traveldk.com

Fifteen miles (24 km) south of the city and linked by two freeways and a host of inexpensive public transport options and private shuttles, as well as taxis and limos, SFO is very conveniently located and efficiently run. The airport has three terminals, and the largest international terminal in the US. Information booths are located downstairs and are open from 8am to 1:30am.

The East Bay’s major airport is only a bit farther away from the city, so it can be a handy alternative. One advantage is fewer crowds. Again, there is a choice of transport to get you back and forth.

If your destination is more Silicon Valley than San Francisco, you’ve come to the right airport. It’s 50 miles (80 km) south of the city but only 20 miles (32 km) south of Palo Alto.

You’re allowed to bring in 1 liter of liquor and 200 cigarettes duty-free, and $100 worth of gifts. If you’re carrying more than $10,000 in anything negotiable, you must declare the excess.

SF International has lockers in all boarding areas that you can secure for up to 24 hours. For anything bigger or that you want to store for a longer time, go to the Luggage Storage in the upper-level passageway between the South and International Terminals.

Each airport has a Lost Property service. If you leave something on public transport, there are numbers for each system, and taxi companies will also try to locate your possessions.

There are 12 buses every 24 hours from Los Angeles to San Francisco and vice versa. It takes 8–12 hours but is the cheapest option. Greyhounds also go all over the US, but, although low in dollars, you pay in time, and discomfort.

The main Bay Area terminal for the US national railway system is in Oakland, offering a free shuttle bus to the city, stopping at the CalTrain station in the South of Market district and at the Ferry Building. The Coast Starlight route runs from Seattle down to Los Angeles daily, and vice versa.

One of the best ways to get from and to the airport is to use the shuttle services, some of which are door-to-door. You can pick them up on the upper level at SFO. When making the return trip, however, you’ll need to book the door-to-door type. Others leave regularly from major hotels and pick-up spots.

Taxis can be taken from the lower level of SFO, and a typical journey into the city will cost roughly $40, plus a standard 10 percent tip. Limousines are unsurprisingly more costly and you will have to book in advance.