SFO — San Francisco — Taxi Fare Guide

Official taxis are dispatched from the yellow taxi zones on the arrivals/baggage-claim level roadway at each SFO terminal. All San Francisco cabs are metered, so there is no flat fare; you pay the SFMTA-regulated meter plus a USD 6 airport exit surcharge added to trips leaving SFO. The airport is about 21 km from downtown.

The meter starts at USD 4.15 for the first fifth of a mile and adds USD 0.65 for each additional fifth of a mile, plus USD 0.65 per minute of waiting. A ride to Union Square or the Financial District typically totals about USD 55-70 including the surcharge; lighter-traffic runs can be closer to USD 45. Any bridge tolls are added and passengers cover them.

Ride-hailing (Uber and Lyft) is extremely common at SFO and often cheaper than a taxi off-peak, though surge pricing at busy times can exceed the metered fare. App pickups are from designated areas on the departures level or the parking garage.

Practical tips: The USD 6 SFO exit surcharge is legitimate and added automatically. Tip 15-20% of the fare. Cards are accepted in SF taxis. Allow extra time on Highway 101 during morning and evening rush hours, when the trip can stretch well past 45 minutes.

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