Option 1: SamTrans 292 Bus
- Travel time: 60-90 minutes
- For those on a budget, SamTrans offer sroute 292 from SFO directly to downtown San Francisco. SamTrans is an inexpensive way to discover Palo Alto. Route 292 runs in mixed traffic so expect delays during heavy traffic.
- Note: SamTrans route 292 does not offer luggage storage. The bus is mainly for residents and airport workers so reconsider this option if you are traveling with luggage.
- Consider purchasing Clipper Card, the Bay Area’s integrated fare card to the city.
- Fare for SamTrans is $2.25.
- Cheapest
Option 2: BART Red / Yellow Line Train
- Travel time: 30 minutes
- The fastest way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco is with BART. Starting from your respective terminal, take the AirTrain people mover to Garage G / BART Station and walk a short distance to San Francisco International Airport Station to catch BART – San Francisco Bay Area’s rapid transit (subway) system. From here, catch BART’s Red / Yellow Line and continue to downtown San Francisco. Get off at Powell St., Montgomery St., or Embarcadero Stations downtown.
- Consider purchasingClipper Card, the Bay Area’s integrated fare card to the city.
- Fare for BART is $11.50.
- Fastest
Option 3: BART Red / Yellow Line Train / Caltrain
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Looking for a more express, adventurous option? This is a bit tricky with some backtracking. Take BART from San Francisco International Airport Station backtracking to Millbrae Station (in the opposite direction from downtown San Francisco). This intermodal hub offers a quick transfer to catch express Caltrain (commuter rail) northbound to San Francisco 4th and King Street Station. Catch Muni (metro system) to reach your final destination in downtown San Francisco. Or walk the final portion.
- Consider purchasing Clipper Card, the Bay Area’s integrated fare card to the city.
- Fare for BART is $5.50. Fare for Caltrain is $6.00. Fare for Muni is $3.00. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes.
Option 4: Shuttle Bus
- San Francisco Airport offers a number of shuttles but not all will head to downtown San Francisco. Most are assigned to hotels. Call ahead and check. Learn more here.
Option 5: Taxi / Rideshare
- Travel time: 20-40 minutes
- Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 20 to 40 minutes. Expect to pay at least $30-60 for a ride. Be aware of surge pricing and heavy traffic heading into downtown San Francisco.