13 hour layover

Question

Hi, we have a 13 hour layover in SF. We are organising an ESTA, & hope to be able to leave the Airport & explore.

Is there a train in the Airpirt that we can take that takes us into the City? Where do we purchase those tickets from?

What do you suggest we do in SF or can an achieve in those hours.

Travelled to SF many years ago and loved it!

Note- will be there early November.

Thank-you

Answer

With a 13-hour layover at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you have plenty of time to leave the airport and enjoy a few highlights of the city. Early November can be cool and foggy, so dress in layers and bring a light jacket.

For transportation from the airport into San Francisco:

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): SFO has a direct BART station located in the International Terminal, lower level. You can take BART trains directly into downtown San Francisco (e.g., Powell Street, Montgomery Street, or Embarcadero stations). The ride to downtown typically takes 30–35 minutes.
Tickets: You can purchase BART tickets at vending machines in the station. Machines accept cash and cards. A one-way ticket to downtown SF costs around $10.
Alternative: Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are also available from the airport, but can be more expensive and subject to traffic, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours.

With about 10–11 hours of usable time after accounting for customs, airport security, and travel, here are some recommendations for seeing the city:

Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: Walk along the waterfront, enjoy sea lion viewing, and maybe grab a quick seafood lunch. You’ll get a classic San Francisco experience in a short amount of time.
Alcatraz Island: The early November weather is generally calm, but note that the ferry to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way, plus time for the tour itself. Since your layover is limited, you may opt for a quick ferry ride around the island rather than the full audio tour.
Golden Gate Bridge View: You can drive or take a rideshare to Battery Spencer or Crissy Field for iconic views of the bridge. It’s especially beautiful in the afternoon light.
Union Square: If you like shopping or want a quick bite at cafes, Union Square is a central spot accessible by BART or cable car.
Cable Car Ride: Riding a cable car from Powell Street down to Fisherman’s Wharf is a quintessential SF experience and manageable within a few hours.

Tips for managing your layover:

Allow at least 2 hours for return airport security and getting back to your gate.
Keep your luggage in airport storage or carry-on lockers to travel light.
Plan one or two key experiences rather than trying to see everything; SF traffic and walking distances can eat up time.

Overall, BART makes it very convenient to get into the city, and you can comfortably explore a few highlights during a 13-hour layover. Focus on waterfront areas, quick iconic sights, and a bit of local flavor before heading back to the airport.

13 hour layover

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