SFO to Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf

Question

We were planning to arrive at SFO in the middle of a Saturday afternoon (Easter weekend), but after numerous flight changes, we won't land until 9:20 pm so probably won't have luggage until close to 10 pm. There's four of us, including two teenage boys, and we'll each have a piece of luggage. What's the best way for us to get to the Kimpton Alton hotel at this time of night? I'm looking to balance cost with relative speed. Will four of us with four pieces of luggage fit in a regular UberX or would we need the XL to be safe? Looks like XL adds 30-50%. We were planning on BART, but looks like we'd have to transfer from BART to something else and I'm just thinking the four of us are going to be exhausted from a long day of travel...are there shared shuttles?

Answer

Arriving at SFO around 9:20 pm, with luggage ready by roughly 10 pm, limits your options slightly, but there are still efficient ways to get to the Kimpton Alton Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf while balancing cost and convenience.

For a group of four with four pieces of luggage, here are the main options:

UberX or Lyft: A standard UberX could be tight for four people with four large suitcases. You might manage if the luggage is medium-sized, but it will likely be cramped. A better option would be an UberXL or Lyft XL, which is designed for 6 passengers and luggage, and will make the ride more comfortable. Expect the XL fare to be about 30-50% higher than UberX. Given the late hour, surge pricing may apply, so check the app when you land.
Shared airport shuttles: Companies such as SuperShuttle or Go Airport Shuttle offer shared van services from SFO to San Francisco hotels. These are generally cost-effective, but you may have to wait for other passengers, which could add 20-40 minutes to your trip. Each van can accommodate luggage for all passengers, so it's convenient if you prefer not to squeeze into a car.
Private airport shuttle or town car: If comfort and speed are priorities, you can pre-book a private shuttle or town car for your group. This is more expensive than UberX/XL but avoids the risk of surge pricing and ensures enough space for all luggage.
BART + local transfer: Technically possible, but impractical for your late arrival with luggage. You would take the BART from SFO to Embarcadero or Montgomery Street, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Fisherman's Wharf. This involves multiple steps and walking with luggage late at night, so it’s generally not recommended for four tired travelers.

Practical advice:

Book an UberXL or private shuttle in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Have the hotel address and any special pickup instructions ready in the app or with the driver.
Expect the drive to take roughly 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, which can be lighter late in the evening but could still have occasional delays.
Shared shuttles may save money but could add time, so for a late night arrival with teenagers and luggage, UberXL or a private van is often the smoothest solution.

Overall, UberXL or a pre-booked private shuttle balances speed, comfort, and convenience for your late-night arrival.