San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is Northern California’s primary hub and a leading transpacific gateway. It boasts an integrated Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rail station directly inside the International Terminal, reaching downtown San Francisco (Powell St / Market St) in just 30 minutes without highway traffic.
The #1 recommended option is the BART rapid transit train, departing directly from inside the International Terminal into Downtown SF (Powell St, Montgomery, Embarcadero) in 30 minutes for $10.55 USD with zero traffic. Taxis and Uber/Lyft cost $45–$65 USD and take 25–45 minutes via US-101.
To reach Silicon Valley, take BART one stop to Millbrae Station (5 mins, $5.15) and transfer to Caltrain Southbound ($5.00–$8.25 USD) to reach Palo Alto (Stanford) in 35 mins or Downtown San Jose Diridon in 55 mins. An Uber or Lyft to Palo Alto costs ~$50–$70 USD, and to San Jose costs ~$75–$100 USD.
SFO has four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 (United domestic hub), and the International Terminal (divided into Boarding Areas A and G). The free 24/7 AirTrain automated people mover connects all passenger terminals, the BART Station, and the Rental Car Center.
You do not need to purchase a physical plastic Clipper transit card from vending machines: simply add a digital Clipper card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on your smartphone, or tap your contactless credit card at the BART station fare gates to board immediately.
BART trains run until roughly 23:55 (midnight) on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 23:30 on Sundays. For arrivals after midnight, SamTrans public bus 292 / Route 397 (All Nighter service) runs along Mission St and Market St into downtown SF, alongside 24/7 Uber/Lyft and taxis.
Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.
Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / Lyft pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.