How to Get to San Francisco. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to San Francisco

Main Airports

Discover the main gateways for air travel to the Bay Area.

Bay Area Airports

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Main international gateway, 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown.
Oakland International Airport (OAK): Across the Bay, 18 miles (29 km) east of downtown. Often serves budget airlines.
Mineta San José International Airport (SJC): In San José, 45 miles (72 km) south of San Francisco. Serves Silicon Valley.

Flight Considerations

Plan your flights with awareness of airlines and price fluctuations.

Airlines and Seasons

Airlines: All major U.S. Carriers and many international airlines serve SFO. OAK serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines.
Seasonal Prices: Flight prices generally peak during high season (fall) and major holidays. Booking several months in advance is recommended.
Direct Flights: SFO offers direct flights to major global hubs across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Airport Facilities SFO

SFO provides free Wi-Fi, diverse dining, shopping, lounges, pet relief areas, museum exhibitions, and currency exchange.

Finding Deals

Use services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

Car Rental at Airports

Car rentals are available at SFO Rental Car Center (via AirTrain) and OAK/SJC. Companies like Hertz and Enterprise are present.

Airport Transfers

From SFO & OAK

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Efficient and cost-effective connection to downtown San Francisco from SFO or OAK (via AirBART shuttle).
Shared Ride Vans/Shuttles: Various private services are available at designated pick-up zones.
Taxi/Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Available at designated pick-up zones. Taxis typically cost $50-$70+ to downtown from SFO.
Rental Car: Available at the SFO Rental Car Center, accessible via AirTrain.

From SJC San Jose

Caltrain/VTA: The VTA Airport Flyer bus connects to the Santa Clara Caltrain station for San Francisco. Longest transfer option.
Shuttles/Taxi/Ride-share/Rental Car: Similar services are available.
Less Direct: Transfer from SJC to SF is less direct than SFO or OAK.
Allow Extra Time: Account for longer travel times from SJC.

Ground Travel Planning

Train Connections

Amtrak serves the Bay Area (Emeryville station, connected by Thruway buses). Caltrain connects SF south to San Jose.

Bus Options

Long-distance bus services like Greyhound and FlixBus offer inter-city travel to various California cities.

Self-Driving

Driving in SF can be challenging due to hills, traffic, and expensive parking. Not necessary for city center travel, but useful for day trips. DiscoverCars.com is an option.

Land Travel Options

Train Services

Explore regional and long-distance train travel options.

Amtrak and Caltrain

Amtrak: Main station Emeryville, across the Bay. Amtrak Thruway buses connect to SF.
Amtrak Routes: California Zephyr (to Chicago), Coast Starlight (to Seattle/LA), San Joaquin (within California).
Caltrain: Commuter rail connecting San Francisco (4th & King St) south to San Jose and Gilroy.

Long-Distance Buses

Budget-friendly options for inter-city travel.

Bus Companies

Greyhound: A major inter-city bus service with routes across the U.S.
FlixBus: Offers budget-friendly inter-city travel to various California cities and beyond.
Comfort: Bus travel can be a cost-effective alternative for longer distances.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving in San Francisco can be challenging but offers flexibility for outside trips.

Requirements & Challenges

Valid Driver's License: An International Driving Permit is recommended for foreign licenses.
Age Restriction: Minimum age for rental cars is generally 21, with surcharges for those under 25.
City Driving: Challenging due to steep hills, one-way streets, traffic, and limited, expensive parking.

Road Conditions & Safety

Awareness of local driving conditions is important.

Driving Environment

Road Quality: Roads are generally well-maintained.
Traffic: Can be heavy, especially during rush hours on major freeways and bridges.
Vigilance: Drivers must be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and the steep inclines.

Parking & Crime Alert

Parking is extremely challenging and expensive. Garages can charge $40-$60+ per day.
Street parking is limited, often metered, and subject to strict street cleaning schedules. Check signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing.
Car break-ins are a concern, especially in tourist areas and parking lots near attractions. Never leave anything visible in your car.

Always lock your vehicle and remove all valuables.
Consider using secure parking garages over street parking.
Remain vigilant about your surroundings when parking.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Connect to San Francisco from various Bay Area cities by water.

Bay Area Ferries

San Francisco Bay Ferry: Connects SF (Ferry Building, Pier 41) to Sausalito, Larkspur, Oakland, Alameda, and Vallejo.
Golden Gate Ferry: Connects SF (Ferry Building) to Sausalito and Larkspur.
Ticketing: Use a Clipper Card or purchase tickets at terminals.

Cruise Port

San Francisco is a popular port for major cruise lines.

Cruise Ship Information

Port Location: The Port of San Francisco, at Pier 27 and Pier 35.
Cruises Served: Major cruise lines for Alaska, Mexican Riviera, and Pacific voyages.
Immigration: Standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply for international cruise arrivals.

Bay Tours

Numerous boat tours explore the Bay, offering unique perspectives of the city and landmarks like Alcatraz.

Golden Gate Views

Ferries and cruises often provide stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island from the water.

Waterfront Access

The Ferry Building is a hub with shops and eateries, a popular starting point for bay exploration.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Prepare for your departure from San Francisco with these tips.

Before You Leave

Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes levied directly on departing travelers from U.S. Airports beyond airline ticket prices.
Timing: For international flights, arrive at SFO at least 3 hours before departure. For domestic, at least 2 hours.
Extra Time: Allow extra time during peak travel seasons, holidays, or if checking luggage.

Airport Services

Find facilities for departing travelers at the airports.

Terminal Amenities

Dining: Diverse dining options ranging from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
Shopping: Various retail stores for last-minute souvenirs or travel items.
Lounges: Airline and independent lounges are available for passenger comfort.

Baggage and Security

Check-in

Confirm baggage allowances with your airline. Consider online check-in.

Security

Be aware of TSA liquid rules and other security screening procedures.

Lost & Found

Information for lost items is available at airport customer service desks.

Final Checklist

Reconfirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Have all your travel documents ready and easily accessible for a smooth departure.

How to Get to San Francisco