Getting Around

BART runs directly from a station inside the International Terminal to downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes for around $10-11 — roughly 74% cheaper than rideshare and the best value for solo travelers with light luggage.

SamTrans and other regional bus routes serve the airport but are slower than BART for a downtown trip; more useful for reaching specific Peninsula destinations.

Metered taxis queue outside baggage claim; generally cost more than rideshare except during surge pricing, when the fixed meter rate can actually work in your favor.

Uber and Lyft pick up from the departures (upper) level, not arrivals — a common mix-up for first-timers. Expect $42-55 for the ~34 minute trip downtown, with a $5.50 airport surcharge; Friday evening surge (5-8pm) can push this to $60+.

All major agencies operate from the AirTrain-connected Rental Car Center; useful for Bay Area day trips, but San Francisco itself is easily covered by BART, Muni and rideshare.