Transportation

Event Venue

Hilton Union Square
333 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102

From the Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Distance to Hilton Union Squar5e: 12.9 miles / 20.7 km

BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) all-electric trains are a fast, inexpensive, and dependable way to get from SFO to San Francisco. Once you have your luggage, follow the signs for AirTrain, a free tram service to all terminals. Take either the Red or Blue AirTrain line to the Garage G and BART stop in International Terminal G. Proceed to the platform and board the San Francisco/Antioch train.

BART fares are based on distance traveled; the greater the distance, the higher the fare. A round-trip fare from SFO to downtown San Francisco is $21.10 ($10.55 one-way). 

When you arrive at your destination, you must scan your Clipper Card again to exit the station. If you don’t have enough money on your ticket to exit, don’t worry. You can add more at the Add Fare machine in the station.

Ride-Sharing Apps
With app-based transportation services, including LyftOpens in new window and UberOpens in new window, you can arrange to ride with drivers using their personal, non-commercial vehicles via smartphone. These services pick up passengers on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. This videoOpens in new window demonstrates how to find your ride at SFO. Fares and travel times vary according to demand and traffic.

Shared Van & Shuttle Service
Several privately owned, shared-ride vans provide service between SFO and passenger-specified locations. The one-way rate from SFO to the city center is approximately $17. Depending on the number of passengers, shared-ride vans may make multiple stops, so the travel time can vary. In the Domestic Terminals, shuttles pick up passengers curbside on the Arrivals Level. In the International Terminal, passenger pick-up is on the Arrivals Level roadway center island.

Taxis & Limousines
SFO is served by a number of taxi and limousine companies. Taxis depart from roadway islands on the lower level outside the Arrivals/Baggage Claims area in all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators work from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. to ensure a smooth process for travelers. All cabs are metered. The travel time to popular drop-off points in downtown San Francisco is usually around 30 minutes (depending on traffic) and fares range from $45 to 60.

For a limousine, arrange service in advance with your company of choice or upon arrival via the Lodging, Transportation, and Attraction Boards. These boards provide free phone connections to participating limousine operators and are located on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. Contact the service provider for pricing and availability.

SamTrans Buses
The San Mateo County Transit Agency (SamTrans) runs public buses between SFO and downtown San Francisco on the SFO, 292, and 398 lines for $2-$5 one-way for adults. Find SamTrans bus stops in the following locations at each terminal:

• Terminal 2: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island adjacent to Courtyard 2.
• Terminal 3: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside adjacent to Courtyard 4.
• International Terminal: Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside adjacent to Courtyard G.

Public Transit

Muni
Muni is San Francisco’s bus and metro system that runs throughout the city, operating buses, trains, cable cars, and the F-line streetcar. Muni buses remain above ground and on streets while Muni Metro runs on rails and sometimes go underground. Bus stops come in many forms: small bus shelters, yellow paint on street poles, and white paint on streets. Metro stops can be found on an island in the middle of the street and in underground stations. Using the Metro MapOpens in new window, find the nearest Metro to your location.

• More Info: How to use Muni and Muni Metro

Cable Cars and Street Cars
Cable cars and street cars are San Francisco’s historic public transit. Cable cars are located downtown and run on three lines: Powell-HydeOpens in new window, Powell-MasonOpens in new window, and California StreetOpens in new window. The F-Line streetcar runs up and down Market Street all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. Purchase fares in advance at multiple locations or via smartphone using the MuniMobile appOpens in new window. A Clipper Card will work on both cable cars and streetcars. 

PresidiGo Shuttle
The​ PresidiGo ShuttleOpens in new window system provides free and accessible transportation to an​d around the Presidio from three routes in the city, seven days a we​ek. Many stops are within a short walking distance from Muni or Golden Gate Transit bus lines.

Ride Sharing
There are a few on-demand car services to choose from, most of them started by San Francisco locals. You must first download the app, register, and set up a credit card payment system to use them. To use these services, set a pick-up location and destination in the app. Within minutes, you will be matched with a driver. Make sure to communicate with your driver; call, text, or wave down their car and always confirm that you are getting in the correct vehicle.

Taxi
As is customary in most U.S. cities, visitors may hail a taxi directly or use a smartphone app.

Bike and Scooter
You can get around San Francisco on two wheels thanks to the many bikes and scooters available.

Across the city, there are 5,500 scooters provided by LimeOpens in new window and SpinOpens in new window. Download any one of their apps to your phone to search for available motorized scooters nearby and enjoy a fun and scenic ride between your destinations.

The a new window bike share program operated by Lyft, provides 4,500 bikes and more than 6,000 docks for them across San Francisco. A bike share is great for one-way trips between neighborhoods and is often the quickest, most affordable way to get around. For longer trips or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, consider renting a bike or signing up for a guided tour.

If you are going to explore San Francisco on two wheels, here are some vital do's and don'ts to remember:

• Do check brakes and wheels before riding.
• Do wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. Only ride in the bike or travel lane.
• Do obey traffic signs and signals.
• Do park your bike or scooter upright and with care on the sidewalk or in a designated bike rack.
• Don't ride on sidewalks.
• Don't park in ramps or at blue, yellow or white curbs. Blocked paths can be dangerous for people with disabilities.
• Don't block sidewalks or building entrances.

Ferries
A ferry ride on the bay is a fun way to travel beyond San Francisco. Enjoy lunch on the water in Sausalito (there's shopping, too) or visit the quaint town of Tiburon with scenic views of the city. The Golden Gate FerryOpens in new window will take you to Angel Island State Park, Larkspur, Sausalito, and Tiburon to the north and all Golden Gate ferries depart from Gate B at the north side of the Ferry Building. Don't miss the Giants FerryOpens in new window to Oracle Park or the Warriors FerryOpens in new window to the Chase Center!

The San Francisco Bay FerryOpens in new window can take you to Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, Treasure Island, and Vallejo to the east and they operate out of the three gates south of the Ferry Building. There are several ways to pay: by Clipper CardOpens in new window, San Francisco Bay Ferry mobile appOpens in new window, paper ticket, at the ferry ticket office, or onboard most ferries with cash or credit card. There's even room for bikes on the ferries (space available). 

Renting A Car
If you want to explore destinations beyond San Francisco, you can use any of our local tour partners, or you can rent a car yourself. 

Like any big city, San Francisco has to deal with issues like vandalism and theft. If you plan on renting a car, please note wherever you park your car, no matter the time of day or night, be sure to take all valuables with you. If you love it, don't leave it.