If you’re flying into or out of San Francisco International Airport and planning to continue your journey by train, you might be wondering: Which Amtrak station is the closest?
This guide explains the nearest stations, how to reach them, and the best options for a smooth connection between air and rail travel.
Closest Amtrak Station to SFO
The nearest Amtrak-connected station to San Francisco Airport is:
Millbrae Station
This station is located just a few minutes from SFO and serves as a key transfer hub between Amtrak, regional rail, and airport transit.
Why Millbrae Station Is the Best Option
Millbrae is the most convenient choice for travelers because:
- Located about 1–2 miles from SFO
- Direct connection via BART
- Access to Caltrain
- Integrated with Amtrak Thruway bus services
Distance and Travel Time to SFO
| Station Name | Distance from SFO | Travel Time | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millbrae Station | ~2 miles | 5–10 minutes | BART, taxi, rideshare |
How to Get from SFO to Millbrae Station
Option 1: BART (Best Option)
- Board BART directly from the airport
- Travel one stop to Millbrae
- Total time: 5–10 minutes
Option 2: Taxi or Rideshare
- Uber, Lyft, or taxi available
- Travel time: 5–10 minutes
Option 3: Shuttle Services
- Some hotels offer shuttle connections
- May take longer depending on stops
Does Amtrak Serve Millbrae Directly?
Amtrak does not operate full train services directly from Millbrae, but it connects through:
- Amtrak Thruway buses
- Transfers to nearby stations
Nearest Full-Service Amtrak Stations
If you need direct Amtrak train service, consider these nearby stations:
San Francisco Amtrak Station (Salesforce Transit Center)
- Located in downtown San Francisco
- Accessible via bus or BART
- Offers Thruway connections
Oakland Jack London Square Station
- One of the main Amtrak hubs in the Bay Area
- Direct train services available
- About 30–40 minutes from SFO
San Jose Diridon Station
- Major Amtrak station with multiple routes
- Located about 45–60 minutes from SFO
Comparison of Nearby Amtrak Stations
| Station Name | Distance from SFO | Direct Amtrak Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millbrae Station | ~2 miles | No (connection only) | Closest access |
| Oakland Jack London Square | ~20 miles | Yes | Main hub |
| San Jose Diridon | ~35 miles | Yes | South Bay routes |
| San Francisco (Transit Center) | ~13 miles | Thruway only | Downtown access |
Best Option for Travelers
Choose Millbrae Station if:
- You want the closest connection to SFO
- You are using BART or Caltrain
- You need quick airport access
Choose Oakland or San Jose if:
- You need direct Amtrak train service
- You are traveling long distances
Step-by-Step Travel Example
Here’s a typical route from SFO to Amtrak:
- Arrive at SFO
- Take BART to Millbrae Station
- Transfer to Amtrak Thruway or regional rail
- Continue to your destination
Tips for a Smooth Connection
- Allow 30–60 minutes for transfers
- Check train schedules in advance
- Use combined Amtrak + Thruway bookings
- Travel light for easier transfers
Booking Amtrak Tickets from SFO
When booking with Amtrak:
- Enter “San Francisco” as your origin
- Select Thruway connection if needed
- Review transfer details carefully
Need Help Booking Amtrak from SFO?
If you need assistance planning your route or booking tickets:
Amtrak Ticket Deals Support
+1(888) 929-3161
Get help with:
- Route planning
- Station selection
- Ticket booking
- Best fare options
Pros and Cons of Each Station Option
Millbrae Station
Pros
- Closest to airport
- Quick access via BART
- Easy transfers
Cons
- No direct Amtrak trains
Oakland Jack London Square
Pros
- Full Amtrak services
- Major hub
Cons
- Longer travel time from SFO
San Jose Diridon
Pros
- Multiple routes
- Good for southbound travel
Cons
- Farther from SFO
