From The New York Times

A Train to the Plane for the City by the Bay

San Francisco has joined the select group of American cities with a direct rail connection to an airport. On June 22, Bay Area Rapid Transit, the commuter system serving San Francisco and surrounding communities, opened an 8.7-mile extension with four new stations, including one at San Francisco International Airport. The other new BART stations are at South San Francisco, San Bruno and Millbrae.

The 100,000-square-foot airport station is at the departure level of the International Terminal. BART officials estimate that half of the passengers getting off at the airport will be using United Airlines, whose counters are within a five-minute walk of the platform. One level above and accessible by escalator is the airport’s AirTrain system, a people mover that stops at all terminals, the long-term parking lot and the rental car center.

BART’s Dublin/Pleasanton line goes directly to the airport. Trains on other lines go to Millbrae, with shuttle trains continuing to the airport. The Caltrain commuter line from San Jose also goes to the Millbrae station.

BART trains leave Millbrae and the airport every 15 minutes on weekdays, every 20 minutes on evenings and weekends. The fare for the 29-minute ride from the airport to downtown San Francisco is $4.70.

Fare and schedule information: (415) 989-2278, www.bart.gov.
CHRISTOPHER HALL