Long layovers don’t have to mean endless hours at the airport playing on the travelator (although you can if you want to). San Francisco is an excellent city for a quick layover visit because of its direct public transit connection to downtown.
To enjoy a layover visit to San Francisco without feeling rushed, you should have at least 7 hours between your flights. Allow 30-45 minutes for transport to town, and plan to return to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. The more time you have, the more things you can visit!
Logistics
- Store any luggage you don’t want to carry with you at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency in the international terminal. Costs vary based on the size of the luggage, but a small backpack should cost about $25 USD for the day. Note that the Travel Agency closes at 11pm so make sure you are back at the airport in time to collect your luggage.
- If you have a very long layover, SFO has pay per use showers and nap rooms to get freshened up before heading into town.
- Get downtown with BART, San Francisco’s rapid transit system. The SFO station is connected to the airport directly across the terminal building from the luggage storage facility. Tickets can be purchased at machines at the SFO station and fares are distance-based. A round-trip ticket to town will cost about $20 USD and will avoid all the traffic. We suggest getting off at 24th St Mission to start your visit.
- Bring an extra sweater or jacket. The ocean breeze can be chilly even in the summer, especially if the sky is cloudy.
Things to do
- Eat tacos or burritos in the Mission District. There are many popular taquerias. Given your limited time, avoid waiting in long lines to get food. If the line is too long, check your favourite maps app for an alternative. A huge burrito is great fuel for the rest of your day!
- See the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s easiest to take an Uber/Lyft/other private vehicle to get there. They can drop you off at the welcome center and you can walk onto the bridge. (Definitely bring a jacket if you plan to do this.)
- Go for a walk. San Francisco has many parks where you can stretch your legs between plane rides, but the city itself is also very walkable. It’s easiest to start at the top of a hill and walk down – we suggest starting at Alamo Square to see the famous Painted Ladies houses, then walking north east down to the Financial District/Chinatown/Embarcadero. This walk is about an hour and will take you through a few different neighbourhoods.
- Visit the Ferry Building and Embarcadero. Enjoy the view across the Bay and eat seafood and/or ice cream. From here, it is easy to catch BART back to the airport.
