How to Get to San Francisco

Most visitors fly into San Francisco International (SFO), and a good number land in Oakland across the bay because fares are lower. Both connect to BART, the regional rail system, so you rarely need a taxi.

From SFO

SFO is about 20 km south of downtown. The AirTrain links the terminals to the BART station at the International Terminal, and trains run straight to the Mission, Civic Center, Powell Street (for Union Square) and Montgomery and Embarcadero (for the Financial District) in around half an hour. Tap a contactless card or phone at the fare gate, and tap out with the same one at the other end.

Taxis and ride-hail cars leave from the terminals. Waymo started driverless rides at SFO in January 2026, picking up at the Rental Car Center, which you reach on the AirTrain. It opened to riders gradually, so check the app before counting on it.

From Oakland (OAK)

After a naming dispute with San Francisco, the airport now calls itself Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, but the code is still OAK. An automated train, the BART airport connector, runs to Coliseum station in about eight minutes, and from there regular BART trains cross under the bay to downtown San Francisco. Allow about 45 minutes in total. It's an easy trip in daylight with light bags.

By train

Amtrak's long-distance trains, including the scenic California Zephyr from Chicago and the Coast Starlight along the West Coast, stop at Emeryville in the East Bay. A connecting Amtrak bus takes you over the Bay Bridge into the city. Caltrain runs up the Peninsula from San Jose to its terminal at 4th and King Streets.

Getting around the city

Muni buses, trams and streetcars and BART all take the same payment: a contactless bank card, a phone, or a Clipper card, which you can also keep in your phone wallet. Bank cards pay the adult fare only. Transfers between different operators within two hours are free or discounted with the new Clipper system. Muni's Visitor Passports, sold for one, three or seven days, include unlimited cable car rides, which makes them the smart buy if you plan to ride more than once. For single cable car rides, check the SFMTA site for current fares and which cards the conductors' handheld readers accept.

Driving

We wouldn't, at least not in the city. Parking is expensive, hills make every stop a hill start, and break-ins at viewpoints are common. If you rent a car for a day trip, note that the Golden Gate Bridge toll is collected electronically on the way into the city, with no cash booths. Our bridge guide explains how to pay.