One of the best values at San Francisco airport are the shared van services which leave from the airport for about $15 per person and will take you directly to your hotel or any residence. The airport vans are grouped on the airport's second level -- one floor above the baggage claim at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). You may find aggressive sales techniques from van drivers or "barkers" trying to get you into their van. Be careful to ensure you get the best possible service and value versus being rushed into an aggressively sold shared van.
Once your group grows to four or more people, a Towncar will be much more comfortable
and cost about the same (or less than) a van shuttle. Towncars are also much more comfortable and clean than taxis. Our consumer guide to San Francsico limousines gives you all the
details on prices, options, and types of vehicles to reserve.
Airport Shuttle Vans:
We've compiled a detailed list of shared ride vans from San Francisco airport (SFO). The prices in general are similar, however for outlying suburban cities -- there are companies who specialize in the area. The San Francisco BART high-speed subway train is a great alternative if you are on a budget, but much less convenient since it is not "door-to-door". Drivers generally expect a 15% gratuity tip in addition to the prices below. Check out the map below for a detailed SFO Airport guide on where to find the shared airport van shuttles.
SuperShuttle is the largest franchise for shared door-to-door service - SFO airport to San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. OAK / SJC pre-reserved only. $17 for
1st riderto San Francisco destinations -- $10 each additional rider.
Some complaints received regarding poor service at Oakland airport.
BayPorter Express
415-467-1800 /
BayPorter Express serves most Bay Area airports with private rides for $70 (up to 7 riders for SFO-SF). Oakland area cities priced ~$95 from SFO.
Lorrie's Airport Shuttle is the low price leader: San Francisco hotels and residences to San Francisco (SFO) airport for $15 per person.
Marin Airporter 415-461-4222 /
The Marin Airporter offers buses from Marin County to SFO every 30-60 minutes. $22 per rider. Central pickups in Marin - not door-to-door.
Davis Airporter - UC Davis / Davis, CA Specialists
530-756-6715 /
The Davis Airporter specializes in shuttles from University of California (UC) Davis to San Francisco ($85 first / $25 2nd) and Sacramento ($20 first / $10 2nd) airports. Poor phone service.
SuperShuttle feedback: Editor's note: If you have more than two people (like 3-4), it almost always is more efficient and cost effective to use a taxi. Service is also often more limited in the late night hours versus during the day. "...I took Super Shuttle from SFO to East Bay. There were two other people who were in the van who had made reservations. Despite having three of us, the driver was told by his manager to "wait for more people to show up." We waited 30 min to snag two more customers (who had no reservations--Super Shuttle did not know if anyone was going to show up or not, and we were just waiting indefinitely going around the terminals). Needless to say, with 5 people, the ride took much longer with the drop-offs. I got on the van around 12:15 (midnight) and arrived at Berkeley after 2 am. They charged $41 and I'm told you can get more decent shuttles for less or a taxi for $55. Given how long it took, I would prefer a taxi next time. I sent in a complaint asking for a refund and the only thing they addressed was that if I want a faster ride, I should book a private shuttle (which they claim to have). I would book something else..."
Private limousine / towncar service for $80 plus tip (up to 3 riders at this price).
Pacific Airport Shuttle
415-681-6318
Small, independent service for $17. Medicore phone service.
Sonoma Airporter
707-938-4246
Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Oakmont to SFO airport with door-to-door service for $29.
Sonoma County Airport Express
800-327-2024
Sonoma county to SFO and OAK. Scheduled bus service every ~90 minutes. $32 per person. Parking available at Petaluma fairgrounds fpr $3/day or $15/week.
South and East Bay Shuttle (see complaints below)
408-225-4444
Serves limited area within East Bay and South Bay: Hayward, Fremont, Union City. Example fare: $103 to Walnut Creek
South and East Bay Shuttle Reviews: "...I made a reservation with South and East Bay Airport Shuttle for an early morning pickup from Stanford University to SFO at 3:45am -- a time when traffic is non-existent. After the van did not arrive by 4:15am (30 minutes after the commitment), we called to inquire if it was coming. The office told us the van is "around the corner and will be there anytime soon". We waited until 4:30am and again called the office. Again, the office promised that the van is "around the corner and will be there anytime". I could not wait anymore to risk missing my flight and called for a taxi. When the cab arrived at around 4:40am, the shuttle still had not arrived. The delays caused us to almost miss our flight to Japan for a honeymoon, plus $90 additional for the cab ride. ..."
VIP Airport Shuttle
408-885-1800
South Bay Only - $49 to Downtown San Jose -- $8 each additional rider.
San Francisco Airport - Advanced Shuttle
Detailed Boarding Directions:
San Francisco International Airport Boarding Instructions: When you have your baggage and are ready to head to your van at San Francisco
International Airport, go to the Courtyards listed below:
Terminal #1 (South Terminal: US Air, Continental, Alaska, Northwest, Delta)
Go to Courtyard #1 (same area as Charter Buses Boarding). From Baggage Level (Level 1) go out from the baggage claim doors and turn LEFT, follow the curb toward
the beginning of the building until you reach a small parking area with the sign indicating "Courtyard #1".
Terminal #3 (North Terminal: American, United Airlines)
Head over to Courtyard #4 (same area as Charter Buses Boarding). From Baggage Level (Level 1), go out from the baggage claim doors and turn RIGHT, follow the curb
toward to the end of the building until you reach a small parking area with the sign indicating "Courtyard #4".
Terminal #4 (International Terminal: All International Airlines)
Walk to Courtyard #G (same area as Charter Buses Boarding). From Custom or Baggage Level (Level 2), go out from the Custom doors and turn RIGHT, take escalator or
elevator down to Level 1, look for a sign indicating "Bus Courtyard #G".
Oakland Airport Transfers - You can transfer easily between SFO and Oakland Airport transportation with a variety of efficient services depending on your budget.
