Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport SFO

San Francisco, USA

Great choice

10+ bookings last month.

1 hour (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Private Airport Transfer: SFO ⇄ San Francisco Downtown

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Private Airport Transfer: SFO ⇄ San Francisco Downtown

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Overview

Ensure a hassle-free arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)—and make getting to your area hotel a breeze—thanks to this private transfer service. After landing, meet your driver, receive their help with your bags, and relax on the journey to your destination. This convenient transfer serves downtown San Francisco, as well as Oakland, Berkeley, and Sausalito.

This private transfer service is tailored to your needs and schedule
Ensure peace of mind when arriving at San Francisco International Airport
Choose a luxury sedan for up to three people or an SUV for up to five people
Avoid the hassle of navigating taxi lines or confusing public transit

What's Included

One-way private transfer
All taxes
Fuel surcharges
Non-airport fees

Tolls (if taken)
Parking or airport fees (if applicable)
Gratuities (up to the customer's discretion)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Private door-to-door service from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco, downtown Oakland, or Sausalito

Drop-off points

Select a drop-off point

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Select your preferred transportation option to see hours.

What To Expect

Simply enter your details when you book, pay in advance, and then show your voucher to your professional chauffeur after landing at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Travel in a spacious sedan for up to three passengers or an SUV that carries up to five passengers. Sit back and enjoy the private ride without worrying about taxi meters or getting lost.

This private transfer serves downtown San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, or Sausalito, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 small carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
One hour waiting time on international arrivals, after that, there is a charge for waiting time. We do accept major credit cards, and do not insist on cash payments. Receipts are provided upon requested
Service animals allowed

Child seats are required for children 8 and under by law and and not provided by the local supplier
When selecting a vehicle size, please consider the storage capacity for luggage based on number of passengers. For larger groups with larger items, multiple vehicles may be more appropriate
Price is per person, based on three passengers per sedan or five per SUV
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Featured review

Natalie_S

Easy to book. Great communication by email/text. Driver was nice and on time, comfortable car. Made it easy to get from airport to hotel without any stress or hassles. Booked for return trip from hotel back to airport since everything was great.

Reviews

3.5

based on 287 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Nobody was there to pick...

Karen_S, Apr 2026

Nobody was there to pick me up at the appointed time so I ended up getting a taxi to my hotel. Very disappointing. Communication poor.

Above and beyond.

Richard_C, Dec 2025

Danny provided us with outstanding service. Beyond being an excellent driver, he is also a very friendly and knowledgeable person. Truly an asset to your company.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Excellent

Scott_L, Sep 2025

Driver very knowledgeable. Going to try and take the same route back to SFO. Comfortable ride. Enjoy!

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Good Experience

Deborah_W, Sep 2025

Contact with the company way easy and our driver very friendly and courteous. The car was very comfortable and clean. A good experience all round.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

San Fran

Liz_G, Aug 2025

Our driver was awesome, he pointed out little bits here and there. Enjoyed our ride into the city as well

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Excellent service.

Ann_S, Jul 2025

Excellent communication to let us know what vehicle was coming, confirmed the travel information and where to meet at the airport. Great company

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Missed ride

Lucinda_C, May 2025

I am sure these guys would have been great but they probably need to take into account the amount of time it takes to get through US customs. Even though we were nearly 1st off the plane, it took over 90 minutes to get out the door. The company had phone to say that they would leave at 60 minutes but I hadn’t turned on my international SIM card until I was out of US customs. Long story short, We didn’t get our ride. Maybe at international airport they should arrive until after 30 minutes + Just something to think of if ou are booking

Response from Host, May 2025

Dear Customer, We are sorry and we apologize for any inconvenience. Please provide us your trip details , via our website and choose the Customer Care tab. We will look into your claim, and we'll reply and take action, as required. Sincerely, Carmel team.

Don’t Use Viator for pick up

Alan_G, May 2025

Awful - Didn’t happen apart from payment - No prior pickup instructions received! We had no Wifi so could not contact upon arrival. No one at pick up, No Missed Call, Cost a taxi fare!

Response from Host, May 2025

Misstep at SFO airport transport.

sharon_w, May 2025

Horrible. They had my flight information and cell number and I was provided the drivers number. When i landed i texted the driver and asked where to meet them. No response. Disembarked, gathered luggage still no response. Called the number no answer and unable to leave a message. Call company number - who after getting my info again, transferred me to dispatch who said a car would be there in 8 minutes. ( I checked at this point an Uber would have been quicker -5 minutes- and $30 cheaper). To top it off the driver complained about the small tip saying he had to pay airport fee! Never, ever has this been a problem, when using Viator.

Response from Host, May 2025

Ride was quick, safe, and...

Dawn_W, Mar 2025

Ride was quick, safe, and so very welcomed after long day of traveling. We connected with driver quickly and easily. He drove us right to front door of our hotel.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Great experience

Scott_C, Dec 2024

Great communication, super easy and convenient at a great price. Would highly recommend and will use again!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Smooth Drive.

