Quick Summary:
- Ride BART to San Francisco International Airport station inside the International Terminal.
- Follow signs to AirTrain, then take the Blue Line to Rental Car Center.
- AirTrain is free, runs 24 hours, and trains arrive frequently.
- Allow 15 to 25 minutes from BART platform to car hire counter.
Getting from BART to the Rental Car Center at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is straightforward once you know two key things, the BART station is inside the International Terminal, and the airport’s AirTrain people mover takes you the rest of the way. The aim of this guide is to remove any uncertainty, so you can step off the train, follow clear signs, and arrive at the car hire desks without backtracking.
If you are collecting a vehicle at SFO, it helps to know that most rental companies operate from the consolidated SFO Rental Car Center, a dedicated facility connected by AirTrain. You do not need a shuttle bus from the terminals in most cases, and you do not need to pay separately for AirTrain.
Step-by-step: BART to SFO Rental Car Center
Step 1, arrive on BART at “San Francisco International Airport” station. On BART maps and announcements this is the airport stop, not “Millbrae”. Trains come into the airport station, which sits at the International Terminal (G side). When you step off, take a moment to note which side of the platform you need for exiting, then follow the signs for “International Terminal” and “AirTrain”.
Step 2, go from the BART fare gates towards the AirTrain signs. After the escalator or lift up from the platform, you will reach the concourse and fare gates. If you are arriving at SFO, you will simply exit through the gates. Once through, follow overhead signs for “AirTrain”, “Rental Cars”, or “Parking”. The wayfinding at SFO is generally good, and you will see AirTrain icons and coloured line markings.
Step 3, enter the AirTrain station and choose the Blue Line. SFO’s AirTrain has two services, the Blue Line and the Red Line. For the Rental Car Center, you want the Blue Line. The Red Line circulates terminals and some parking areas, but the Blue Line is the one that goes directly to the Rental Car Center. If you are unsure, look for platform displays or ask airport staff, but the Blue Line signs for “Rental Car Center” make it clear.
Step 4, ride AirTrain Blue Line to “Rental Car Center”. AirTrain is free to ride within the airport. Trains are frequent, and the ride from the International Terminal area to the Rental Car Center is short. Stay alert for announcements and platform screens, then get off at “Rental Car Center”. You will arrive inside or adjacent to the consolidated facility, where most counters and pick-up processes are located.
Step 5, walk to your car hire company counter and follow pick-up instructions. Once inside the Rental Car Center, look for the company signage and queue areas. Some brands direct you to a kiosk, others to a staffed counter, and some offer “skip the counter” style options for members. If you have not finalised which provider you are using, Hola Car Rentals has a helpful overview of car hire at SFO Airport so you can understand what to expect at the airport facility.
What to expect on the route: stations, signs, and walking
The most common point of confusion is expecting a shuttle bus. At SFO the standard flow is BART to AirTrain to the Rental Car Center, with clear “Rental Cars” signage. The walk from the BART concourse to the AirTrain platform is mostly indoors and well signposted. Lifts are available if you have heavy luggage or mobility needs.
Another common mix-up is getting on the wrong AirTrain line. Remember, Blue Line equals Rental Car Center. If you accidentally board the Red Line, you can simply get off at a terminal stop and switch, but it adds time and frustration.
Timing: how long does it take?
In normal conditions, allow 15 to 25 minutes from stepping off BART to arriving at the Rental Car Center. This range covers walking, waiting briefly for AirTrain, and the short ride. Add extra buffer if you are travelling at peak commuter times, with bulky luggage, or if you need lifts rather than escalators.
Also plan for time at the counter. Queue times vary by day and hour, and weekend afternoons can be busy. If your flight lands late or you are arriving on a late-night BART service, it is worth confirming your rental company’s counter hours in advance.
Fares and tickets: BART versus AirTrain
BART is a paid rail system, so your fare depends on where you start. Many visitors use a Clipper card (physical or on a phone wallet) or buy a ticket at the station. AirTrain within SFO is free, you do not tap in or pay a separate fare to reach the Rental Car Center.
If you are heading into the city after dropping off your vehicle, you can reverse the same route, take AirTrain back to the International Terminal station, then enter BART through the gates and pay your BART fare onwards.
Late night and early morning travel
AirTrain runs 24 hours, which is ideal for travellers collecting a vehicle at odd hours. BART, however, has limited late-night service and planned maintenance windows. If you arrive at SFO when BART is not running, you may need an alternative to reach the airport, but once you are at SFO, AirTrain will still take you to the Rental Car Center. Always check the timing of your last BART train back to the city if you are returning the car late.
Accessibility and luggage tips
For prams, large suitcases, or mobility considerations, use lifts rather than escalators when moving between the BART platform, concourse, and AirTrain. Both systems are designed to be accessible, but lifts can be slower during busy periods, so allow extra minutes.
Keep essentials handy before you reach the counter, your driving licence, payment card, and booking confirmation. Reception inside the facility is usually fine, but having your details offline can save time.
Which SFO car hire options are in the Rental Car Center?
SFO’s consolidated facility hosts major brands, with clear interior signage. If you prefer to understand the set-up before you arrive, you can review specific provider pages such as Enterprise car hire at SFO or National Car Rental at SFO, which can help you anticipate counter locations and general pick-up flow.
If your trip includes driving outside the city, it can be useful to think about vehicle type ahead of time. For families, coastal drives, or routes with luggage and hills, an SUV can feel easier, and SUV hire at SFO gives an overview of that option.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Taking the wrong AirTrain line. Confirm you are boarding Blue Line for “Rental Car Center”. If signage is unclear in a crowd, wait for the next train rather than guess.
Assuming BART drops you at domestic terminals. The BART station is at the International Terminal. AirTrain is what connects you efficiently to terminals and the Rental Car Center.
Underestimating counter time. The transfer is quick, but the desk process can be slower at peak times. If you need to be on the road by a specific hour, build in slack.
Forgetting where you parked after drop-off. When returning, note the level, zone, and signage for your company. Taking a quick photo of the bay marker can help.
Reverse route: returning your car and getting back to BART
When it is time to head back into San Francisco, return the vehicle to the Rental Car Center following your provider’s signage. After drop-off, walk back into the facility and follow signs to AirTrain. Take the Blue Line back toward the International Terminal area and exit at the stop that connects to the BART station. Then enter BART through the fare gates and continue your journey.
If you are continuing beyond San Francisco, remember that BART connects north and east of the Bay, while Caltrain at Millbrae can be useful for the Peninsula and South Bay. Some travellers choose to collect or drop in other airports depending on their itinerary, so it can help to compare options like car hire at San Jose Airport if your route starts closer to Silicon Valley.
FAQ
Q: Which AirTrain line goes to the SFO Rental Car Center from BART?
A: Take AirTrain Blue Line from the International Terminal area to “Rental Car Center”. It is clearly marked on signs and platform displays.
Q: Do I have to pay for AirTrain at SFO?
A: No. AirTrain within SFO is free, including the ride to the Rental Car Center. You only pay for your BART journey.
Q: How long does it take from the BART platform to the car hire counters?
A: Most travellers manage it in about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on walking speed, lift use, and how long you wait for the next AirTrain.
Q: Is the BART station at the Domestic or International Terminal?
A: The SFO BART station is at the International Terminal. AirTrain then links you to terminals and the Rental Car Center.
Q: What if I accidentally board the Red Line AirTrain?
A: Get off at the next convenient terminal stop, then switch to the Blue Line for the Rental Car Center. It is fixable, but it adds time.
