Ground Transportation from SFO Airport

The easiest, fastest and cheapest transportation from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco is Bay Area Rapid Transit light rail (BART). Take the internal airport AirTrain from your arrival terminal to the airport BART station. Buy a one-way ticket to Powell Street Station. The fare is $8.25. Travel time is 29 minutes. Powell Street Station is within walking distance of downtown hotels and the Moscone Convention Center. Pros: BART is fast and cheap. Cons: You have to walk the final distance. The Marines Memorial Club is six blocks from Powell Street Station gently uphill, except for the final block, which is a little steeper.

Shared-ride vans are another popular way to get to downtown hotels. There are a number of companies that provide this service. No reservation is required. The fare to downtown is $17. Pros: No walking. You arrive at your hotel. Cons: You have to contend with traffic. There might be multiple stops before you get to your hotel. A tip is expected.

Taxis are the most expensive option. The fare from the airport to downtown hotels is about $50. Pros: You go directly to your hotel, and you can pay with a credit card. Cons: Cost, but TAD funds reimburse taxis. You have to contend with traffic. A tip is expected.

SFO Terminal Map (click to enlarge):