Ada_B, Dec 2024

It was good, our driver was very nice and knowledgeable, pointing out landmarks. We may have waited 5 minutes to be picked up.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Super efficient

Kristen_F, Nov 2024

Perfect ride. On time, pleasant and quick, and I can’t remember the last time my ride was actually waiting for me!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

See above review.

Ron_D, Oct 2024

Fairly happy with the company. Excellent driver. Very expensive transportation though. Will use a cab next time when visiting SFO.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Thank you!

Pamela_B, Sep 2024

A very convenient transfer. Thank you for an efficient service, polite driver and an immaculately clean vehicle.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Our driver was onsite and...

Jan_T, Sep 2024

Our driver was onsite and available when we collected our luggage. He was courteous and pleasant - shared information about the area on the way to our hotel. Vehicle was immaculate. Will definitely book through Viator again.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

A pleasure

William_B, Aug 2024

Our driver was pleasant, efficient and very knowledgeable. He was wonderful. No matter where we go your airport transfer drivers are the best.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Great service.

Christopher_S, Jul 2024

Great job!. After a long flight and many hours of travel from the UK, being collected and transported directly to our hotel was perfect for us. Very good, courteous and helpful service. Our thanks to the driver, who assisted us with our bags and gave us some good helpful tips for our onward journey and holiday stay in San Francisco.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Start your Stay with something Special

Yasmine_S, Jul 2024

Highly recommend. Prompt replies, easy to adjust pick up time, friendly and customer-oriented. The ride to the hotel was very enjoyable. It wasn't like a regular taxi ride: not just the 'how was your flight' questions. Quite personalised. I enjoyed it a lot.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

First time experience using private transfer

may_g, Jun 2024

Our driver, Michael, was at the airport early. Unfortunately we got stuck on the runway. Our driver patiently waited for us, over an hour, with constant text check-ins. When it came time to meet, he knew the exact location and pulled right up to us. The SUV was super clean! Michael was friendly and professional. This was our first time using a private transfer with Viator. Would do this again! Took the stress out of waiting for an Uber/Lyft.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Inefficient airport transfers.

Mark_M, May 2024

Rang company as per instructions after collecting luggage. Told to leave arrivals hall and to cross the road to the limousine waiting area. No reference to the booking reference number was made by the company rep. Driver arrives, does not refer to the booking reference, picks us up and leaves. Then realized we were not his expected passengers. Back to airport. Contact made with company again through airport staff. Still no reference to the booking reference number. Eventually picked up outside the arrivals hall in the general pick up area. At no stage was our booking reference referred to. Issues with company processes. Get a taxi probably a better option but it was at least better than private transfers offered from Istanbul airport.

Response from Host, May 2024

A bit disappointing

Agnes_W, May 2024

Total confusion. Poor communication. Driver arrived at agreed place after I called them at the airport. Problem was he was looking for a different passenger. Took forever and ever to resolve. Problem is with their office. Vehicle was clean. This is the first Carmel that has disappointed me. I will think twice using Carmel in California.

Response from Host, May 2024

Good service but felt nickle and dimed!

Cynthia_H, Apr 2024

Communication was great. Driver was there upon arrival. The only reason I don't give a 5 star is because I was informed that Toll was not included and that I needed to pay cash. I found that outrageous that after paying $126USD it didn't include the toll. I know the confirmation said tolls were not included if taken but didn't seem to have an option not to take the toll. In my opinion, if there is no way to avoid the toll or to give the customer the option to avoid the toll, then it should be part of the price.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Driver dropped me off...

Jean_T, Feb 2024

Driver dropped me off around the corner from my hotel in a sketchy neighborhood told me the entrance was just up the street. I did not feel safe.. otherwise the ride was fine. The driver was punctual.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Would have liked to give...

Donna_S, Feb 2024

Would have liked to give a good review, however, no driver showed up at the airport. All my calls when to voice mail. When I called the 866 # and verified my voucher, I was connected to another department which was located in NYC. They couldn’t connect to dispatch either.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Perfect-Would use again!

Rebecca_S, Nov 2023

Nadar, the limo driver, contacted me before contacting him. It really relieved my stress upon arrival in an unfamiliar airport. Plus, he had water for me. I was so thirsty!!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Dear Customer, We appreciate your review, as well as the fact that you took your time to write these comments. We hope that you will continue to use our services in the future. Sincerely, Carmel Team

Poor service

Donna_M, Oct 2023

Waited a long time for transport service to show. Cale’s 4 times for service. Dispatch unprofessional.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Do not book! Take a taxi.

Caroline_B, Sep 2023

Driver failed to wait for us at San Francisco airport after a 10hr flight from the UK. When prebooking a transfer, it shouldn't matter how long it takes to get through immigration and collect your luggage. As there are only 2 queues in immigration for American citizens and non Americans, I was in the non Americans queue for 1hr 26mins and the car service blamed me for taking too long and left. They failed to understand that the passenger has no control over the queue. The booking confirmation DOES NOT state a maximum wait time of 1hr. Based on this experience, I would urge all passengers to book another company, use a taxi outside the airport, Uber or BART. A complete rip off!

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Beer poor

Ian_P, Sep 2023

Worst experience ever with Viator Airport pick up did not come to meet us Contacted Viator not able to resolve having to go through complaints procedure