RSA Conference 2026 SF Travel & Rental Guide
TL;DR: RSA Conference 2026 in San Francisco (March 23-26, 2026 at Moscone Center) is the cybersecurity industry’s leading event, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year. This guide covers travel logistics: airport options (SFO, OAK, SJC) and ground transport, hotel zones with transit access, car rental tips for solo professionals and teams, plus things to do around the city during RSAC.
Event Overview: RSAC 2026 at Moscone Center
RSA Conference (RSAC) 2026 takes place March 23-26, 2026 at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, utilizing the North, South, and West convention halls. As the world’s largest and most influential cybersecurity conference, RSAC attracts a global audience of security professionals the 2025 conference drew nearly 44,000 attendees along with hundreds of speakers and exhibitors. Expect four days of keynotes, expert-led sessions, and a buzzing expo floor. The Moscone Center’s central SoMa location puts attendees in the heart of downtown San Francisco, with hotels, dining, and transit all within walking distance of the venue. Whether you’re an RSAC veteran or first-timer, planning your travel and stay well in advance is essential for a smooth conference experience.
Getting to San Francisco: Airports & Transportation
San Francisco is served by three major airports:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO):Distance to downtown: ~13 miles/21 km. This is the primary gateway for RSAC attendees, with the most flight options. From SFO, you can take BART rapid transit directly from the airport to downtown (about 30 minutes to Powell Street Station, which is a short walk from Moscone Center). Rideshares and taxis are plentiful at SFO, and driving into the city via US-101 takes around 20-30 minutes off-peak (but can be longer in rush hour). SFO also has a Rental Car Center with a free AirTrain connection, making it convenient to pick up a rental car on-site.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK):Distance to downtown SF: ~20 miles (across the Bay). OAK is a popular alternative, often with lower fares or less congestion. BART connects OAK to San Francisco via a short people-mover to Coliseum Station, then a direct train into downtown (roughly 25-30 minutes to Embarcadero/Montgomery Station). Driving from OAK to San Francisco takes about 30-45 minutes via the Bay Bridge (longer during commute times). Like SFO, Oakland has on-site car rentals and dedicated rideshare pickup zones.
- San Jose International Airport (SJC):Distance to SF: ~47 miles south. SJC is farther and used mainly if you’re combining your trip with Silicon Valley visits. There’s no direct BART service from SJC you’d need to take a shuttle or rideshare to Caltrain, which runs to downtown San Francisco in about 1-1.5 hours. Driving from SJC can take 60+ minutes via US-101. Unless you have business in the San Jose area, SFO or OAK will be more convenient for the conference. If SJC is your choice, renting a car or arranging a shuttle is advisable due to the distance.
Ground transportation from the airports: Both SFO and OAK offer easy public transit into San Francisco via BART, which is often faster than driving during peak traffic. BART trains run frequently and will drop you within a short walk of Moscone Center (use Montgomery Street Station for Moscone North/South, or Powell Street Station for Moscone West). If you prefer door-to-door service, app-based rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are available at all airports just be prepared for higher fares during rush hour or heavy demand. Many travelers find that BART plus a short walk or cab can beat rideshare timing when the downtown streets are congested. Another option, especially for groups, is to book a private shuttle or car service in advance for pick-up at the airport, which can be cost-effective if split among colleagues.
Where to Stay: Best Hotel Areas for RSAC
San Francisco’s hotels fill up quickly during RSA Conference, so it’s wise to book early in one of the central neighborhoods that balance convenience and comfort. The Moscone Center is downtown in the SoMa (South of Market) district, but there are several nearby areas popular with conference attendees:
SoMa (Near Moscone Center)
Staying in SoMa puts you closest to the venue many hotels are within a 5-10 minute walk of Moscone Center (the San Francisco Marriott Marquis is right across the street, with others like the InterContinental and the W Hotel just a few blocks away). This proximity makes it easy to slip back to your room between sessions or drop off exhibit materials. The neighborhood has a modern, low-key vibe. You’ll find plenty of coffee shops and casual dining options catering to the business crowd. SoMa is ideal for attendees with packed schedules or early-morning keynotes, since you won’t need to commute, you’re right there at the conference hub. (Bonus: The terrain between SoMa hotels and Moscone is flat, so walking is quick and easy.)
