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The majority of visitors will arrive in the Bay Area via SFO - San Francisco International Airport. If you are arriving from abroad (except most flights from Canada) you will be using the rather fantastic new International Terminal (which seems to have taken decades to build).
As soon as you leave the Airport you'll find yourself at US-101. Head north for San Francisco, the Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) the Golden Gate Bridge; head south for San Jose, Monterey etc. 101 looks a little intimidating to start - especially if you're not used to 5 lanes of traffic and you're suffering from Jet Lag - but don't worry. Plan where you want to go before you leave the airport, drive at around the speed limit (people will pass you on either side if they want to go faster than you) and watch out for exits on both sides!
The Airport has been going through an extensive growth process in recent years. The most dramatic addition is the new International Terminal which, due to space constraints, was built over the top of the existing access roads!! In fact with the existing access roads (many of which were already elevated) from US-101 north and south, the new ones to and from the new terminal, and the monorail system used to get you around, there must be more elevated roadway/railway at SFO than any other airport in the world. Rather odd in an earthquake zone, but there you go!
Also in the Bay Area, but really only of use if you're already in the USA are Oakland and San Jose airports. These will be less busy, and if you're not travelling to San Francisco itself may offer a more relaxing arrival/departure experience from the Bay Area! Both call themselves 'International' airports, but I think they are stretching the truth somewhat!!!
If you need to stay near the airport (see the Where to stay in San Francisco page for more details) there are a number of motels nearby. Our recommendation would be (if you have the time - and if not, make some!!) to stay in the city though. Check out the complete list of San Francisco Hotels for prices and availability.
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If you're going to drive into San Francisco, you've got a choice - arrive by bridge and see some fantastic views of the bay and city, or don't. The best overall view is probably achieved from the Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80). Because it's a double-decker, and you're on the top deck on the way into San Francisco you can get in the right-hand lane and get a fantastic view of Treasure Island, Alcatraz and the city itself. The view from the Golden Gate Bridge is not so impressive, but the experience is much more satisfying! The other routes into the city are much less impressive - US-100 or US-1 from the south (no bridges and no views).
All bridges over the bay are toll bridges - and they all charge you in one direction - into the city. The Golden Gate currently charges $3 - all the rest (Bay, San Mateo, Dumbarton and San Rafael) charge $2. Once you're in the city you've got another problem - where to park. If you're booking a hotel, find one with parking, otherwise you may find problems looking for on-street parking. If you're only stopping for a couple of hours, there are parking garages at Fishermans Wharf and in the Union Square area - but be prepared to pay for the privilege!
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Of course there are many other ways of getting to San Francisco. If you're already in the Bay Area then arriving by boat is a relaxing and scenic way to visit the city. Most ferries travel to the newly refurbished Ferry Building at the end of Market Street (above), with some continuing on to Pier 41. Pier 41 is also the setting off point for ferries to Alcatraz and some of the more 'touristy' locations. Check out Blue and Gold Fleet for all the details.
The final 'mass' transit options are Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit) - a relatively local rail network, and the various bus companies. Amtrak doesn't actually reach San Francisco. For some reason (probably geographical) the closest the national rail operator gets to the city is across the bay in Oakland. The station in Oakland however is very close to the ferry port (both are located in Jack London Square) so isn't actually that inconvenient.
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