San Francisco Travel Forum

Myt wife and I arrive this Friday (YA) and wanted to know if it is possible and safe to take the train form the SFO airport to the Powell station. We are not from SFO and will have a few bags. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.



thank you

If by train you mean the BART subway, yes it is safe.

Yes, BART runs from SFO to Powell Street. Check out their website, www.bart.gov , for maps, schedules, and fares.

Excerpt:

BART Tips for Visitors to San Francisco

PLANNING YOUR BART TRIP
BART has one of the highest on-time performance records in the nation, but to be prudent you should give yourself a little extra time in case you miss a transfer or an unanticipated delay occurs. Visit the BART trip planner to look up BART times and use the convenient printable schedule version to take a copy with you.

BART Weekday Service Hours
4:40 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

BART Weekend Airport Service Hours
Sat: 6:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.

Please make alternative airport travel plans if this schedule conflicts with early morning weekend flights.

BART TICKETS
To purchase BART tickets/transfers from SFO to San Francisco or beyond click here. U.S. Residents Only BART ticket machines accept nickels, dimes, quarters, $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills (Please note that the ticket machine will not dispense more than $4.95 in change for any one transaction). You can also use a credit card in select machines at all stations. BART ticket machines will only allow purchases up to $50 per day on the same credit card.

BART fares are based on the distance you travel. The ticket is read when you enter and leave the stations and the correct fare deducted. If there is $.05 or more remaining on the ticket it will be returned to you. You can enter a station with a ticket valued at less then the fare, but must add fare to the ticket before exiting your destination station. Add Fare machines are located close to the exit fare gates at all stations. If the exact fare is on the ticket when exiting the ticket will not be returned.

YOUR LUGGAGE
Please keep the aisles clear by storing your luggage under your seat or holding it on your lap. Some cars have space cleared by the doors to accommodate wheelchairs, bikes or strollers. If the space is not being used by a person with a disability, you may store your luggage there, but please keep it within your control at all times.

Yes it's safe, just be street smart, have an idea of where you are going once you get out of the Powell st station. Powell St Station borders the Tenderloin which is where it can get a little scary, you don't want to walk through there with your wheelie bag so again, make sure you know where you are going. If you need any help with this feel free to email me directly.