Getting from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown San Francisco comes down to how much you value door-to-door service, travel time, and luggage space. If you want a ride that picks you up curbside and takes you straight to your hotel, office, or home, GO Airport Shuttle is a solid choice. We run the SFO Airport Shuttle shared service as well as private sedans, SUVs, and 7–10 passenger private vans. Fares from $96.35 include all taxes and airport fees; gratuity isn’t included.
SFO to Downtown San Francisco: Ride Options Compared
| Option | Service type | Typical price* | Time** | Drops you | Luggage help | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GO Airport Shuttle | Shared ride shuttle | From $96.35 total | 30–60 min | Your hotel, home, or office | Yes | Value door-to-door | Price includes taxes and airport fees. Gratuity extra. |
| GO Private Sedan / SUV | Private car service from SFO | Varies by distance | 25–45 min | Your exact address | Yes | Families, business travel, late arrivals | Flat quote at booking. |
| GO Private Van (7–10 pax) | Private shuttle | Varies by distance | 25–50 min | Single or multiple stops | Yes | Groups with luggage | Reserve ahead for best availability. |
| Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) | On-demand | Varies by demand | 25–50 min | Curb or your address | Limited | App users | Designated pickup zones at SFO. |
| Taxi | Metered | Varies | 25–50 min | Your address | Yes | Taxi queue convenience | Meter plus any airport surcharges. |
| BART (+ AirTrain to station) | Rail + people mover | Low per person | 35–55 min | Downtown stations | No | Solo, light luggage | Use AirTrain as needed to reach BART. |
| SFO AirTrain (alone) | People mover | Free | 5–10 min on airport grounds | Terminals, parking, rental car center | No | On-airport connections | Pair with BART to go downtown. |
* Non-GO prices vary by demand and time of day.
** Times depend on traffic and your downtown destination.
Choosing your ride
If you’re looking for an easy too book, door-to-door trip without hidden fees or surge charges, GO Airport Shuttle is the go-to-choice for to get from SFO to downtown hotels and residential addresses. We offer a shared ride SFO airport shuttle for those looking to spend less, as well as private sedans and SUVs for faster trips or if you’re carrying extra luggage. Groups of 7–10 fit best in a private van. If you travel light and don’t mind a short walk from a station, BART is the best value into Embarcadero, Montgomery St., Powell St., or Civic Center.
SFO to home (anywhere in the city)
Whether you’re heading to Union Square, SoMa, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, or a neighborhood beyond downtown, GO can take you from SFO to home. Book the shared SFO Airport Shuttle for savings with planned stops or choose a private sedan, SUV, or van for a direct ride to your door, including hilly or narrow streets where curbside pickup matters most.
Pro-tip: If you’re checking a bag, plan your pickup window for 30–45 minutes after landing on domestic flights and 60–90 minutes for international to allow for customs and baggage claim.
How GO works at SFO
Reserve your service (shared shuttle, sedan, SUV, or private van) before you fly. When you land, follow signs to ground transportation and confirm your pickup. Your driver or dispatcher meets you curbside and takes you straight to your downtown destination or home address. Fares from $96.35 cover all taxes and airport fees; tip your driver at your discretion.
FAQs
- What is the cheapest way from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
BART is typically the lowest per-person fare, but it drops you at downtown stations, not your door. GO Airport Shuttle offers value pricing for door-to-door service with fares from $96.35 plus gratuity. - Is shared shuttle or private car faster?
Private car service from SFO goes directly to your address. Shared ride shuttles make planned stops, which can add time but can save money. - Do GO prices include airport fees?
Yes. All taxes and airport fees are included in our fares. Gratuity is not included. - Can I book a private shuttle for a group?
Yes. Choose a private van for 7 to 10 passengers and set multiple drop-offs if needed. - Does AirTrain go downtown?
No. AirTrain is the airport’s people mover. Use it to connect between terminals, parking, the rental car center, or to access BART for rail into downtown. - What is SFO Airport Shuttle and how does it work?
SFO Airport Shuttle is GO’s shared ride service that picks you up curbside at SFO and drops you at your downtown hotel, office, or home with planned stops along the way. It’s a door-to-door option that includes airport fees and taxes in the fare; gratuity is not included.
Book your ride
Ready to go from SFO to downtown San Francisco or the Bay Area? Book your ride through GO Airport Shuttle today.