San Francisco - Getting Around
Airport Transfers
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) lies just 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco. SFO connects non-stop with more than 60 cities in the United States on 20 domestic airlines, including more than twice as many non-stop flights to the New York area than other Bay Area airports combined. In addition, SFO offers non-stop links with more than 29 international points on 25 international carriers making SFO the Bay Area’s Airport of Choice. Approximate time to downtown ranges between 20-45 minutes depending on the time of day and mode of transportation. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system now connects with SFO. The SFO BART Station is located in the International Terminal with direct links (one level above) to all terminals via the SFO AirTrain. Travelers can take the BART line from downtown San Francisco to the SFO International Terminal in just 29 minutes for $5.15. Also, connections to Peninsula/Silicon Valley/San Jose communities will be available via the SFO BART-Millbrae Station intermodal station with same platform connections to the Caltrain system. Taxi service is available from SFO to downtown. Approximate fare to a downtown destination is $29-44. Taxis may add a $2.00 pass-through fee to all airport fares leaving SFO. Voluntary ride sharing for two or more persons with a maximum of three destinations is permitted. Car Rentals,
Auto rental counters are located in the centralized SFO Airport Car Rental Center. Shuttle buses to the Rental Center depart from Upper Level outside curb every 5 minutes. The SFO AirTrain (an intra-airport people mover system) opened in 2003 providing even more efficient transportation to the Rental Center.
For complete information on airport transit, visit the Web site for San Francisco International Airport, www.flysfo.com or visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com and click on San Francisco International Airport.
Cable Cars
Cable cars operate along three routes: the Powell-Hyde line which begins at Powell and Market Streets and terminates at Victorian Park near the Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park; the Powell-Mason line which also begins at Powell and Market but terminates at Bay Street just three blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf; and the California Street line which runs from the foot of Market Street to Van Ness Avenue.
top ↑Ferries
Water taxis depart from several points around San Francisco and go to the following destinations: Alameda, Larkspur, Oakland (Jack London Square), Sausalito, Tiburon and Vallejo. Excursion service also operates between San Francisco and Alcatraz and Angel Islands. During home games, ferry service is available from Pacific Bell Park.
top ↑Muni Metro or Light Rail Vehicles
Muni operates underground downtown and on the streets in the outer neighborhoods. Five lines are involved: J(Church), K(Ingleside), L(Taraval), M(Ocean), N(Judah). Historic streetcars (F-line) operate along Market Street beginning in the Castro District and terminating at Fisherman’s Wharf.
top ↑Public Transit
For what amounts to small change, one can take the grand tour in San Francisco. The city is criss-crossed by a network of buses, cable cars and light rail vehicles. There is also the 103-mile Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) which links eight San Francisco stations with Daly City, Colma, SFO and Millbrae to the south and 29 East Bay terminals via a transbay tube.
top ↑San Francisco Municipal Railway
San Francisco has one of the highest per capita transit riderships in the US. It’s no wonder the Muni is a bargain. The fare is only $1.50; cable car fare is $5. Route information is published in the phone directory by calling 511 when in San Francisco or visiting www.511.org.
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