San Francisco, a city renowned for its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and hilly streets, offers a unique travel experience. Navigating this diverse city can be an adventure in itself. This guide provides essential tips and information on How To Travel In San Francisco efficiently and enjoyably, covering everything from airport transportation to local transit.
Mastering the Clipper Card
The key to seamless travel within San Francisco and the broader Bay Area is the Clipper Card. This reloadable transit card simplifies access to various modes of public transportation, including BART, Muni buses and Metro, and even the historic cable cars. Simply hold the card over a scanner when boarding, and a beep confirms your fare. Clipper Cards can be purchased and refilled at numerous locations, including Muni and BART stations. For added convenience, Clipper is also available on your smartphone through Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Arriving in San Francisco: Airport Transportation Options
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO is the primary airport for visitors to San Francisco, boasting excellent connections to domestic and international destinations. Getting from SFO to the city center is straightforward with multiple options:
BART
BART offers a rapid and cost-effective connection from SFO to San Francisco. After collecting your luggage, follow the signs for AirTrain, a free tram, to all terminals. Take either the Red or Blue AirTrain line to Garage G and the BART stop in International Terminal G. Board the San Francisco/Antioch train.
Fares depend on distance; a round-trip from SFO to downtown San Francisco costs $22.30 ($11.15 one-way). Remember to scan your Clipper Card again upon exiting the station.
Ride-Sharing Apps
Lyft and Uber provide convenient transportation from SFO. Arrange your ride via the app and meet your driver on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. Fares and travel times depend on demand and traffic conditions.
Shared Van & Shuttle Service
Several shared-ride van services operate between SFO and various locations. The one-way fare to the city center is approximately $17. These vans may make multiple stops, so travel time can vary. Pickup locations are curbside on the Arrivals Level for Domestic Terminals and the Arrivals Level roadway center island for the International Terminal.
Taxis & Limousines
Taxis and limousines are readily available at SFO. Taxis depart from roadway islands outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claims area in all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators are available from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Travel time to downtown San Francisco is around 30 minutes (depending on traffic), with fares ranging from $45 to $60.
For limousines, arrange service in advance or upon arrival via the Lodging, Transportation and Attraction Boards.
SamTrans Buses
SamTrans buses (SFO, 292, and 398 lines) connect SFO to downtown San Francisco for $2-$5 one-way for adults. Bus stops are located 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
If you’re driving, consider reserving parking in advance using SpotHero to avoid confusion and save time.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
BART
BART offers an easy and affordable way to get to San Francisco from OAK. Follow BART signs in the baggage claim to the station across from the Terminal 1 baggage claim area. Take the eight-minute train ride to the BART Coliseum station and transfer to a San Francisco-bound train.
Trains depart every 5 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with less frequent service at other times.
Ride-Sharing Apps
Lyft and Uber also serve OAK. Arrange your ride via the app and follow the signs for Smartphone App Rides in Terminals 1 and 2. Drivers wait on the second curb of the pickup area. A typical ride to San Francisco takes approximately 45 minutes and costs between $30 and $45.
San Jose Airport (SJC)
Caltrain
Caltrain provides commuter rail service along the San Francisco Peninsula. From SJC, take the 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. One-way fare is $2.
Caltrain fares are based on zones traveled through. San Francisco has two Caltrain stops: 22nd Street and Fourth Street, both in Zone 1. Allow at least 60 minutes to reach San Francisco.
Arriving by Train
Amtrak offers a scenic and comfortable way to reach San Francisco, with Thruway bus connections at Emeryville. Routes include:
- Coast Starlight from Seattle and Portland.
- Coast Starlight from Los Angeles.
- California Zephyr from Chicago and Denver.
- San Joaquin from Bakersfield and Fresno.
The Capitol Corridor, also operated by Amtrak, serves 18 stops between Sacramento and Silicon Valley.
Navigating San Francisco: Local Transportation
Muni
Muni, San Francisco’s comprehensive bus and metro system, operates buses, trains, cable cars, and the F-line streetcar. Use the Metro Map to locate the nearest Metro station.
Cable Cars and Street Cars
Cable cars and street cars are iconic forms of public transit in San Francisco. Cable car lines include Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. The F-Line streetcar runs along Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. Purchase fares in advance or via the MuniMobile app. A Clipper Card is valid on both cable cars and streetcars.
Conclusion
Understanding how to travel in San Francisco involves leveraging the city’s diverse transportation options. From utilizing the Clipper Card for seamless public transit to choosing the best airport arrival method, this guide provides the essential information for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Embrace the journey and explore all that San Francisco has to offer.
