Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Any recommendations for car service from SFO to Hotel

Search

Any recommendations for car service from SFO to Hotel

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 06:50 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Any recommendations for car service from SFO to Hotel

Looking for good, reliable car service from SFO to Marriott on 4th street in San Francisco for 2 people. Hotel website estimates cab ride is $40. Is a car service comparable or possibly cheaper? thanks.
JamilaZ is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 06:56 PM
  #2  
yk
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BART will be more reliable and a lot cheaper, if one doesn't mind walking 5 minutes from the Marriott to the Powell Street Station. Fare is $5.35 per person, and the journey takes 33 minutes.
yk is online now  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 06:57 PM
  #3  
yk
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorry, I gave the directions in reverse, but the fare and duration still applies.
yk is online now  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 08:38 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've taken both and found BART to be just fine..as long as you have a luggage with wheels..
$80 roundtrip plus tip which will be around $100..
save it for a nice restaurant..
ksucat is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 08:57 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello JamilaZ, here is the section of SFO's website regarding transportation.
http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/tofrom/transp-serv/limo/

BART is of course way less expensive but not everyone wants to use BART when arriving at SFO and going into SF.

Personally I would take one of the authorized taxi's.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 09:03 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We took BART from the airport to the 4th street Marriott and found it to be very easy. Google your route and/or check the hotel's website.

When we went back home, we were flying on a Sunday morning and were concerned BART might not come frequently enough. I believe there was a shuttle that stopped at the hotel.

We normally stay in hotels with less amenities...we really liked this hotel. Great room, pool/hot tub, helpful concierge.
5alive is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2009, 09:33 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BART.
jimvt951 is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 07:58 AM
  #8  
yk
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,885
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
To clarify a bit:

If you take BART from SFO, you first need to take the AirTrain from your terminal to the BART SFO station, then catch the BART from there. This adds about another 10-15 minutes (depending on how frequent the AirTrain is running, and which terminal you arrive).

It's very easy if one has light luggage; though may not be the best option for the elderly, or with heavy luggage, or a late arrival to SFO.
yk is online now  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 03:29 PM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I am trying to arrange this for my parents who prefer car service. Just wondering if anyone has a specific one they can recommend.
JamilaZ is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 03:49 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 20,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If nobody chimes in with personal experience, check out SFO website "ground transportation" - car service listed there should be all dependable.

I wonder if Marriott has its own shuttles...
Dayenu is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 03:52 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Marriott has no shuttle service and its across the street from the BART but since you want your folks to have car service..we used Stars Sedan awhile ago..or a cab will be just fine.
Be prepared to spend $$ on the limo/town car service.

www.starssedan.com
ksucat is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 09:12 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When we went, there was a shuttle that stopped at about 3-4 hotels. (Kuscat is right, in that it is not just a Marriott shuttle.) Call the hotel directly for details. They were the ones who directed us on how to take it back to SFO.
5alive is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2009, 09:19 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
car service will run at least 60-80. Cab will be about 40. Carey Limousine , and Bauer Transportation are two of the big (and most expensive ) ones.

Supershuttle and similar services have vans that go from SFO to the city itself making several stops. If you are lucky it's only 3, if not it can be more. Approx 18-20 a person so not much cheaper than a cab.
mztery is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 07:00 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,830
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
I personally would not do a car service - cabs are just as easy and will cost less $$.
janisj is online now  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 07:01 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,830
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
hit post too soon -- In lots of cities a car service is an economical alternative to a taxi. But not usually the case in SF.
janisj is online now  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 10:13 AM
  #16  
SAB
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The only time a car service is an economical alternative to a cab is during the commute times, when a cab's meter is running stuck in traffic. However, if you want someone to meet your parents and help with luggage, then a car service may be worth the additional expense vis a vis a cab. BTW it costs more than the posted amount to have the driver waiting with a sign. I think the last time I did this the posted rate was something like $55 but it was actually $65 or $70 with the inside pick up.
SAB is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 11:23 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 82,930
Received 46 Likes on 17 Posts
I took a cab from SFO to that hotel and had no problems at all. I'd recommend a cab (depending on their arrival time/ commute times as noted above).
starrs is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 12:48 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We were going to take the Airporter once when a limo driver approached us and asked if we wanted to split the cost of a limo ride with another couple for the same price. Of course, we said yes! We loved it!!! The limo drivers need work, too. They are competing there with cab drivers, other limos and the Airporter. Why don't you ask a driver if you can do the same?
AttyWSW is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 02:47 PM
  #19  
SAB
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is illegal for limo drivers to solict riders in SF or at SFO, I would be careful of someone who is willing to perform an illegal act.
SAB is offline  
Old Jun 30th, 2009, 03:11 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is illegal for limo drivers to solict riders in SF or at SFO

I know it's illegal to solicit customers at SFO, but IN San Francisco?? Doesn't make sense.
sf7307 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -