booking parking can alleviate stress. Consider using SpotHero to reserve parking in advance.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) Transportation
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is another convenient airport option with direct BART access to San Francisco.
BART from OAK
BART provides a direct and cost-effective link from OAK to San Francisco. Follow BART signs from baggage claim areas in both Terminals 1 and 2. The BART station is a short walk from Terminal 2 and across from Terminal 1 baggage claim. Board the train towards BART Coliseum station for a quick transfer to a San Francisco-bound train.
Trains from OAK to Coliseum depart frequently, especially between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A round trip BART fare from OAK to San Francisco is approximately $25.30, significantly less than taxis or shuttles.
Ride-Sharing Services from OAK
Ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber operate at OAK. Arrange your ride via their apps and proceed to the designated Smartphone App Rides pickup areas on the second curb of the pickup area at Terminals 1 and 2. A typical ride to San Francisco takes about 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $45, but fares and times can vary.
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Transportation
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), while further south, offers Caltrain access to San Francisco.
Caltrain from SJC
To reach San Francisco from SJC using Caltrain, first take the free Airport Flyer-VTA Route #60 bus to the Santa Clara Transit Center. The shuttle departs every 15 to 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and costs $2 one-way.
From Santa Clara, Caltrain provides commuter rail service to San Francisco, stopping at 22nd Street and Fourth Street stations (both in Zone 1). The journey to San Francisco takes at least 60 minutes. Caltrain fares are zone-based.
Shuttle Services from SJC
Shuttle services are also available from SJC to San Francisco; prices vary.
Arriving by Train: Amtrak to San Francisco
Amtrak offers a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in San Francisco. While direct train service into San Francisco isn’t available, Amtrak utilizes Thruway bus connections from Emeryville to reach the city.
- 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): Connects Sacramento and Silicon Valley with 18 stops.
Getting Around San Francisco: Public Transit within the City
Once in San Francisco, an array of public transportation options awaits, primarily operated by Muni.
Muni: Buses and Metro
Muni, San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency, operates an extensive network of buses and the Metro light rail system throughout the city. Muni buses operate on surface streets, while the Muni Metro runs both above and underground. Bus stops are marked by shelters, yellow bands on poles, or white paint on streets. Metro stations can be found on street islands or underground. Consult the Muni Metro Map to find the nearest Metro station.
Cable Cars and Streetcars: Iconic San Francisco Transit
For a quintessential San Francisco experience, ride the historic cable cars and streetcars. Cable cars operate on three lines downtown: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. The F-Line streetcar travels along Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. Purchase fares in advance via the MuniMobile app or use your Clipper Card on both cable cars and streetcars.
Navigating San Francisco is made easy and efficient with its comprehensive transportation system. Embrace the Clipper Card and explore all that this captivating city has to offer.
