Getting from Marin County to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) isn’t as complicated as you might expect. The Marin Airporter runs hourly buses from six stops in Marin County straight to SFO. These comfy buses start early, with the first ride out of SFO to Marin at around 5:10 AM, then keep going about every hour.
If you want something more direct, there are 24/7 door-to-door shuttle options. They’ll pick you up right at your home or hotel in Marin and drop you at your terminal. It usually takes about 75 minutes to reach SFO from most Marin spots, but that always depends on traffic and where you’re starting.
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Headed to Oakland Airport instead? Groome Transportation (formerly Sonoma County Airport Express) has scheduled service between Marin and Oakland every day. Planning ahead makes travel a lot less stressful, whether you’re a local off on vacation or a visitor wrapping up your Marin adventure.
Overview of SFO Airport Transportation Options
Travelers going between Marin County and SFO have some solid options. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on your timing, budget, and how much comfort you want.
Direct Shuttle Services
Marin Airporter runs hourly buses between SFO and six Marin stops. The first pickup at SFO is around 5:10 AM, and the buses keep rolling all day.
If you live near one of their stops, this is a budget-friendly way to get to the airport. You can buy tickets at the terminal or online.
For folks who don’t want to bother with bus stops, there are door-to-door shuttle services. You’ll need to book ahead, but they’ll collect you right from your front door and get you to your flight without fussing over parking or hauling bags.
Private Car and Rideshare Solutions
If you want total flexibility, private rides connect Marin and SFO any time you want. Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Marin and will pick you up wherever you are.
You get door-to-door convenience with no schedules to worry about. Prices jump around depending on the time, distance, and how busy things are.
If you’re not into apps, old-school taxis are still around. Many local companies offer flat-rate airport rides and let you schedule pickups.
Private car services cost more, but you get a professional driver and a newer car. You’ll want to book these in advance, but they’re reliable if you’ve got an early flight or need extra peace of mind.
Public Transit Connections
If you’re watching your wallet, public transportation is an option, though it takes longer. The Bay Area’s Clipper card works across 24 different transit providers, so you can use one card for the whole trip.
From Marin, you can hop on Golden Gate Transit buses or ferries to San Francisco, then transfer to BART for direct service to SFO.
You’ll need to transfer between systems, but it saves a lot of money, especially if you’re traveling solo. Clipper card makes switching lines pretty painless.
Weekdays have more frequent service than weekends. If you’re traveling at odd hours, plan for longer waits and less frequent connections.
Popular Routes Between Marin County and SFO
There are a few well-trodden paths between Marin County and SFO. The Marin Airporter keeps things simple with buses every 30 minutes from several county locations.
San Rafael to SFO
San Rafael is a popular jumping-off point for SFO. The Marin Airporter stop at 1081 Andersen Drive is a central hub, with buses leaving every half hour. Most days, it’ll take about 75 minutes to reach the airport, but, as always, traffic can shift things.
There’s plenty of parking at the San Rafael terminal if you’re leaving your car behind. The buses are roomy and can handle a fair bit of luggage.
When you’re heading back to San Rafael from SFO, just find the Marin Airporter at the airport’s ground transportation area. The trip home takes about the same time.
Mill Valley and Sausalito to SFO
Mill Valley travelers catch the Airporter at Seminary Drive, while folks in Sausalito usually use the Manzanita stop. Both offer regular service to SFO every 30 minutes.
From these southern Marin locations, the ride is quick—usually 45-60 minutes. These are some of the fastest Marin-to-SFO routes.
There’s parking, but it fills up during peak times. Mornings between 7-9 AM are especially busy.
These southern routes give you some pretty great Golden Gate Bridge views on the way to the airport. Not a bad way to start a trip, honestly.
Novato, Hamilton, and Larkspur to SFO
Residents in northern and central Marin use Airporter stops in Novato, Hamilton, and Larkspur Landing. Novato and Hamilton are the farthest north, so expect about 90 minutes to SFO.
Larkspur Landing is more central, with a roughly 60-minute trip. It’s also right by the Larkspur Ferry terminal, which is handy if you’re coming from San Francisco.
All three stops offer parking, with Larkspur Landing having the most spaces. Buses leave every 30 minutes, just like the rest of the Airporter system.
Hamilton’s stop mainly serves the redeveloped Hamilton Field area, so it’s a good pick for locals there.
Marin Airporter and Other Shuttle Services
You’ve got a few solid options for getting between Marin and SFO. Each service has its own stops, schedule, and pricing, so you can find something that fits.
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Marin Airporter Routes and Stops
Marin Airporter runs comfy buses connecting six Marin locations to SFO. The service is hourly, with the first bus to SFO leaving early morning and the first return bus from SFO at about 5:10 AM.
