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.
| Destination | Approx. fare | Time |
| Union Square / downtown | USD 55-70 | 30-45 min |
| Financial District / Embarcadero | USD 55-70 | 30-45 min |
| Fisherman's Wharf | USD 60-75 | 35-45 min |
| Mission / SoMa | USD 50-65 | 25-40 min |
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.
Other ways to the city
SFO has a direct rail link to the city plus a free automated people mover between terminals.
- BART - the station is inside the International Terminal, with trains to Powell Street and Embarcadero downtown in about 30 minutes for roughly USD 10-11. Trains run about every 15-20 minutes from around 05:00 until midnight, with limited Sunday morning service.
- AirTrain - free 24-hour automated trains connect all terminals, the BART station, the car rental centre and long-term parking on two colour-coded loops.
- Caltrain via Millbrae - take BART one stop to Millbrae and change for Caltrain south to Palo Alto, Mountain View and San Jose, the best option for Silicon Valley.
- SamTrans buses - routes 292 and 398 serve downtown San Francisco and the Peninsula cheaply, with the 292 running overnight.
- Shared-ride shuttles - door-to-door vans depart from the arrivals kerbside for around USD 25-35 per person.
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Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate — always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
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