Union Square
Union Square is a lively hotel district about a 10-15 minute walk to Moscone Center. This area offers a more classic San Francisco experience think luxury and boutique hotels, flagship retail stores, and lots of restaurants and bars. It’s a great choice if you want amenities at your doorstep and a bustling atmosphere after conference hours. You can either walk to Moscone or take a short rideshare or transit ride. Union Square is well-lit and active into the evening, making it a safe and convenient base. You’ll have easy access to BART and Muni transit lines, too, since Powell Street Station is right on the edge of Union Square. This area is perfect for those who might bring a spouse/partner along or who want to squeeze in some shopping and downtown sightseeing around the conference.
Financial District / Embarcadero
Just to the northeast of SoMa, San Francisco’s Financial District (and adjacent Embarcadero waterfront) offers a slightly quieter stay while still being reasonably close (about a 5-10 minute cab or a 20-minute walk to Moscone). This area is well-connected by transit multiple BART and Muni Metro lines serve the Embarcadero and Montgomery stations, and you’ll enjoy scenic touches like the Bay Bridge views and Ferry Building marketplace along the Embarcadero. In the early mornings, the Financial District is very calm, which can be a nice contrast to the hustle of the conference. Hotels here tend to cater to business travelers, so you might find larger rooms or slightly lower rates on weekends when the bankers are away. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere after a busy day, or plan to do morning runs along the waterfront, this area is a strong choice. Just note that after-hours dining is a bit more limited than Union Square, but still a short walk or ride to plenty of options.
Hotel Tip: If you book outside the official RSA hotel block and end up farther than walking distance, the conference offers complimentary shuttle service from many hotels to Moscone. Shuttles run roughly every 15 minutes during conference days and all pick up/drop off at Moscone South on Howard Street. This can save you money on taxis and spare you the hassle of navigating transit during rush hour.
Navigating the City: Transit, Rideshares & Parking
One perk of RSAC in San Francisco is that the city is relatively compact and well-served by public transportation. Once you’re downtown, you likely won’t need a car for daily conference activities. Here are the main ways to get around:
- Walking: If you’re staying in SoMa or Union Square, walking to Moscone Center is often the easiest option. The area around the convention center is pedestrian-friendly. Between sessions, you can also walk to dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, and sights (Yerba Buena Gardens, directly next to Moscone, is a great place to get fresh air).
- Public Transit (BART & Muni): San Francisco’s BART and Muni systems can quickly move you around if you’re going beyond easy walking distance. In addition to airport connections, BART stops at Powell and Montgomery stations which are steps from many downtown hotels and Moscone. Muni buses and light rail serve virtually every corner of the city; the Muni Metro lines have a station at Powell St and can be useful for reaching neighborhoods like the Castro or Mission from downtown. Transit fares can be paid with a reloadable Clipper Card or any contactless credit card/phone. During busy convention hours, taking BART or Muni can be faster than sitting in traffic for example, BART plus a short walk often beats rideshare trip times when streets are jammed.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and Taxis: App-based rideshares are readily available in San Francisco. Moscone Center even has dedicated pickup zones to streamline Uber/Lyft access for attendees. Ride services are a convenient door-to-door solution, especially late at night or for quick trips to dinner. However, be aware of surge pricing when the conference day ends and thousands of attendees leave at once, fares can spike. A pro tip is to walk a few blocks away from Moscone before hailing a ride to avoid the highest surge premiums. Also, factor in some extra time if you request a ride during the height of rush hour downtown traffic can be gridlocked around 5-6 PM. Traditional taxis can be found at hotel stands and popular areas, and they charge by the meter (sometimes cheaper than surge Uber for short hops).
- Conference Shuttles: As mentioned, if your hotel is on an official RSA shuttle route, leveraging that bus is often the best way to get to Moscone each morning. It’s free for attendees and runs frequently on a set schedule, bypassing the need for you to arrange transport at all. All shuttles drop off at Moscone South, right at the venue entrance.
