Getting to downtown San Francisco from SFO (San Francisco International Airport) couldn’t be easier with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), which is probably the quickest and cheapest way to travel. There are approximately 3 to 4 trains departing per hour from the International Terminal. You can access the International Terminal from Terminals 1 and 3 by either taking a short walk or by using the SFO AirTrain.
From the International Terminal turn right out of customs and take the escalator upstairs to departures. If you aim straight towards the art exhibit and turn left when you get to the exhibit, you’ll see the BART station in front of you.
Once at the SFO BART station you’ll need to buy a ticket, of which you have a few options.
- BART ticket
- Clipper card
You can now also purchase a Clipper Card via Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, making the whole process so much easier. Simply search for Clipper Card in the App Store. Both work by adding value upfront and then the cost of the ride is deducted from your outstanding balance.
Also worth noting that if you are traveling to downtown San Francisco with children under 4 they ride free.
BART stations have vending machines that accept cash or credit cards. If your journey costs more than you anticipated you can add fare before you exit at your station. Be warned though this needs to be done with cash in most stations. Now all you need to do is board an Antioch bound train or a Richmond bound trip. Insert your ticket into the fare gate and wait for it to be returned to you. With a Clipper card you simply tap it on top of the fare gate.
Once on BART you can put your luggage in the space assigned for bikes/strollers/disabled people, obviously if it’s not being used, or alternatively you can put it under or next to your seat.
Now all you need to do is exit at the nearest downtown San Francisco station to your hotel, using the same ticket and process as when you entered the train.
At the end of your trip you can obviously use BART to return from downtown San Francisco to SFO; however, be mindful of the BART schedule especially if you traveling on a Sunday or early or late in the day. Again once you arrive if you departing from Terminals 1, 2, or 3 you can use the AirTrain Red Line or take the short walk. The international departure check in desks will be straight in front of you.
You can find more information about BART by going to https://www.bart.gov
When in San Francisco, if you have time take a trip to Yosemite National Park, where you’ll be mesmerized by its natural beauty, from Half Dome to the numerous thunderous waterfalls.
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