San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Overview

Just a short drive from San Francisco's downtown area, San Francisco International Airport is the California's second busiest airport and the largest airport in the Bay Area.

With four terminals, friendly staff, a museum, library and wide selection of dining and shopping facilities, San Francisco International Airport is the perfect gateway to the Bay Area.

Location

The airport is situated 14 miles (23km) south of San Francisco.

Getting to the city

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Rapid Rail service connects the airport to the city centre, and provides a connection to the Caltrain commuter rail service at Milbrae Station, from where trains leave regularly to San Francisco downtown, costing about $2 and to San Jose. SamTrans Service, bus 292, leaves every 30 minutes for the city centre and suburbs costing US$1.75. There are also shared vans, which provide a door-to-door service and are cheaper than taxis. Reservations are sometimes needed for service after 11pm. Taxis cost about US$35 for an hour's ride to the city centre, very dependant on traffic. Airport employs are available at the taxi pick up area, outside all terminals, to help passengers.

Time

GMT –8 (GMT –7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 800 435 9736.

see full airport guide

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Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Overview

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 4.6 miles (7.4km) from the city centre of Oakland, California, and one of three airports serving the San Francisco Bay area. Although not as popular with tourists as nearby San Francisco or San Juan, oak tree-lined Oakland has interesting, diverse mix of cultures, with over 100 languages spoken across its distinct suburbs.

Popular with low-cost carriers, the airport saw a boom at the end of the last decade and is currently undergoing a much needed multi-million dollar upgrade to its two terminals. There are flights to Oakland International Airport mainly from destinations across the US, with the busiest routes those to major Californian cities as well as Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Portland. Terminal 2 is used exclusively by Southwest Airlines, with Terminal 1 used by all other airlines.

Location

The airport is situated 12 miles (19km) from Oakland.

Getting to the city

The BART subway network links the airport to Oakland and San Francisco from the Coliseum/Oakland International Airport Station. The AirBART shuttle links the station to the airport every 10 minutes. AC Transit bus line 50 connects the airport with BART, line N connects to downtown Oakland and downtown San Francisco as well as to east Oakland, and bus line 58 connects to the Amtrak railway station at Jack London Square. From Jack London Square it is possible to link to the Alameda/Oakland ferry, which provides services to San Francisco's ferry terminal and Pier 39.

Time

GMT –8 (GMT –7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 510 563 3300.

see full airport guide

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Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Overview

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, known locally as simple San José International Airport, is a busy facility located 2.5 miles (4km) northwest of central San Jose. Home to Silicon Valley, San José is less a tourist destination and more of a business travel hub; the airport is also conveniently situated as an alternative to airports in Oakland and San Francisco, both 35 miles (56km) away.

Previously known for its poor facilities, San José International Airport opened a new terminal in 2010 that is earning rave reviews from passengers for its smooth processing and good facilities.

Flights to San José International Airport come in from destinations all over North America, including cities like Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Denver, Houston, Honolulu, Portland, San Jose de Cabo, Guadalajara, and Phoenix.

Location

The airport is located two miles (3km) north of central San Jos�.

Getting to the city

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates a special Airport Flyer service that links the airport to the Metro Light Rail Station and the Santa Clara Caltrain Station. The Amtrak is three miles (5km) away from the airport, but there is no direct shuttle or bus service to and from the airport. Other transport options include a reliable and efficient bus service, or taxis. There are several taxi operators available at the airport at all terminals, which can cost anywhere from $20 to downtown San Jose or $90 to downtown San Francisco. There are also limousines available, and several hotels offer door-to-door shuttles for their guests.

Time

GMT �8 (GMT �7 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 (408) 392 3600.

see full airport guide

San Francisco International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.