I will have a 4 hour layover in SF on the way to Hong Kong. How far is the Golden Gate Bridge from SF Intl. Airport? If I go, would it be cheaper to rent a car for a few hours, or are their other means of transportation?

Four hours is not enough time to get to the City and back. The drive alone to the bridge is probably around an hour from the airport (once you include traffic in the city). And of course there's the time you need to spend actually getting off of your flight and getting ready to board the new flight. A better bet would be to plan on a nice meal in one of the good restaurants in the terminal they've just opened.

the restaurant Qi in the International Terminal is getting great reviews out here for being a quiet and relaxing place to spend a couple hours. They have a very varied menu depending on the time of day. You could probably do the GG bridge and make it, but it sure wouldn't be relaxing before another flight. Remember that SFO has one of the worst on time records in the country and traffic can really back up on 19th Ave. to a standstill. I wouldn't bother--maybe you'll take off over the bridge instead.

Monica--
Thanks for the info. I think I will take your advice.

I agree with Monica, 4 hours although it seems alot of time, when you add in delays, shuttle to the rental location, driving to the bridge, getting lost, (easy to do in SF) and then trying to find your way back, drop off the car and take the shuttle back to the terminal. That alone could be well over 4 hours.

Also for international flights the airlines are requesting that you check in at least a hour and a half before departure.

Buy some pictures of the bridge, easier to see the bridge, much cheaper and you won't have the hassle. When you take off from SF you may infact go north far enough so you will get a great view of the bridge.

Enjoy your trip.

Just heard that Restaurant Qi will be closing.