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Last updated on May 2022
![Cheapest way from San Francisco Airport to the City Center]()
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Things to know about San Francisco:
1. The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t really red – the official paint color is International Orange
How to get from San Francisco Airport (SFO) ✈️ to the City Center
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the fifth busiest airport in the USA and is located 21 km south of the city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown San Francisco by Metro, Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Private transfer or Rental car.
💸 The cheapest transfer is by Metro
⏱️ The fastest transfer is by Taxi
This guide compares all available airport transfers at San Francisco Airport (SFO) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and official links to book or buy tickets.
Additional note: The free “AirTrain” connects all terminals at San Francisco Airport. The red & blue line connect (in opposite directions) Terminals 1, 2 and 3, International Terminal A and G as well as Garage A and G (the BART station is located in Garage G). The blue line also runs to the rental car center and long-term parking outside the airport building.
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Transfer comparison
Overview of all airport transfers from San Francisco Airport to the City Center
| Transport | Travel time | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro 💸 | 40 Min. | US$ 9.65 | Details |
| Taxi ⏱️ | 25 Min. | US$ 40‑50 | Details |
| Uber | 25 Min. | US$ 30‑40 | Details |
| Lyft | 25 Min. | US$ 30‑90 | Details |
| Private Shuttle | 25 Min. | US$ 150 | Details |
| Rental car | 25 Min. | Individ. | Details |
ⓘ Status 2022
Metro
Infos here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
40 minutesCost:
💸 US$ 9.65 ppDescription:
BART Metro ‘Yellow Line’ from San Francisco Airport (BART Station in section International Garage G) to “Civic Center / UN Plaza” Station, both directly in Downtown
Taxi
Official local taxis
Travel time:
⏱️ 25 minutesCost:
US$ 40-50Description:
Taxi from San Francisco Airport (all terminals) to downtown San Francisco, the Civic Center or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Uber (AD)
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
25 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
US$ 30-40Description:
Uber from San Francisco Airport (pick-up location according to Uber app) to downtown San Francisco, the Civic Center or directly to your accommodation
Lyft
Order a Lyft ride ↗
Travel time:
25 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
US$ 30-90Description:
Lyft from San Francisco Airport (pick-up location according to Lyft app) to downtown San Francisco, the Civic Center or directly to your accommodation
Private Shuttle (AD)
Book a private transfer ↗
Travel time:
25 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
US$ 150Description:
Comfortable private transfer (GetYourGuide) from San Francisco Airport (nameplate in the Arrival Hall) to downtown San Francisco or directly to your accommodation
Rental Car (AD)
Hire a rental car ↗
Travel time:
25 minutes (+pickup)Cost:
Depending on the companyDescription:
Rental Car from San Francisco Airport (Rental Car Center via AirTrain Blue) to downtown San Francisco, the Civic Center or directly to your accommodation & moreRoute from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to central San Francisco (Civic Center)
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Lonely Planet Pocket San Francisco
San Francisco compact travel guide
Things to know about San Francisco:
1. The Golden Gate Bridge isn’t really red – the official paint color is International Orange
2. The Chinese fortune cookie was invented by a Japanese resident of San Francisco
3. The tide is so fast in the Bay that some sailboats end up moving backwards in strong currents