After a long flight, the last thing anyone wants is to stand in an arrivals hall trying to work out how to reach the hotel. Both San Francisco and Boston make airport transfers relatively easy, with direct rail links as well as taxis and ride-hail cars. This guide explains the main options from San Francisco International, Oakland International and Boston Logan, and how to choose between them.

San Francisco International (SFO)

SFO is south of the city, on the bay side of the Peninsula. It is the main international gateway to the region.

BART

BART, the regional rail system, has a station at the airport, in the International Terminal. From the domestic terminals, take the free AirTrain to reach it. Trains run north into the city, stopping at stations along Mission Street and Market Street, including Civic Center, Powell Street, Montgomery Street and Embarcadero. The ride into downtown takes roughly half an hour. Pay with a Clipper card, the Bay Area's transit card, or with Clipper in your phone's wallet. BART does not run all night, so check the last train time if you are landing late.

Taxis and ride-hail

Taxis wait at marked ranks outside each terminal, and ride-hail cars pick up from signed zones, usually in or beside the parking garages; follow the airport signs for app pickups. A car can be convenient with heavy luggage, a group or a late arrival, but traffic on the freeway into the city can be slow at rush hour. Shared-ride shuttle vans also serve the city.

Rental cars

The rental car center is reached by AirTrain. If you are staying in the city, you probably do not need a car at all; parking is expensive and break-ins are common. If you are heading straight out on a road trip, read renting a car in the US first.

Oakland International (OAK)

Oakland's airport is across the bay and can be a good alternative to SFO. An automated people mover connects the airport with BART's Coliseum station, where you change to a BART train heading toward San Francisco. Trains run under the bay through the Transbay Tube and arrive in downtown San Francisco at Embarcadero and the stations along Market Street. Taxis and ride-hail cars are available too, though the drive across the Bay Bridge can be slow in traffic.

Once you arrive, our guide to getting around San Francisco covers Muni, cable cars and passes.

Boston Logan International (BOS)

Logan is unusually close to downtown, just across the harbor in East Boston, and there are several good ways in.

The Silver Line

The Silver Line SL1 bus stops at each terminal and runs through the harbor tunnel to South Station, where you can connect to the Red Line subway, commuter rail and intercity trains and buses. It is a good choice if you are staying near South Station, the Seaport, downtown or along the Red Line toward Cambridge.

The Blue Line

Free airport shuttle buses link the terminals with Airport station on the MBTA's Blue Line. From there, subway trains run under the harbor to downtown stations, including Aquarium, State and Government Center, with connections to the rest of the network.

Water taxi

Water taxis cross the harbor from a dock near the airport, reached by shuttle bus, to points along the Boston waterfront. It is a scenic and quick option in good weather if your hotel is near the water.

Taxis and ride-hail

Taxis and ride-hail cars pick up at designated areas; follow the airport signs. The drive is short in distance, but the tunnels can be congested at busy times. See getting around Boston for the city's transit system.

Tips for any arrival

  • Have data or offline directions ready. See our guide to staying connected.
  • Know your hotel's nearest station before you land.
  • Check the last train if your flight lands late in the evening.
  • Use only official taxis and app pickups. Decline offers of rides from people approaching you in the terminal.
  • Think about luggage and rush hour. Trains and buses at commuter peaks can be packed, which is hard work with a large suitcase. If you land at a busy time with heavy bags, a car may be worth it.

Frequently asked questions

Which is easier for San Francisco, SFO or Oakland?

SFO is closer to the city for most visitors, but both connect directly to BART. Choose based on flight times and fares.

Is the Silver Line or the Blue Line better from Logan?

It depends on where you are staying. The Silver Line suits South Station and the Seaport; the Blue Line suits the waterfront and Government Center.

When is a ride-hail car worth it?

With a group, lots of luggage, small children or a late arrival after trains have stopped.