BART or Uber from SFO to Fisherman’s Wharf

Question

Hello,

My family has an 11 hour layover and would like to go to the Golden Gate Bridge and then to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner before heading back to the airport.

Wondering if there is an average price for uber/lyfts from SFO to the wharf?

Or if it is easier to take the BART?

Thank you!

Answer

For an 11-hour layover at SFO, you have enough time to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, but you’ll want to plan efficiently. Both BART and rideshares are viable, but they differ in convenience, cost, and travel time.

Uber/Lyft:

The ride from SFO to Fisherman’s Wharf via Uber or Lyft typically takes about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavier during rush hour.
Average cost for a standard UberX or Lyft is around $35–$50 one way. Premium options like UberXL (if you have luggage or more than 4 passengers) can cost $60–$80.
Rideshares are direct and drop you right at your destination, which is convenient if you want to maximize sightseeing time.
Return to SFO for your flight will take roughly the same time and fare, so plan to leave Fisherman’s Wharf at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight for airport security and check-in.

BART:

BART from SFO Airport goes to downtown San Francisco (Embarcadero Station) in about 30 minutes. From there, you would need to transfer to a Muni bus or cable car to reach Fisherman’s Wharf, adding another 15–20 minutes.
One-way fare from SFO to downtown SF is about $10 per adult. Additional Muni fare is $3 per person if using a Muni pass or single-ride ticket.
BART is reliable, avoids traffic, and is generally cheaper than Uber/Lyft, but it requires walking and transfers, which can be cumbersome if you have luggage or small children.
Going to the Golden Gate Bridge via public transit is a bit trickier. You’d need to take a combination of BART and bus (or rideshare from downtown), which can add 20–30 minutes.

Recommendation:

If convenience and direct routes matter more, especially with limited layover time, Uber/Lyft is the better option. You can visit both the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint and Fisherman’s Wharf efficiently.
If budget is a higher priority and you don’t mind the transfers, BART + Muni can work, but you’ll spend more time navigating transit and walking between stops.

For your 11-hour layover, an early Uber to the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a quick drive to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner, and then back to SFO, is the most practical way to see both destinations comfortably.

BART or Uber from SFO to Fisherman’s Wharf

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions