How to Get from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Fisherman’s Wharf + Union Square

Landing at SFO is easy, but getting from the airport into the city can feel like a lot—especially after a long flight, a lukewarm airplane coffee, and the slow realization that your luggage is somehow the very last bag on the carousel.

Should you take BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transport? It’s a solid option—fast, affordable, and easy once you know which line to hop on. Rideshares are another go-to, especially if you want a direct route and don’t mind navigating the pickup zones. And rental cars? Totally workable, but let’s be honest: figuring out directions while bracing for a parallel parking job on a 20-degree incline isn’t exactly the softest landing after a flight.

Whether you’re heading for Union Square’s shopping and restaurants or planning to kick things off at Fisherman’s Wharf, this guide walks you through the most straightforward ways to get from SFO into the city—without wasting time, second-guessing your route, or pulling up three different maps on your phone.

And once you’ve arrived? That’s when things get easy, especially if you’re joining Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods, which covers the city’s top neighborhoods, the redwoods at Muir Woods, and a scenic stop in Sausalito. You can even add Alcatraz if you’re feeling ambitious!

Check out all tour options with Dylan’s Tours—then read on to find the smoothest way from SFO to Fisherman’s Wharf.
 

Option 1: Take BART (Best for Union Square) from San Francisco Airport

If you’re staying near Union Square or want to head downtown without dealing with traffic, BART is the move. It’s San Francisco’s version of a subway—direct, efficient, and way cheaper than a car service.

Once you land, head to the International Terminal and follow signs for BART. If you’re in another terminal, hop on the free AirTrain to get there in under 10 minutes. Trains run roughly every 15 minutes throughout the day.

Take the Yellow Line toward Antioch and get off at Powell Street Station—you’ll be right at the edge of Union Square.

Estimated time: 35–40 minutes
Cost: ~$10 per person
Good to know: Trains can get busy during rush hour. If you’re carrying bulky luggage, try to travel mid-morning or early afternoon.
 

Option 2 from San Francisco International Airport: BART + Streetcar or Rideshare (Best for Fisherman’s Wharf)

Fisherman’s Wharf doesn’t have its own BART station, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. From SFO, take BART to either Embarcadero Station or Powell Street Station, then make a quick transfer.

Option 1: Hop on the F-Line streetcar, a vintage trolley that runs right up the Embarcadero and drops you off in the heart of the Wharf. It’s slow but scenic—and a nice way to ease into city life.

Option 2: Take a rideshare from the BART station for the final stretch. It’s faster than the F-Line, especially if you’re arriving during off-peak hours.

Estimated time: 45–60 minutes
Cost: ~$10 for BART, $3 for streetcar or ~$10–15 for rideshare
 

Option 3: Rideshare Shuttle or Taxi from SJO (Best for Door-to-Door)

If convenience is your top priority—or if you’re arriving with a crew, lots of luggage, or on a red-eye—consider a rideshare or traditional taxi.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Pickups are well-marked at each terminal. Just follow the signs to the designated Ride App pickup zone.
Taxi: You’ll find cabs right outside baggage claim. Rates are set with a flat fare of ~$55 to downtown San Francisco.

Estimated time: 25–45 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: ~$45–65 for rideshare, ~$55+ for taxi

Keep in mind: Traffic into the city can slow things down, especially on weekdays between 7–10 AM and 3–6 PM. If you’re trying to reach the Wharf during those windows, consider public transit or plan for extra time.
 

Option 4: Rental Car from SFO (Best for Exploring Beyond SF)

If your trip includes day trips to Napa, Big Sur, or elsewhere beyond the city limits, a rental car might make sense. But if you’re planning to stay within San Francisco? It’s probably more trouble than it’s worth.

Between steep hills, one-way streets, and $40-a-day hotel parking, most locals will tell you to leave the car at the airport unless you really need it. That said, rental car shuttles are easy to find—just take the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center and you’re good to go.

Better option: Let Dylan’s Tours do the driving! Whether you want to head to Napa and Sonoma, explore Muir Woods and Sausalito, or plan a totally custom trip for you and your group, you’ll experience the best of SF without having to worry about who’s driving from place to place.
 

Bonus Transportation Options: How to Get Between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’re staying in one area but plan to explore the other, getting between Union Square and the Wharf is easy—no car needed.

• Cable Car: The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines both run between Union Square and the Wharf. A little bumpy, very iconic.

• Muni Bus #30: Cheap, reliable, and surprisingly quick.

• F-Line streetcar: A bit slower, but full of charm (and better views).

• Walking: Doable in about 30–40 minutes, but expect some serious hills.

What to Do in Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square

When planning a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, there are numerous attractions to explore. Begin at Pier 39, a bustling destination known for its sea lions lounging on the docks. From there, take a stroll to Ghirardelli Square to indulge in some famous chocolate treats. A trip to Fisherman’s Wharf wouldn’t be complete without catching a glimpse of the stunning Golden Gate Bridge from the waterfront. Families can enjoy a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, making it a family-friendly stop for all ages.

Another popular way to visit Fisherman’s Wharf is by taking a ferry from the Ferry Building on Market Street. For accommodations, the Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel offers a cozy stay just steps away from this iconic landmark, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this vibrant area.
 

The Best Way to See San Francisco

From the fog rolling over the Golden Gate to the coastal redwoods just outside the city, the best way to experience it all is with a guide who knows it inside and out.

At Dylan’s Tours, we make it easy to explore the highlights and the hidden corners—without juggling transit apps, maps, or guesswork. Whether you’re heading to Muir Woods, exploring city neighborhoods, or venturing out to Wine Country, every tour is designed to help you see more and stress less.

Ready to explore?