SFO Rakes in Over $60M From Ride-Hail Trips in 2025

Airport's ride-hailing fees hit record high as Waymo launches autonomous service at SFO Rental Car Center

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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San Francisco International Airport collected over $60 million in ride-hailing fees in 2025, a new record driven by more than 10 million Uber and Lyft pickups and drop-offs. The milestone comes as Waymo begins offering autonomous rides to and from the airport, providing a new transportation option for travelers.

Why it matters

The surge in ride-hailing traffic and fees at SFO signals a rebound in air travel to the city following the pandemic. The influx of revenue from these fees provides a financial buffer for the airport as it manages operating costs and capital projects. The introduction of Waymo's autonomous service also offers passengers an alternative to traditional ride-hailing options at the airport.

The details

According to SFGATE, SFO tacks on a roughly $6 fee per ride-hailing trip, making app-based rides noticeably pricier than nearby transit options. Waymo's autonomous service is currently routing pickups and drop-offs through the airport's Rental Car Center, with riders taking the AirTrain to reach the terminals. This setup trims some of the curbside convenience of traditional ride-hailing, but provides an autonomous alternative. Drivers working for app companies still stage in airport lots and sit in virtual queues waiting for their turn at curbside pickup, leading to long idle periods and congestion in nearby areas.

  • In 2025, SFO collected over $60 million in ride-hailing fees.
  • In October 2025, Uber and Lyft riders using the airport for pickups or drop-offs surpassed 1 million for the first time since 2019.
  • On January 29, 2026, Waymo announced it had started offering autonomous rides to and from SFO.

The players

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The main international airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area, located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco.

Uber

A popular ride-hailing service that operates in cities around the world.

Lyft

Another major ride-hailing service that competes with Uber.

Waymo

An autonomous driving company and subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

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What they’re saying

“Airport access is one of the most requested features for our riders.”

— Waymo (Waymo announcement)

What’s next

Waymo plans to expand its autonomous service to additional airport locations over time, providing passengers with more options for getting to and from SFO.

The takeaway

The surge in ride-hailing traffic and fees at SFO highlights the airport's growing importance as a revenue source, as well as the evolving transportation landscape with the introduction of autonomous services. This trend could have broader implications for how airports manage ground transportation and generate non-aeronautical income to support their operations.