10 years ago, the Caltrain connected to SFO at Millbrae with a free shuttle bus that stopped at teach terminal. The friendly bus driver offered directions and assistance. No problems, unless it was raining.
5 years ago, the shuttle bus was scrapped, and the Caltrain connected to SFO at Millbrae with a $1.50 5-minute BART train that stopped at Terminal 3. The 2 ticket vending machines were often mobbed for 20 minutes. Good luck finding a live person for assistance. A hassle, but doable.
Today, the Caltrain connects to SFO at Millbrae with a $1.50 10-minute pointless BART train north to San Bruno BART station, followed by a 10-minute ride back south to SFO Terminal 3. The 3 ticket vending machines are often mobbed for 20 minutes. If you find a BART employee, they’ll say, “I didn’t design this system.” A nightmare in good weather, worse when it’s cold or windy.
I (and other passengers on the same Caltrain) missed an international flight recently because it took over 3 hours to get from San Jose Diridon station to SFO.
Although a taxi from central San Jose to SFO is $120, I have to consider that now if I don’t have half a day to waste on the trains. Cheaper than paying for trains that are misrouted and late and rebooking fees.
examiner.com: BART to halt Millbrae-SFO direct service
Updated 2012-01-27: the fare from Millbrae to SFO is now $4 each way. Depending on the schedule, often there is a direct trip from Millbrae to SFO.
