Travel time to SFO

Question

Hello, all,

I will be in the Danville area for an event and staying overnight in San Ramon on a Monday night. The following morning, I have to get the rental car back to SFO by 8am. Google maps is telling me to leave at 6:30am. Is this really enough time or should I look for a hotel closer to the airport? I understand traffic will be heavy at that hour all over the Bay, I’m OK with that. Just trying to ensure I don’t miss my flight. Thank you in advance

Answer

Given your situation, the travel time from San Ramon (Danville area) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on a Monday morning can be a bit tricky. While 6:30 AM is what Google Maps suggests, it may or may not be enough time, depending on a few factors:

Morning Traffic: Traffic will likely be heavy, especially on weekdays. While you mentioned that you're okay with this, be aware that the morning commute from the East Bay to SFO can be quite congested, particularly around key points like the San Mateo Bridge or the I-580/I-680 interchange.
Rental Car Return: Returning a rental car at SFO can take extra time. Depending on which car rental agency you’re using, the return process could take 15-30 minutes, and then you’ll need to catch a shuttle to the terminal. Be sure to factor this in.
Time for Security: For domestic flights, airlines recommend arriving 2 hours before departure. If you’re returning your rental car at 8 AM, you’ll need time to clear security and get to your gate.

While leaving at 6:30 AM *might* work, it could be a bit tight, especially if there are any delays or unexpected issues. Here are a few options to consider:

Leave Earlier (around 6:00 AM or even 5:45 AM): To be on the safe side, consider leaving earlier. That would give you a little more flexibility in case traffic is worse than expected or if there’s any delay at the rental car return.
Stay Closer to the Airport: If you’re looking to minimize the risk of running late, you might want to consider staying in a hotel closer to the airport, like in the South San Francisco or Millbrae area. Many of these hotels offer shuttle service to SFO, so you can just hop on the shuttle in the morning and be at the airport quickly.
Alternative Routes: If you’re worried about the usual freeway routes, consider using Google Maps or Waze closer to departure to check for any real-time traffic issues. Sometimes taking surface streets or routes like the Dumbarton Bridge can offer quicker alternatives during morning rush hour.

In general, 6:30 AM is on the edge of being enough time, but to ensure you don’t miss your flight and reduce any stress, leaving earlier or staying closer to SFO might give you peace of mind. Safe travels!

Travel time to SFO

More San Francisco Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions