BART, rideshare, and taxi from SFO to Union Square, ranked so you can stop guessing.
Last verified: September 29, 2026
Union Square is the heart of San Francisco’s hotel district. Here’s the best way to get there from SFO.
Best option: BART to Powell Street. It’s about 30 minutes and about $10 to $11, and the station is at Powell and Market, a short walk from Union Square’s hotels.
SFO to Union Square: Options Ranked
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. BART to Powell St | About $10–$11 | Almost everyone |
| 2. Rideshare | Varies with demand | Groups of 3+, heavy luggage, late night |
| 3. Taxi | About $45–$65 + tip | After BART closes, or when rideshare surges |
| 4. Rental car | Varies + hotel parking | Only if you’re leaving the city |
1. BART to Powell Street Best Option
SFO to Powell Street in About 30 Minutes
Take the free AirTrain from any terminal to the Garage G/BART Station stop. Tap a contactless card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Clipper card at the fare gate, and use the same one to tap out.
Before boarding, check that your train is headed into San Francisco; some trains at SFO go south to Millbrae instead. Ride to Powell Street, exit at Powell and Market, and walk a few blocks north on Powell to Union Square.
For the full step-by-step, see our BART from SFO guide.
Fare: About $10–$11 one way. Fares rose 6.2% on January 1, 2026, so check the exact fare on bart.gov.
Hours: From 5am weekdays, 6am Saturdays, and 8am Sundays, until about midnight
2. Uber and Lyft
Rideshare makes sense for groups of three or four splitting the fare, for arrivals after BART closes, or when you have a lot of luggage.
Rideshare doesn’t pick up at the arrivals curb. At domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, go to Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. At the International Terminal, pickups are at the center island on the Departures level. Follow the ride app pickup signs.
SFO adds an airport surcharge to every rideshare trip, and prices surge when several big flights land at once. Compare Uber and Lyft before you book, and if the price is high and BART is running, take BART.
3. Taxi
Taxis pick up on the Arrivals level at each terminal, with no app needed. Fares are metered, and most estimates for downtown run roughly $45–$65 plus tip, depending on traffic. It’s a good backup when you land after BART closes or rideshare prices spike.
4. Rental Car
If you’re staying in Union Square, you probably don’t need a car. The area is walkable and well served by BART, Muni, and cable cars, and most downtown hotels charge a nightly parking fee on top of your room. Rent a car only if you’re taking trips outside the city. See our SFO rental car guide.
Hotels Near Powell Street BART
| Hotel | Address |
|---|---|
| The Barnes San Francisco | 225 Powell St |
| The Westin St. Francis | 335 Powell St, on Union Square |
| Hilton San Francisco Union Square | 333 O’Farrell St |
| Hotel Nikko San Francisco | 222 Mason St |
| Parc 55 San Francisco | 55 Cyril Magnin St |
| Handlery Union Square Hotel | 351 Geary St |
| Grand Hyatt San Francisco | 345 Stockton St |
| Beacon Grand | 450 Powell St |
| SF Marriott Marquis | 780 Mission St |
See our San Francisco neighborhood guide for more on where to stay.
Book a Union Square Hotel
Compare Union Square hotels and vacation rentals near Powell Street BART.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way from SFO to Union Square?
BART to Powell Street. The station is at Powell and Market, a short walk from Union Square, and the ride from SFO takes about 30 minutes for about $10 to $11. Check the exact fare on bart.gov.
Which BART stop is closest to Union Square?
Powell Street. Exit at Powell and Market and walk a few blocks north on Powell Street to reach Union Square.
How much is a taxi from SFO to Union Square?
Taxis are metered, and most estimates for downtown San Francisco run roughly $45 to $65 plus tip, depending on traffic. Taxis pick up on the Arrivals level at each terminal.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at SFO?
For domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, standard Uber and Lyft pickups are on Level 5 of the Domestic Garage. At the International Terminal, pickups are at the center island on the Departures level.
Do I need a car if I’m staying in Union Square?
Usually not. Union Square is walkable and well served by BART, Muni, and cable cars, and most hotels charge extra nightly for parking. A car only makes sense if you’re taking trips outside the city.
What hotels are near Powell Street BART?
Hotels near Powell Street BART include The Barnes (225 Powell St), The Westin St. Francis (335 Powell St), Hilton San Francisco Union Square (333 O’Farrell St), Hotel Nikko (222 Mason St), Parc 55 (55 Cyril Magnin St), and Handlery Union Square (351 Geary St).
Quick Reference: SFO to Union Square
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Best way | BART to Powell Street, about 30 min |
| BART fare | About $10–$11; check bart.gov |
| Getting to BART at SFO | Free AirTrain to Garage G/BART Station |
| BART hours | From 5am weekdays, 6am Sat, 8am Sun, to about midnight |
| Uber/Lyft pickup | Domestic Garage Level 5; Intl. Departures center island |
| Taxi | About $45–$65 + tip, metered |
| After midnight | Taxi or rideshare |
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