The six stops:
- Hamilton (Novato)
- Smith Ranch Road
- San Rafael (1081 Andersen Drive)
- Larkspur Landing
- Mill Valley (Seminary Drive)
- Manzanita (Mill Valley)
Once you’re on board, the bus heads straight to SFO—no extra stops. The hourly schedule makes it easy to plan without stressing about SFO parking or traffic.
Groome Transportation Service Areas
Groome Transportation does door-to-door shuttles all over Marin and beyond. Unlike the Airporter’s fixed stops, Groome will collect you from your home, hotel, or office.
Their coverage includes:
- San Rafael
- Larkspur
- Mill Valley
- Petaluma
- Rohnert Park
- Other spots in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa
They run 24/7, which is great for super early or late flights. You can book Groome for SFO, Oakland, or San Jose airports, so you’ve got options depending on your travel plans.
Comparing Airport Shuttle Providers
Here’s a quick breakdown if you’re torn between Marin Airporter and door-to-door services like Groome:
Cost: Marin Airporter is usually cheaper with fixed prices. Door-to-door rates depend on distance and might include gratuity.
Convenience:
- Marin Airporter: You’ll need to get to a stop, but there are hourly departures and no reservations required.
- Door-to-Door: You get picked up at your place, but you have to book ahead and might share the ride with others.
Travel Time: Marin Airporter goes straight to the airport once you’re on. Door-to-door shuttles might swing by other homes first.
If you’ve got three or more people, door-to-door can be a better deal. Solo travelers or couples usually find the Airporter more affordable, especially if you’re near a stop.
Private Transportation and Rideshare
If you want a direct ride between Marin and SFO, private options are out there. They’re all about convenience and flexibility—no set schedules, just your timing.
Rideshare Services: Uber & Lyft
Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Marin and get you to SFO reliably. From central Marin (think San Rafael), expect to pay $60-90 one-way, but prices jump during rush hour or bad weather. The ride takes anywhere from 35-60 minutes, traffic depending.
You can pick from:
- Standard rides (UberX, Lyft)
- Bigger vehicles (UberXL, Lyft XL)
- Premium cars (Uber Black, Lyft Lux)
The best part? Door-to-door service whenever you need it. But keep an eye on surge pricing. You can schedule rides ahead of time in both apps, which is nice if you’re anxious about timing.
Private Car and Limo Options
Several Marin companies offer private car and limo service to SFO with pro drivers. Expect to pay $120-200 one-way.
Some favorites:
- Marin Airport Transportation
- North Bay Shuttle
- Modern Shuttle
What you get:
- 24/7 service
- Vehicle choices (sedans, SUVs, vans)
- Meet-and-greet at the airport
- Flight tracking so your driver adjusts for delays
You’ll need to book 24-48 hours ahead, usually. People love these for early flights or big luggage hauls. Drivers know the best routes, so they’ll help you dodge the worst of the traffic.
Public Transit Alternatives
If you’re looking to save cash, public transit is an option, though it’s not the fastest. You’ll mix and match a few systems, but it’s way cheaper than a taxi or Uber.
Using BART and Connecting Transit
BART is the backbone for getting to SFO on a budget, but you’ll need to connect from Marin. From San Rafael, take Golden Gate Transit Bus 101 to San Francisco, then hop on BART at Civic Center. BART takes you right to SFO.
The Clipper card works on BART, Muni, and Golden Gate Transit, so you don’t need to juggle tickets.
Travel time is usually 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on your Marin starting point and transfer timing. Expect to pay around $15-20 one-way, which is a steal compared to $150+ for a rideshare.
Golden Gate Transit Options
Golden Gate Transit buses connect Marin towns with San Francisco. Route 101 is the go-to, running often between San Rafael Transit Center and downtown SF.
From there, you can:
- Take SamTrans Route 292 from downtown straight to SFO
- Or jump on BART at any downtown station for a direct ride
Buses run all day, but slow down in the evenings. Weekends have fewer options, so double-check schedules.
The whole trip costs about $12-18 one way, depending on your route. Set aside at least two hours, maybe more, for the journey and transfers.
Extended Connections: Beyond Marin County
Marin’s got direct routes to SFO, but nearby areas offer solid options too. If you’re in the North Bay, you’ve got some flexibility.
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Sonoma County Destinations
Coming from Sonoma County? You can connect to SFO by linking Golden Gate Transit buses with Marin Airporter, making it a two-step process.
A few shuttle companies, like North Bay Shuttle and Sonoma County Airport Express, run direct rides from major Sonoma cities to SFO. You’ll need to book ahead.
There’s also the SMART train from Sonoma County to Larkspur in Marin. From there, just catch the Marin Airporter to SFO.
Fares run about $35-60 one-way, depending on where you start and which service you use. Most require booking a day or two in advance.
Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park
Santa Rosa has the most ways to get to SFO. The Sonoma County Airport Express runs shuttles every two hours from the Santa Rosa Transit Mall, starting at 4:00 AM and wrapping up by 6:00 PM.
If you’re in Petaluma, you can hop on the same Airport Express at the Petaluma SMART station. They run daily, though weekends are a bit less frequent.
Rohnert Park folks have a pickup spot at the DoubleTree Hotel on Golf Course Drive. It’s smart to reserve ahead, especially when travel gets busy.
Travel time estimates:
- Santa Rosa to SFO: 2–2.5 hours
- Petaluma to SFO: 1.5–2 hours
- Rohnert Park to SFO: 1.75–2.25 hours
Connections to Napa and Monterey
Napa Valley doesn’t have as many direct options to SFO, but you can make good connections. Evans Transportation runs scheduled service from downtown Napa to SFO with 8 departures a day.
Another option: take Vine Transit Route 29 to El Cerrito BART, then ride BART to SFO. It’s cheaper, but plan on 2.5–3 hours total.
For Monterey, the Monterey Airbus has scheduled service to SFO, stopping in Prunedale, Salinas, and Monterey. They usually offer 5–6 round trips daily.
Private car services are available too, with rates from Napa starting at about $150 one-way, and from Monterey it’s more like $200–$250 one-way.
Try to book at least three days ahead for these longer connections, especially during summer when things get busy.
Choosing Between SFO, OAK, and Alternate Airports
If you’re heading to or from Marin County, you’ve got a few airport choices. Picking between San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK) could save you time, money, or maybe just a headache, depending on your plans.
Oakland Airport Accessibility
Oakland Airport (OAK) has a few perks for Marin travelers. It’s only about four miles farther from Marin than SFO—hardly a big deal, maybe just two minutes longer.
OAK tends to have shorter lines and less chaos than SFO. Honestly, it can feel less stressful all around.
Groome Transportation runs direct buses between OAK and several Marin County stops, with fares starting at $9. That makes OAK a budget-friendly choice.
Rideshares and taxis usually cost less to OAK than SFO from Marin, thanks to shorter bridge tolls and less distance.
Travel Tips for Multiple Bay Area Airports
Always check flights from both SFO and OAK. Prices and times can be surprisingly different for the same destination.
Book shuttle rides ahead, especially during holidays or peak travel times. Groome Transportation (formerly Sonoma County Airport Express) runs scheduled service year-round between both airports and Marin/Sonoma Counties.
Other options like North Bay Shuttle and Marin Airport Transportation get solid reviews from locals—worth considering.
If you’re meeting visitors, have them check both airports. Sometimes the cheaper flight plus ground transportation still ends up costing less.
Travel Tips and Customer Service Information
If you’re planning a trip between Marin County and SFO, it pays to know what to expect with luggage, accessibility, and available support. A few tips can make things a lot smoother.
Luggage Policies and Recommendations
Marin Airporter lets you bring two pieces of luggage plus one carry-on. They stash the big bags underneath the bus.
Luggage Weight Limits:
- Standard luggage: 50 pounds per piece
- Oversized items might cost extra
For early or late flights, keep essentials in your carry-on so you can grab them easily. Tag your bags with your name and contact info—just in case.
If you’re bringing bikes, surfboards, or skis, give Marin Airporter a call ahead of time. Some stuff needs special handling.
And don’t forget: San Francisco’s fog can make evenings chilly, even in summer. Pack a layer or two.
Accessibility and Special Assistance
All Marin Airporter buses come with wheelchair lifts and seats set aside for those who need them. Ask for help when you book, or at least 24 hours before your ride.
Service animals ride free and are welcome on every bus. Emotional support animals might have different rules.
Available Accommodations:
- Wheelchair lifts on all buses
- Priority seating for elderly and disabled passengers
- Drivers can help with boarding and luggage
If you need extra assistance, show up 15 minutes early. That gives the driver time to help and secure wheelchairs if needed.
For travelers with visual or hearing impairments, drivers can offer verbal announcements and help guide you if you ask.
Customer Service Channels
Marin Airporter gives you a few different ways to get help or info before and during your trip.
Contact Options:
- Phone: Staff answer calls every day from 5am to 11pm
- Email: Usually get a reply in about 24 hours
- Website: FAQ section and online booking
- In-person: Staff are at each terminal
Lost something? Reach out to customer service right away and describe what’s missing—they actually recover a good number of items, and you can pick them up at the terminals.
They post trip updates and service changes on their website and social media. It’s smart to check before you head out, especially if the weather looks rough or it’s a holiday.
They do read customer feedback. You can leave comments on the website or just talk to a supervisor at the terminal if you prefer.
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Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
