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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your trip? We’ve compiled answers to common questions about fares, schedules, parking, luggage, and onboard amenities to make your ride as smooth as possible. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us at (415) 461-4222—we’re happy to help!

Marin Airporter driver greeting passengers boarding a rainbow-striped coach bus.

General Information

Do I need to make a reservation?

No reservations are needed—just arrive at your stop and have your pre-purchased ticket ready to scan. If you prefer, drivers also accept cash payment upon boarding.

Is the schedule the same on weekends and holidays?

Yes, our schedule runs the same every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.

What happens if I miss my bus?

If you miss a scheduled departure, you can take the next available bus. Our buses run frequently throughout the day. See the schedule for times.

Fares & Payment

How much is the fare?

The fare for all stops is $30. Electronic payments include a $1 service charge. Children 12 and under ride free with a paying adult (limit two children per adult).

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, you can purchase a ticket online with a credit card. Drivers accept cash only, so if you prefer to pay by credit card, please buy your ticket online before boarding. Purchase tickets here.

Can I pre-purchase tickets?

Yes. Buy tickets online and show your confirmation on your phone or bring a printed copy when boarding. Our drivers cannot process credit card payments, so be sure to purchase in advance.

I paid online but didn’t receive my ticket. What should I do?

First, check your spam folder in case your email provider redirected it there. If you have multiple email accounts, check your other inboxes to see if the ticket was sent to a secondary email address.

If you use an iPhone, a setting may have automatically directed our ticketing system to use your Apple ID email as the default. In this case, your ticket email would have been sent to your Apple ID inbox.

If you still cannot locate your ticket after these steps, please call our office at (415) 461-4222 during our hours of operation or email us at tickets@marinairporter.com. Our office line is monitored during all open hours of operation. Please note that our tickets@marinairporter.com inbox is only monitored Monday–Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Schedules & Service

What time does the first bus leave in the morning?

The first bus departs from the Hamilton, Novato Terminal at 3:40 AM, stopping at all Marin locations and arriving at SFO around 5:05 AM.

What time is the last pickup at SFO?

The final bus leaves SFO at approximately 11:30 PM.

Do you provide service to Oakland Airport?

No, we do not currently service the Oakland Airport.

How do I find the pickup locations at SFO?

For detailed directions to our pickup locations at each SFO terminal, click here. You can also find descriptions in the Live View section of our app by selecting a stop. Be sure to choose your direction of travel first, as most pickup and drop-off locations are different.

Can I tip the driver?

Tips are not required but appreciated. Drivers do not have a way to accept electronic tips.

Parking & Luggage

Where can I park?

Long-term parking is available at our main terminal on Andersen in San Rafael for $8 per day and at our Hamilton Terminal in Novato for $6 per day. Note: Vehicles cannot be removed from either lot between the hours of 1:00 AM–3:30 AM.

Passengers can leave their cars for the time that they need. If you’re going to leave your car parked for more than 30 days, you must leave your information with the Supervisor on-duty at our Andersen location.

How much luggage can I bring?

There’s no strict baggage limit or extra fee for additional bags. However, we’re not a freight service, so if you have excessive luggage, call us at (415) 461-4222 to confirm.

Where should I store my luggage?

We provide secure luggage storage for passengers. Simply hand your bags to the driver, who will carefully place them in the storage compartment beneath the bus. All smaller items such as backpacks or computer bags must be brought onto the bus and can be stored in the overhead compartments above the seats.

For large bags, please ensure they are placed in the under-bus luggage compartment. To prevent mix-ups, be sure to label your bags with your name and contact information.

Passengers are responsible for their own luggage: The driver in your destination is going to pull out your luggage and put it on the sidewalk when you reach your destination. Your responsibility is to recognize and pick up your own luggage.

What if another passenger takes my bag by mistake?

We highly recommend labeling your luggage with your name and phone number. It is the customer’s responsibility to collect their own luggage after the driver removes it from the luggage compartment at the passenger’s drop off location. If your bag is taken by mistake, call our shift supervisor at (415) 461-4222. We’ll do our best to locate it. Please note our liability for lost or damaged baggage is limited to $250 per passenger.

If, by mistake, you grab the wrong bag please contact this number immediately (415) 461-4222.

Onboard Experience & Amenities

Is there WiFi on the bus?

No, our buses do not currently offer WiFi. We recommend downloading any necessary content before your trip.

Do the buses have power outlets or USB charging?

Most of our coaches have 110V power outlets for small electronics, but USB charging is not available. We recommend charging your devices before boarding.

Can I eat or drink on the bus?

Small snacks and beverages with secure lids are allowed, but please be respectful and clean up after yourself.

Accessibility & Special Accommodations

Do you accommodate passengers with disabilities?

Yes, all buses have wheelchair lifts. If possible, we recommend letting us know at least 24 hours in advance so we can make the necessary seating adjustments. If you need special drop-off assistance at SFO, inform the driver when you board.

Can I bring my pet?

Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed in the passenger area. All other animals must travel in a hard-shell case in the luggage compartment.

Do I need exact change for cash fares?

Exact change is appreciated, but drivers can make change if needed.

Can I track my bus in real-time?

Yes! Use our mobile app to check for real-time bus tracking and schedule updates.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help.