- Parking: Parking in downtown San Francisco is limited and expensive and Moscone Center does not have on-site parking for attendees. If you plan to drive, you’ll need to use one of the public garages nearby (such as the Fifth & Mission/Yerba Buena garage or garages at Union Square). Rates typically range from $30-$50 per day in that area, and garages can fill up early on weekdays. Street parking is extremely scarce around Moscone and usually metered with short time limits. Avoid leaving any valuables in your car if you drive unfortunately car break-ins are a known problem in San Francisco, and rental cars can be targets. For most attendees, it’s simpler to use transit or rideshare and skip renting a car or driving into the city altogether, unless you have specific plans that require it.
Rental Car Options for Attendees
Should you rent a car during RSA Conference 2026? The answer depends on your plans. If you’re sticking to downtown and the conference area, a car is more of a hassle than a help you can walk or take transit almost everywhere, and parking costs are high. However, there are scenarios where renting a vehicle makes sense:
- Exploring Beyond Downtown: If you plan to extend your trip and visit areas outside San Francisco (for example, tech campuses in Silicon Valley, meetings in the Bay Area suburbs, or leisure trips to Napa Wine Country or Muir Woods), having a car will give you freedom to travel on your own schedule. In such cases, you might rent a car after the conference portion, so you’re not paying for it while it sits unused during event days.
- Group Travel: Many companies send teams to RSAC. If you’re traveling with a group of colleagues, renting a larger vehicle and carpooling from the airport can be cost-effective. You could pick up a 7-passenger SUV or even a 12-passenger van for your team, instead of paying for multiple taxis or rideshares. This also gives you flexibility for team outings (like driving to an off-site client dinner or visiting a regional office). Rental agencies at SFO offer a full range from compact cars to SUVs and vans and all major brands (Avis, Hertz, National, etc.) operate out of SFO’s centralized Rental Car Center, making it easy to collect your vehicle upon arrival.
- Bringing Equipment or Booth Materials: If you’re an exhibitor or carrying substantial gear, a rental car or van may be useful for transporting materials to the convention center. Moscone has loading zones, but coordinate with event logistics if you have large items. Otherwise, for normal attendees with just luggage and a laptop, a car isn’t necessary for hauling anything.
Important considerations if you rent a car: San Francisco’s downtown traffic can be challenging one-way streets, steep hills, and limited parking are the norm. Allow extra time to navigate if you’ll be driving to Moscone in the morning; and note that Moscone Center’s garage is for exhibit freight only, not public parking. Plan to use nearby public garages and consider reserving a parking spot in advance via apps if available. Security is crucial: never leave laptops, conference badges, or any valuable equipment visible in the car when it’s parked. As mentioned, vehicle break-ins happen even in busy areas, so treat a rental car like you would your personal one empty at the end of the day. Lastly, factor in the costs: beyond the daily rental fee, you’ll pay city parking fees (or hotel parking charges which can be $60+ per night downtown). Depending on your itinerary, renting only on the days you truly need to drive (rather than the whole week) can save money. Many attendees find that they rent a car for a day trip or post-conference excursion rather than for the core conference days.
Things to Do in San Francisco During RSAC
In between the intensive learning and networking of RSA Conference, make time to enjoy San Francisco’s rich offerings. Whether you have a free evening or an extra day after the event, here are some ideas:
- Near the Moscone Center: If you get a short break between sessions, head to Yerba Buena Gardens (right next to Moscone) for a quick recharge it’s a peaceful green space with benches, fountains, and public art. The SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum ofModern Art) is one block away on 3rd Street; even if you don’t have time for the full museum, the ground-floor exhibits are free and the architecture itself is worth a look. The Metreon across the street offers a food court and coffee options for fast refueling. These are easy options if you want to stretch your legs without straying far.
- Evenings Dining & Views: San Francisco has a vibrant dining scene. For a post-conference dinner, you can stay near Union Square (lots of restaurants, from casual to upscale, all within walking distance of many hotels), or venture to North Beach, the city’s Little Italy, known for its excellent Italian restaurants and cafes. North Beach is about a 10-minute cab ride from Moscone/Union Square and offers a lively atmosphere plus authentic gelato and espresso to wrap up your night. Chinatown is adjacent to North Beach stroll through the lantern-lit Grant Avenue for dim sum or late-night bites; shops and bakeries there stay open later than downtown’s usual hours. If you prefer something low-key, the Embarcadero waterfront is ideal for an evening walk with views of the Bay Bridge’s light display. The Ferry Building Marketplace (at the foot of Market Street) has numerous eateries and bars (and is about a 20-minute walk or short streetcar ride from Moscone). Many conference-goers enjoy unwinding with colleagues at the Ferry Building’s wine bars or taking a ferry terminal stroll with the skyline in the background. Just remember, popular restaurants fill up fast during convention week it’s wise to make reservations ahead of time for any group dinners.
