Navigating transportation to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be a key part of a smooth travel experience. Fortunately, San Francisco offers an efficient public transportation option directly from SFO: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). This guide provides essential information for travelers looking to utilize BART for reaching downtown San Francisco, Oakland, and the wider Bay Area.
Accessing BART from SFO
Upon arrival at SFO’s International Terminal and after clearing customs, accessing BART is straightforward. Simply turn right as you exit customs and take the escalator up to the Departures Level. Continue straight ahead, and you’ll find the BART station entrance conveniently located to your left, near the art exhibit. This seamless connection makes BART an easily accessible option for airport transit.
Destinations via BART from SFO Airport
BART efficiently connects SFO to key destinations throughout the Bay Area. Here’s how to reach some popular spots:
To Downtown San Francisco
To travel to the heart of San Francisco, board either an Antioch (Yellow line) or Richmond (Red line) train. These lines serve all four downtown San Francisco BART stations: Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street, and Civic Center/UN Plaza. From any of these stations, many San Francisco hotels and the Moscone Convention Center are within a comfortable walking distance or a short taxi or ride-share trip.
Find your hotel on this map of downtown San Francisco to plan your route from the BART station.
To Downtown Oakland
For those heading to Oakland, the Antioch (Yellow line) or Richmond (Red line) train will also get you there. Disembark at the City Center/12th Street Station, which places you directly in downtown Oakland. From there, you are within easy reach of Oakland Chinatown and the vibrant Jack London Square.
Returning to SFO on BART
When your trip concludes and it’s time to return to SFO, BART makes the journey back to the airport equally convenient. Look for any SFO-bound train. Direct service is available from downtown San Francisco and Downtown Oakland via the Antioch to SFO (Yellow) line and the Richmond to Millbrae + SFO (Red) line. Always confirm that “SFO” is included in the train and line name to ensure you are on the correct train. If you are traveling from other locations, you may need to transfer to an SFO-bound train. Refer to the BART System Map to identify any necessary transfer points for your journey.
Upon arriving back at SFO via BART, you can easily access your connecting flights. For domestic flights departing from Terminals 1, 2, or 3, either walk or take the AirTrain Red Line. The International Terminal check-in counters are a short walk from the BART station’s main entrance, providing quick access for international departures.
BART Fares and Payment Options
Understanding BART fares and payment methods will streamline your travel.
Fare Payment: Children aged 4 and under ride BART for free.
Purchasing Fare: For the most efficient travel, consider setting up a Clipper card on your mobile phone before arriving at the station. This avoids queues for paper tickets. Clipper, a regional transit card, is accepted across Bay Area transit systems, including Cable Cars, ferries, and buses, making it useful for exploring beyond BART. Clipper can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Each passenger requires their own Clipper card.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a Clipper card to Apple Wallet.
Step-by-step instructions for adding a Clipper card to Google Pay.
Clipper cards function like prepaid debit cards for transit fares. BART’s fare calculation is based on distance traveled. Weekly or monthly passes are not available. For fare estimation, use the BART fare calculator, remembering to add $0.50 per trip. Fare charts for paper tickets are also available at the SFO station.
To enter the BART system, simply tap your mobile phone with a Clipper card loaded in your digital wallet on the fare gate reader. The correct fare is automatically deducted upon exiting the system. If insufficient funds are on your card, fare gates will direct you to an Addfare vending machine to add value before you can exit.
BART Schedule and Service Hours
Plan your BART travel around the service schedule:
BART Weekday Airport Service Hours: 5:11 a.m. (first train departing SFO) to Midnight.
BART Weekend Airport Service Hours:
- Saturday: 6:25 a.m. (first train departing SFO) to Midnight
- Sunday: 7:02 a.m. (first train departing SFO) to Midnight
For early morning Sunday flights, ensure you have alternative airport transportation arrangements as BART service starts later on Sundays. Always check the BART Trip Planner for the most up-to-date departure and arrival times for your specific journey.
Luggage and Accessibility on BART
BART accommodates passengers with luggage and accessibility needs. Luggage can be stored under your seat or on your lap, keeping doorways clear. Some BART cars offer designated spaces near doors for wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers. If unoccupied by passengers with disabilities, these spaces can be used for luggage, but ensure it remains under your control.
All BART stations are equipped with elevators and wider fare gates to accommodate large luggage and passengers with disabilities, ensuring ease of access for all travelers.
Parking at BART Stations for SFO
For travelers driving to a BART station to reach SFO, parking can be a more economical option compared to airport parking. Many BART stations offer inexpensive multi-day parking with convenient online reservations.
Multi-Day Reserved parking allows for consecutive overnight stays up to 20 weekdays. Reservations can be made via the official BART app or the parking website. You will need to provide your vehicle license plate number and a phone number when booking. Park in designated Reserved parking areas; no printed permits are needed.
Consider driving to Millbrae Station and utilizing multi-day reserved parking there for a quick BART ride to SFO. Multi-day parking reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, with a maximum of twenty weekdays purchasable at a time. Weekend parking is free. For detailed parking information, visit the Parking section.
Cancellations for single or multi-day parking can be made until 11:59 p.m. the night before your reservation through the BART app or reserved parking website. A $2 cancellation fee applies per cancellation action, and refunds (minus the fee) are typically processed within 72 hours. Note that cancellations cannot be processed until the transaction has cleared with your bank, which may take up to 24 hours.
Flying to/from Oakland International Airport (OAK)? Consider exploring BART’s connection to Oakland Airport as well.
Utilizing San Francisco Airport Public Transportation, particularly BART, offers a cost-effective, efficient, and convenient way to travel to and from SFO, connecting you seamlessly to San Francisco, Oakland, and beyond.
Alt text: A BART train arriving at the platform of San Francisco International Airport station, illustrating the direct public transportation link.
Alt text: A person using a Clipper card on their mobile phone to pay for fare at a BART station fare gate, highlighting the convenient digital payment method.
