San Francisco International Taxi vs Uber

Real prices, official pickup locations, scam warnings and the cheapest way from San Francisco International (SFO) to San Francisco city centre.

Last verified: 2026-07

Official Taxi
$50-65 to downtown SF (metered)
25-45 min
SFO-authorized (Yellow, Luxor, Green)
Uber
$40-70 (surges)
Domestic: Departures Level, ride-share pickup zone. International: G-level short-term parking

Cheapest way

BART to downtown SF $9.65 — 25 min direct from SFO.

Where to catch an official taxi

All terminals — follow "Ground Transportation → Taxi" signs to authorized rank

How to avoid taxi scams at San Francisco International

  • $4 SFO surcharge automatically added — this is legitimate.
  • Only use official ranks — bandit cabs at SFO are aggressive but illegal.

Skip the queue — pre-book a fixed-price transfer

No haggling, no scam risk, driver meets you inside arrivals with a name-board. Locks price before you fly.

Getting out of San Francisco (SFO)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer prices
Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.
Currency
USD
English-friendly
High
Tipping
15-20% is standard.

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