- Classic Tourist Attractions:If this is your first time in San Francisco (or you’ve added a vacation day), there are a few must-see sights. The Golden Gate Bridge is an icon consider taking a ride to the Presidio or Marin Headlands for a breathtaking viewpoint of the bridge and the bay. Another top highlight is Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison turned national park. Alcatraz tours depart by ferry from Pier 33 and should be booked well in advance, as tickets routinely sell out weeks ahead. Spending a morning touring Alcatraz is highly recommended if you have time (it’s about 2-3 hours round trip). Near Pier 33 you’ll also find Fisherman’s Wharf a touristy but fun area to see sea lions at Pier 39, grab sourdough bread bowls, or visit the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. From there, you might hop on a historic cable car back toward downtown the Powell-Hyde line from Fisherman’s Wharf will take you over Nob Hill and back to the Union Square area, offering a quintessential San Francisco experience (hang on tight!). For those interested in science and technology, other noteworthy stops include the Exploratorium (interactive science museum on the Embarcadero) and California Academy of Sciences (in Golden Gate Park) though these might require a longer time commitment.
No matter your schedule, San Francisco has plenty to offer beyond the conference rooms. Even a short walk outside can lead to scenic views or a phenomenal meal. Take advantage of being in the City by the Bay during RSAC to network not just in the expo hall but out on the town as well. Safe travels and enjoy both the conference and the city!
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Frequently Asked Questions
RSAC 2026 takes place March 23-26, 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The event spans Moscone’s North, South, and West buildings, all located in the downtown SoMa district.
SFO (San Francisco International) is the closest and most convenient airport, about 13 miles from downtown with direct BART train service into the city. OAK (Oakland International) is a good alternative, ~20 miles away across the bay, also connected by BART. SJC (San Jose) is about 45-50 miles south and only recommended if you’re also visiting Silicon Valley; from SJC you’d likely drive or take a shuttle to reach San Francisco.
Not usually. If you’re staying in downtown San Francisco, you can walk or use public transportation/rideshares to reach the conference and get around. Parking is scarce and expensive near Moscone Center, and traffic can be congested, so a car can become more of a headache. However, if you plan to extend your stay for sightseeing outside the city or have meetings in the Bay Area suburbs, a rental car can be useful on those days. In that case, you could rent a car just for the specific days you need (SFO’s Rental Car Center makes it easy to pick up a car on-site). For most attendees focusing on the conference and city attractions, a car isn’t necessary San Francisco’s transit and walkability will cover your needs.
The top areas are SoMa and Union Square. SoMa (South of Market) is where Moscone Center is located hotels here are within a few minutes’ walk, which is perfect for maximizing your time. Union Square is about a 10-15 minute walk away and offers a huge selection of hotels plus dining and shopping options. Both areas are very popular with RSAC attendees. The Financial District/Embarcadero is another option slightly farther away; it’s quieter in the evenings and well-connected by transit (only a couple BART stops from Moscone). Wherever you stay, try to book early, as hotels near the conference tend to sell out months in advance for RSAC week.
If you have a short break, enjoy the immediate area Yerba Buena Gardens beside Moscone is a nice spot to relax, and SFMOMA is around the corner for a quick art fix. In the evenings, you can explore neighborhoods like Chinatown and North Beach for dinner (both are a quick ride from Moscone and offer great food and nightlife). Don’t miss a stroll along the Embarcadero waterfront to see the Bay Bridge lights or to visit the Ferry Building marketplace. If you’re staying after the conference, classic attractions await: consider a trip to Alcatraz Island (book your tour in advance, as it’s very popular), take in the views of the Golden Gate Bridge, ride a historic cable car, or visit Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see the sea lions. San Francisco has plenty to offer, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning there’s always something new to discover in the “City by the Bay.”