San Francisco Business Travel Guide
Welcome to San Francisco: The Innovation Capital
San Francisco stands as the undisputed global hub of technology and innovation, home to more than 30 Fortune 500 companies in the broader Bay Area and headquarters to tech giants like Salesforce, Meta (formerly Facebook), and Uber.
Whether you're closing deals in the Financial District, attending conferences at Moscone Center, or exploring partnerships in SoMa's startup ecosystem, San Francisco provides world-class infrastructure with that unmistakable entrepreneurial energy that drives global innovation.
Did You Know? San Francisco pioneered the coworking space concept that's now a global trend, and SFO ranks among the top 10 busiest airports in the U.S., connecting you to over 50 international destinations.
How to Get Around San Francisco for Business Travelers
BART and Muni Metro are your best bet for downtown/SoMa/Financial District connections, while rideshare works better for cross-town trips or when you're running late.
The key is understanding San Francisco's unique geography—what looks close on a map might involve a steep climb that adds 15 minutes to your walk.
During rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm), public transit often beats driving, but always factor in San Francisco's famous microclimates and occasional fog delays that can impact visibility.
For airport transfers:
- From SFO: BART (30 min to downtown, $10.55) or rideshare/taxi (25-45 min, $45-70)
- From Oakland (OAK): BART (40 min, $11.65) or rideshare (30-50 min, $40-65)
- From San Jose (SJC): Caltrain/BART combo (up to 2 hours) or rideshare (60-90 min, $80-120)
Transit Note: BART and Muni fares increased in 2025; check current rates via the Clipper app for most up-to-date pricing.
San Francisco Airports & Best Arrival Strategies
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Primary hub for international and domestic business travel, 13 miles south of downtown with excellent BART connections.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Often less crowded with competitive fares; good option for East Bay meetings.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) – Best choice for South Bay/Silicon Valley business, though furthest from downtown San Francisco.
Pro Tip: Book airport transfers in advance during major tech conferences (Dreamforce, RSA) when the city gets especially busy.
San Francisco Business Travel Dos & Don'ts
Dos (For a Smooth Business Trip)
- Master the Art of Layering – Start with a blazer in the Financial District morning fog, shed it for a SoMa afternoon meeting, then add it back for evening networking on a rooftop
- Download Transit Apps Early – Citymapper and the official Muni app will save you from those awkward "I'm lost" calls to clients
- Book Restaurants 1-2 Weeks Ahead – San Francisco's best business dining spots fill up fast, especially during conference season
- Embrace Tech-Forward Networking – This city loves innovation stories; mention your company's latest tech initiatives
- Pack Comfortable Walking Shoes – Those Instagram-worthy hills are real, and your feet will thank you after a day of Financial District meetings
- Plan for Microclimate Surprises – It can be 65°F and foggy in the Richmond while sunny and 80°F in Mission Bay
- Use BART Strategically – It's faster than driving to most downtown meetings, plus you'll look like a local
Don'ts (Avoid These Business Faux Pas)
- Don't Schedule Back-to-Back Meetings Across Neighborhoods – That 10-minute Uber from SoMa to Nob Hill can easily become 30 minutes with traffic and hills
- Don't Overdress for Tech Companies – A full suit might make you stand out (in a bad way) at a Wynwood startup
- Don't Underestimate Karl the Fog – San Francisco's famous fog has its own X account for a reason; keep a light jacket handy
- Don't Rely on Street Parking – It's scarce, expensive ($4+/hour), and those hills make parking a skill unto itself
- Don't Miss After-Hours Networking – Some of the city's best business connections happen at rooftop bars overlooking the bay
- Don't Forget Earthquake Basics – Know where the exits are, especially in high-rise buildings
- Don't Be Surprised by Tech Industry Hours – While some tech companies and startups in San Francisco schedule early meetings to coordinate with East Coast teams, daily start times and work hours vary widely across the industry.
Did You Know? San Francisco has over 200 coworking spaces, more per capita than any other U.S. city, reflecting its entrepreneurial DNA.
MORNING (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM)
Arrival & Transit
Land at SFO. For the quickest route to the Financial District, take BART—it's about a 30‑minute ride and helps you bypass rush‑hour traffic.
MORNING (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM)
Kick‑off Coffee Meeting
Meet your client at a local favorite like Blue Bottle Coffee or Sightglass Coffee in SoMa. It's the perfect casual setting to set the day's agenda.
MIDDAY (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
Key Meeting in SoMa
Head to the heart of the tech ecosystem, SoMa (South of Market). Pro Tip: Business casual is the standard dress code here. A full suit might feel out of place.
AFTERNOON (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
Impress with a Power Lunch
Take your client to Yank Sing for renowned dim sum ideal for groups, or Boulevard for upscale American cuisine. Remember to book reservations well in advance.
AFTERNOON (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Focused Work Session
Need a quiet place to work? San Francisco has over 200 coworking spaces. Grab a day pass at WeWork or Mindspace to catch up on emails before your evening plans.
EVENING (5:30 PM ONWARDS)
Rooftop Networking Cocktails
Seal the deal with panoramic city views. Charmaine’s at the Proper Hotel or The View Lounge are top spots where some of the best business connections happen after hours. Don't forget to layer—Karl the Fog can roll in unexpectedly!
Top Restaurants & Networking Spots
Client Meetings
- Boulevard (Embarcadero) – Upscale American cuisine with private dining and bay views
- Tadich Grill (Financial District) – Historic San Francisco institution since 1849
- Kokkari Estiatorio (Embarcadero) – Acclaimed Greek and Mediterranean cuisine served in a warm, rustic setting with an open hearth and private dining options
Networking Cocktails
- The View Lounge (Marriott Marquis) – 39th-floor rooftop with panoramic city views
- Charmaine's (Proper Hotel) – Stylish rooftop bar with craft cocktails and vistas
- Cityscape Lounge (Hilton) – 46th-floor location with 360-degree city views
- The Interval at Long Now (Fort Mason) – Unique venue for tech professionals
Team Dinners
- Yank Sing (SoMa) – Premium dim sum perfect for group dining
- Wayfare Tavern (Financial District) – American tavern with private dining rooms
- International Smoke (SoMa) – Barbecue restaurant with family-style sharing
- EPIC Steak (Embarcadero) – Waterfront steakhouse with group spaces
Quick Coffee Meetings
- Blue Bottle Coffee (Multiple locations) – Local favorite with quiet spaces
- Sightglass Coffee (SoMa) – Spacious café with reliable Wi-Fi
- Equator Coffees (Financial District) – Convenient location with quality coffee
- Saint Frank Coffee (Russian Hill) – Upscale coffee experience
Local insight: San Francisco business dinners typically start later (7-8pm) due to the tech industry's flexible work culture.
