Search Flights from San Francisco to Portland

Located 21 km from the city center, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California, following Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Every year SFO handles a significant number of both domestic and international flights. There are a variety of transportation alternatives passengers can utilize to get to and from the airport.  

San Francisco International Airport stands out for the comfortable and exceptional services it offers. The airport features services aimed at meeting your every need, from comfortable passenger lounges, to restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines and a vibrant array of stores where you can go shopping.

San Francisco International Airport is accessible by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car as the airport contains parking lots that offer short-term and long-term parking options.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to San Francisco International Airport from the city center. The first is the rapid-rail system, the BART. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between SFO and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between San Francisco and San Jose and SFO.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to SFO from the city center is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between the San Francisco city center and the airport. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Mateo, various parts of San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 run directly to the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the airport. There are many rental car companies located in the city. You can drop off your rental vehicle at the Rental Car Center before your departure. From the Rental Car Center the AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who want to access the airport by bike. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes. Bike lovers can easily access the airport by bicycle.   

Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport is located 21 km from the city center. The airport covers an expansive area and operates domestic and international flights out of 4 terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain automated system provides free transportation between each terminal, as well as the Rental Car Center and BART station. The AirTrain Red Line links all terminals, terminal garages and the BART Station. The AirTrain Blue Line links the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the BART Station. SFO also contains a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.

The airport features health services in the terminals, rental car offices, banks, a lost and found, wireless internet, charging stations, clothing stores where you can go shopping, restaurants and cafes, the Aviation Museum & Library, rotating exhibitions, spa services, children’s play areas, free yoga rooms, a market, and much more. 

There are many alternatives to get to the city center from Portland International Airport. At the airport, there are many private companies carrying passengers to the different parts of the city by different transportation options and systems. You can find out more about all the options you can use to reach the city center from the airport by applying to the ‘Ground Transportation’ desk and you can pick the most suitable alternative for your convenience.

The most common means of transportation used by the foreigners from abroad are taxi, tram and hotel shuttle services; however, you can also benefit from shuttle buses at the airport or you can rent a car.

Taxi

You can see the taxi rank at the downstairs exit of the luggage delivery area. It takes about 20 minutes to go from the airport to the city center by taxi. The taxi fare to reach the city center is about 25-30 dollars. Taxis provide service as minivans as well as standard cars.

Shuttle Service

There are lots of private shuttle companies at the airport. You can easily arrive at the different points of the city by picking different transportation options. You can choose the option that best suits your needs by finding out about the routes, times and fares. It may take some time to find the best shuttle company, but the shuttle services are very comfortable and they provide a door-to-door service.

Rent a car

At the airport, there are communication points of the reliable international car rental companies. You can get to the city center in about 20 minutes by driving through the I-84 E highway. You can also rent a car with a driver.

Tramway

The tram station is only 50 meters away from the luggage delivery area. You can easily reach the city center by taking the Max. Red Line tram.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Many hotels in Portland also offer airport shuttle services. This service can be a little more costly than the taxi fare; however, the shuttle waits out for you, you are welcomed at the luggage delivery area and you can enjoy going to your hotel without losing any time. If you want to take the advantage of the airport shuttle service, you should book your seat in advance.