What To Know
- If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering about the most convenient way to get to and from the airport, you’ve come to the right place.
- To get from BART to SFO, simply take a train from any BART station in San Francisco or the East Bay.
- BART provides a convenient and affordable way to get to and from San Francisco International Airport.
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering about the most convenient way to get to and from the airport, you’ve come to the right place. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system offers a direct and efficient connection between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the city center. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into all the details of BART’s service to the airport, including routes, fares, schedules, and more.
BART Routes to SFO
BART operates two routes that serve SFO:
- Red Line: Connects SFO to the East Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, and Fremont.
- Yellow Line: Connects SFO to the Peninsula, including Daly City, South San Francisco, and Millbrae.
BART Stations at SFO
There are two BART stations located within SFO:
- International Terminal (Terminal A): Located on the lower level of the terminal.
- Domestic Terminal (Terminals 1-3): Located near the AirTrain station.
Fares and Tickets
BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled. From SFO to downtown San Francisco, the fare is $11.25. You can purchase single-ride tickets or Clipper cards for multiple rides. Clipper cards offer a discounted fare of $9.75 for trips between SFO and San Francisco.
BART Schedules
BART trains run frequently to and from SFO. During peak hours, trains depart every 10-15 minutes, while during off-peak hours, trains depart every 20-30 minutes. You can check the BART website or mobile app for real-time schedule information.
Getting to BART from SFO
To get to the BART stations from SFO, you can use the free AirTrain shuttle. The AirTrain connects all terminals to the BART station in Terminal 3. The ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
Getting from BART to SFO
To get from BART to SFO, simply take a train from any BART station in San Francisco or the East Bay. Exit at the appropriate station at SFO and follow the signs to the AirTrain. Take the AirTrain to your desired terminal.
Other Airport Transportation Options
In addition to BART, there are several other transportation options available to get to and from SFO:
- Taxis: Taxis are available outside each terminal. The fare to downtown San Francisco is typically around $50-$70.
- Uber/Lyft: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available at SFO. Fares vary depending on demand and distance.
- Rental cars: You can rent a car from one of the many rental car companies at SFO.
- SamTrans buses: SamTrans buses provide service to SFO from various locations in San Mateo County.
Which Option is Right for You?
The best transportation option for you depends on your budget, travel preferences, and destination. If you’re looking for the most convenient and affordable option, BART is a great choice. Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a more comfortable and direct ride, but they can be more expensive. Rental cars provide the most flexibility, but they can also be more expensive and require parking. SamTrans buses are a budget-friendly option, but they may take longer than other modes of transportation.
Takeaways: Your Gateway to San Francisco
BART provides a convenient and affordable way to get to and from San Francisco International Airport. With frequent service, multiple routes, and easy access from each terminal, BART is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a stress-free and cost-effective airport connection.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Does BART run 24/7 to SFO?
A: No, BART does not run 24/7 to SFO. The last train from SFO departs at approximately 12:30 AM.
Q: Can I bring luggage on BART?
A: Yes, you can bring luggage on BART. However, there is limited space on trains, so it’s best to avoid bringing large or bulky items.
Q: Is there free Wi-Fi on BART?
A: Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available on all BART trains.
Q: Can I transfer to other public transportation lines at SFO?
A: Yes, you can transfer to Muni buses and Caltrain at the BART station in Terminal 3.
Q: How long does it take to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco by BART?
A: It takes approximately 30-45 minutes to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco by BART.
