San Francisco International Airport - SFO Transportation

Car Rental

Renting cars at SFO is extremely easy with the convenient Rental Car Center that is located on the airport grounds. The airport serves Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. Rental cars are picked up and dropped off at this handy Rental Car Center. There are also free shuttles to off-site rental agencies including ABC, Airport, City, Fox, and Payless. Passengers who are on business or vacation and need a car while in California will find that rental cars are the least expensive and most convenient option.

Public/Ground Transfer

BART Rapid Rail runs directly from either the SFO BART Station in International G or Garage G on the airport grounds. BART Rapid Rail brings passengers to Millbrae Station. The trip takes six minutes and costs a mere $1.50. From Millbrae Station, passengers can reach many destinations in San Francisco and San Jose by taking the Caltrain Commuter Rail. One-way fares with Caltrain range from $2.25 to $11 depending on the destination.

SamTram buses run daily from the airport into San Francisco and San Jose. Adult fares cost between $1.50 and $4. Seniors pay half-price. Children under the age of 17 will pay between $1 and $2. Children four or younger are fee if they are riding with an adult.

Airport Shuttles

An AirTrain system shuttles passengers from the terminals to the parking garages and the Rental Car Center. The shuttle runs every four minutes ensuring that passengers need not wait for long. The AirTrain is large enough to handle passengers with bicycles or animals in crates. This free service is the best way to travel throughout the airport grounds.

Limousine Services

A number of limousine companies do operate at the San Francisco International Airport, but the airport advises that passengers book their limo service in advance. Limousines pick up passengers in the limousine zone outside of Arrivals/Baggage Claim at each terminal. Do not accept offers from drivers within the airport. These drivers are acting illegally, charge a fortune, and should be reported to airport officials. Limousines provide the most luxurious and often fastest mode of transportation into the city. For a complete listing of the dozens of authorized limousine companies, travelers should visit the airport's website.

Taxi Services

Taxi stands are located outside of the Arrivals/Baggage Claim levels of each terminal. Taxi coordinators work in this area from 7am to 1am to help passengers find suitable taxi accommodations. A trip into San Francisco usually takes half an hour and will cost between $40 and $50 depending on the final destination. This is not one of the least expensive forms of transportation, but passengers can be delivered right to their hotel, home, or business.