SFO charter bus rental for groups
SFO has a set place for charter bus pickups, and San Francisco has set rules for where large vehicles can drive. Plan around both and the day holds together.
Charter bus pickups at SFO are in the courtyards
SFO has Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. Charter pickups must be pre-arranged, and they load in the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level courtyards. The driver confirms which courtyard with your group contact before the day.
AirTrain links all the terminals, so a group split across two can meet at one. Pick the terminal where most people land.
Where your driver meets you
- Charters: courtyards on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level; must be pre-arranged.
Drive to downtown
- about 14 miles, 25-45 min
SFO into the city: restricted streets
Downtown is about 14 miles, 25 to 45 minutes. On listed streets, San Francisco restricts vehicles over 3 tons and vehicles carrying 8 or more passengers. The route to hotels on Nob Hill or Union Square is not always direct. Tour buses may not idle over 5 minutes or double-park. Send the exact address and check with the hotel where a coach can stop.
Wine country and Muir Woods from SFO
Napa and Sonoma each sit about 46 miles from the city. For tasting days with a small group, a Sprinter van is the usual choice.
Muir Woods needs care. Vehicles over 35 feet are refused, and a reservation is required. Buses of 30 to 35 feet have to use Highway 1 and Frank Valley Road. A 45-foot motorcoach will not get in, so book a smaller coach or a minibus for that day.
Moscone, the ballparks and Alcatraz
Convention groups go to Moscone Center in SoMa. Game groups go to Chase Center in Mission Bay, Oracle Park on the waterfront, or Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. For Alcatraz, ferries leave from Pier 33, which has no on-site parking. The coach drops the group and leaves, so set the return time before anyone boards the ferry.
Questions
Where do charter buses pick up at SFO?
In the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level courtyards. The pickup must be pre-arranged, and the driver confirms which courtyard.
Can a full-size coach go to Muir Woods?
No. Vehicles over 35 feet are refused, and a reservation is required. Book a smaller vehicle for that day.
Why did the bus take a longer route to our hotel?
San Francisco restricts larger passenger vehicles on listed streets. The driver follows the permitted route.
How long is the ride from SFO to downtown?
About 25 to 45 minutes for roughly 14 miles, longer at commute times.
Cities
Vehicles
- Motorcoach (49-81 passengers) — 49-81 seats
- Midsize coach (35-passenger) — 29-35 seats
- Minibus (16-19 passengers) — 16-19 seats
- Sprinter van (17-19 passengers) — 17-19 seats
- Party bus / limo van — Varies by build (Sprinter limos up to 14)
- Sedan / SUV car service — SUV up to 6 passengers with luggage
Quote an SFO group transfer
Send flights, head count and address. You get the vehicle and driver on one quote, and no payment is taken until you accept.
Request a quote or call 15722344442