The Rainbow on the Road: How Marin Airporter’s Iconic Bus Came to Be
There are some things that just say “you’re in Marin.” Fog over Mt. Tam. A line outside Rustic Bakery. And a rainbow bus cruising down 101 like it’s on a mission (because it is).
If you’ve ever spotted a Marin Airporter bus with its signature rainbow stripe, you’ve witnessed a local legend in motion. It’s not just the most recognizable airport shuttle in the Bay Area—it’s a moving promise. A symbol that says: we’ll get you there. And we’ll do it right.
It Started with a Tunnel
Yes, that tunnel.
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies the Robin Williams Tunnel, formerly known as the Waldo Tunnel. This passageway, painted with vibrant rainbow arches since 1969, serves as a joyful gateway between San Francisco and Marin County.
Inspired by this local landmark, Marin Airporter decided to incorporate the rainbow into their branding. As Grace Hughes, retired CEO and current board member of Marin Airporter, recalls:
“It was built on the idea that we go through the Rainbow Tunnel. When we bought our first new bus in 1975, we had the rainbow painted on the side.”
The rainbow said, “We’re from here. And we’re proud of it.”
The colors became synonymous with service, dependability, and belonging—a rolling reminder that Marin Airporter wasn’t just a transit option; it was part of the community fabric.
A Stripe That Stuck
The reaction was instant.
Kids pointed. Parents smiled. People started calling it “the rainbow bus” and just like that, a simple paint job became something more—a fixture of the Marin story.
“How many times have I heard, ‘My kids love when we go on the rainbow bus,’” Grace said. “It just became a part of life in Marin.”
It still is.
Even as the fleet modernized and riders now track their buses with the Marin Airporter app, the rainbow stayed. Not for nostalgia’s sake, but because some promises are worth keeping.
You Know It When You See It
At SFO, when five coaches pull up in a row, you don’t need to squint at license plates or second-guess if it’s yours. You see the rainbow, and you know.
It’s not flashy in a tech-bro kind of way. It’s bold. Classic. Comforting. It says, “We’ve got this.” Just like it always has.
And with real-time tracking in the app, you don’t just spot the rainbow—you know exactly when it’s arriving.
More Than a Logo—A Promise on Wheels
Most transportation companies brand around speed or luxury. Marin Airporter? It branded around reliability. Local love. And a little joy.
The rainbow stripe became shorthand for everything Marin Airporter stands for:
- Always on time
- Always comfortable
- Always showing up—just like we said we would
“We’ve always been a family-focused, community-focused business,” Grace said. “People in Marin know the Airporter—and they trust it.”
The Rainbow Means: We’ll Get You There
Since 1975, Marin Airporter has been the quiet constant in thousands of trips. Early morning flights. Family vacations. Airport runs that mark the start—or end—of something big. And always, the rainbow.
So the next time you’re heading to SFO, the rainbow’s waiting. Hop on.