SFO to Union Square, BART?

[Neil]

Just looking at a few things for our trip and as usual just thought we would catch a taxi from SFO to our hotel on Howard Street. I however have read a bit about how easy (and cheap) the BART is. Has anyone used it from SFO, will it be busy? easy to get on/off with our luggage? or should I just stop being cheap and use a taxi?

Any advice/tips much appreciated.
Neil

[fozzyo]

If its the BART we use to get from the airport to the centre then go for it - its really cool in a 70's vision of the future way.

Mat

yes, very straightforward with the Bart. Get off at Powell, and Howard street is 2 blocks away. I stayed at the IC last week and did that. Fare is about 6 dollars each. Taxi is around 40 plus tip.

[Neil]

We are staying at the IC, sounds like we might give it a try then, will it be busy after landing on the VS19? Should we miss rush hour with the locals leaving work etc?

[Nottingham Nick]

I am a big fan of the Bart, it is clean, frequent and cheap.

It is also very user friendly, the trains are usually 9 cars from SFO and they hold a LOT of folks.

Nick

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by McCoy
yes, very straightforward with the Bart. Get off at Powell, and Howard street is 2 blocks away. I stayed at the IC last week and did that. Fare is about 6 dollars each. Taxi is around 40 plus tip.

The fare is $5.25 - did it last week. However, given that in all probability you will arrive with a load of $20 bills, be aware that the machime only gives a limited amount in change but you can buy various options of tickets which is printed on the machine.

Because the train terminates at SFO it usually isn't that busy for the first part of the journey and may get a little busier once you get nearer town but nothing you won't be able to cope with at that time of day. Also be aware of which exit you take from the station at Powell as there are several of them

[HighFlyer]

I must be the only V-Flyer who isnt a fan of the BART, but, it is cheap, and often takes the same amount of time (or less) to get into the city as taking a taxi would so its worth doing if you do not have heaps of luggage.

Thanks,
Sarah

[RichardMannion]

BART is fine. Will be like travelling on Concorde for you Neil.

Another vote for the BART here. Clean, cheap, frequent and easy to use. In fact most of the attributes that the UK public transport system doesn't possess [}:)]

We used the BART last time we were in SFO and as previously mentioned is clean, efficient and quick. It puts London Underground to shame.

As far as hauling your luggage is concerned, dont worry you will find it a breeze.

[mcmbenjamin]

BART takes credit cards too. Also BART at SFO departs from the international terminal.

[preiffer]

I may be the only person, but after my (admittedly, non-eventful) first and only trip from SFO to Union Square, then up the hill to the hotel with Pete in May...


...I'll not be doing that again. Taxi/limo it is for me.

[Darren Wheeler]

I prefer the SuperShuttle. Round trip is about $28 if you book on-line with a discount voucher. Airport to door as well.

Either that or shell out of a D or J ya skinflint!!! [;)]

I know you've been waiting anxiously for me to weigh in, Neil, so let me get to it.

Everyone who said 'take BART because it's quick, efficient, good value, leaves from international terminal, convenient to your hotel, etc.' is correct.

Everyone who said 'do not take BART' is wrong, except for Her Grace, who is always right.

I wouldn't take any other conveyance, and the traffic in town is often so slow the trip in a taxi runs you up to as long as the train, if not worse.

What thrills me MOST about your question, though, is that I now know where and when you're staying in San Francisco. I guarantee your honeymoon will be memorable.
[:X]

GJ

[Darren Wheeler]

Be afraid. Be very afraid!!

[Neil]

Thanks for the advice, think we have decided to give it a go.

Also be aware of which exit you take from the station at Powell as there are several of them

It is well signed HL? Last thing I want is to be walking in the wrong direction.

BART is fine. Will be like travelling on Concorde for you Neil.

[:(!]

I prefer the SuperShuttle. Round trip is about $28 if you book on-line with a discount voucher. Airport to door as well.

Either that or shell out of a D or J ya skinflint!!!

Looked at them but they remind me of going on a package holiday to Spain having to go to all the other hotels first, not something I fancy.

Oh and we are on G's just like YOU Darren, skinflint!

What thrills me MOST about your question, though, is that I now know where and when you're staying in San Francisco. I guarantee your honeymoon will be memorable.

Oh no, what shall I do - oh that's right, nothing, bothered?[ii]