There are several efficient ways to travel the 13 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to the city center. The most popular public transit option is BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). The BART station is located in the International Terminal, and trains run directly to several key stops in downtown SF, such as Powell Street and Embarcadero; the journey takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly $10. For a more direct "door-to-door" service, rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate from designated zones in the domestic and international garages. A typical fare to downtown ranges from $40 to $60 depending on demand. Taxis are also readily available outside all terminals. If you are on a budget and traveling light, the SamTrans bus lines (292 and 398) offer the cheapest fare at around $2.25, though the trip takes significantly longer. For those staying at major hotels, it is worth checking if a private airport shuttle is provided, though many of these services have become less common since the rise of ridesharing apps.