Located 21 km from the city center, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California, following Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Every year SFO handles a significant number of both domestic and international flights. There are a variety of transportation alternatives passengers can utilize to get to and from the airport.  

San Francisco International Airport stands out for the comfortable and exceptional services it offers. The airport features services aimed at meeting your every need, from comfortable passenger lounges, to restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines and a vibrant array of stores where you can go shopping.

San Francisco International Airport is accessible by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car as the airport contains parking lots that offer short-term and long-term parking options.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to San Francisco International Airport from the city center. The first is the rapid-rail system, the BART. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between SFO and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between San Francisco and San Jose and SFO.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to SFO from the city center is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between the San Francisco city center and the airport. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Mateo, various parts of San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 run directly to the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the airport. There are many rental car companies located in the city. You can drop off your rental vehicle at the Rental Car Center before your departure. From the Rental Car Center the AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who want to access the airport by bike. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes. Bike lovers can easily access the airport by bicycle.   

Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport is located 21 km from the city center. The airport covers an expansive area and operates domestic and international flights out of 4 terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain automated system provides free transportation between each terminal, as well as the Rental Car Center and BART station. The AirTrain Red Line links all terminals, terminal garages and the BART Station. The AirTrain Blue Line links the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the BART Station. SFO also contains a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.

The airport features health services in the terminals, rental car offices, banks, a lost and found, wireless internet, charging stations, clothing stores where you can go shopping, restaurants and cafes, the Aviation Museum & Library, rotating exhibitions, spa services, children’s play areas, free yoga rooms, a market, and much more. 

It is quite easy to reach the city center from LA/Ontario International Airport. You can get on the bus for an affordable journey. If you prefer a more comfortable and fast means of transportation, you can choose from taxi, minivan and shuttle services. Please keep in mind that many hotels in Ontario provide shuttle services at the airport. In addition to these transfer alternatives, you can also rent a car at the airport.

Taxi

Once you pick up your luggage, you will see the taxi stops at the exit of the baggage claim area. A taximeter is available in all taxis. If you are traveling as a crowded group that cannot fit into a single taxi, you can also take advantage of door-to-door minivan services in the same area.

Rent a car

For the passengers who want to rent a car, airport shuttles depart regularly in front of the passenger terminal building to the car rental center (ConRAC) where there are offices of 10 different car rental companies. Once you rent a car, you can reach the city center in less than 10 minutes by driving through E Holt Boulevard.

Bus

After getting on bus number 61 departing from the bus stops in front of the terminal building, you should transfer to bus 80 on Holt. You can reach the city center in half an hour in total.

Hotel Shuttle Services

Many hotels and motels in the city offer airport shuttle services. If your hotel provides a shuttle service and if you would like to take advantage of this service, you are recommended to make a reservation at least 72 hours in advance.

Shuttle Service

Airport shuttle services depart from 3 different points of the airport. You can take the shuttle services departing every 5 to 20 minutes from the 5th floor of the airport car park, from the car rental center or in front of the passenger terminal depending on the crowdedness. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Charter Bus / Minivan / Limousine

The passengers traveling as a crowded group and don't want to compromise on their comfort can enjoy comfortable transfer between the airport and the city center taking this exclusive service. Please keep in mind that you need to make a reservation in advance to take advantage of this service.