Getting Around San Francisco. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Muni & BART Overview

Muni provides wide coverage across the city. BART offers faster, regional travel, connecting the city to the East Bay and SFO.

Route maps are available online and at major stations. Important Muni hubs include Embarcadero, Market Street stations, Civic Center, and Union Square.

Hubs and Tickets

BART stations in SF: Embarcadero, Montgomery Street, Powell Street, Civic Center/UN Plaza, 16th Street Mission, 24th Street Mission.
Clipper Card: Reusable card for all Bay Area transit systems (Muni, BART, Caltrain, ferries).
MuniMobile App: Purchase and activate Muni fares, single rides, and passes directly on your Smartphone.
Cash Fares: Exact change for Muni buses/streetcars ($3.25). Cable car fare is $8.00 per ride.

Muni Accessibility

Muni buses are generally accessible. Muni Metro stations have elevators. Cable cars are not wheelchair accessible. BART is largely accessible.

Operating Hours

Most Muni lines operate from early morning (around 5 AM) until late night (around 1 AM). BART generally runs from 4 AM to midnight on weekdays.

Navigating Tips

Use Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time transit directions. Be aware of peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) when trains and buses can be crowded.

Cable Car Experience

System & Routes

World's last manually operated cable car system.
Three lines operate: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street.
Fares are $8 per ride or included in Muni Passports.

Riding Tips

Long Lines: Expect long lines, especially at Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde termini.
Walk a few blocks up the line to catch one to avoid the longest queues.
Great Photo Ops: Riding a cable car offers classic San Francisco photo opportunities.

Muni Passports & Clipper

Muni Passports

Offer unlimited rides on Muni buses, streetcars, and cable cars.

Durations

Available for 1, 3, or 7 days, providing flexibility.

Clipper Card Benefits

Reloadable card for all Bay Area transit systems.

Purchase Locations

Find at BART stations, Muni Metro stations, Walgreens, and other retailers.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer point-to-point travel in San Francisco.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are yellow with a roof light and company name. Hail on street or find at stands (Union Square, Ferry Building).
Fares are metered. A ride from Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf might cost $15-$25.
Most taxis accept credit cards. Tipping 15-20% is customary.
You can also call a taxi company for pick-up.

Ride-Sharing Apps

Uber: Very popular and widely used in the city.
Lyft: Also very popular and competitive with Uber.
Safety: Confirm the driver and vehicle match the app's information before entering. Share trip details with a trusted contact.
Airport Pick-up: Dedicated pick-up zones are clearly marked at SFO, OAK, and SJC.

Local Transportation Advice

Peak Hours: Expect increased fares and longer wait times during rush hour or special events.
Cost Comparison: For short distances, ride-sharing might be similar to taxis. For longer trips, consider public transport.
Navigation: Use in-app navigation or follow your route on a separate map to confirm direction.

Payment: Link your credit card to the app for seamless payment. Digital receipts are provided.
Communication: Drivers may communicate via the app regarding pick-up points or delays.
Carpool Options: Both Uber and Lyft offer carpool options for lower fares, though pick-up times might be longer.

Accessibility & Safety for Ride Services

Wheelchair Access

Some ride-share services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicle options (e.g., Uber WAV).

Check app settings for availability.
Book in advance if possible.
Availability may vary by time and location.

Child Seats

Limited ride-share options for child seats. Taxis may not guarantee them.

Consider bringing your own if traveling with young children.
Public transport is an alternative.
Plan routes carefully.

Secure Payments

Ride-sharing apps offer cashless transactions, adding security and convenience.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Digital receipts for tracking expenses.
Tip through the app after your trip.

Important Considerations for Ride Services

Remain alert when waiting for pickups in crowded areas.
Always verify the driver's identity and vehicle details with the app.
Familiarize yourself with the route, even if using navigation.
Keep valuables on your person rather than in the trunk.

Report any unsafe driving or suspicious behavior to the ride-share company.
Emergency: Call 911 immediately if you feel unsafe or are in danger.
Privacy: Be mindful of sharing personal information with drivers.
Local Tip: For quick trips, look for a standard taxi. For longer or pre-booked rides, ride-sharing might be more predictable.

Rental Options for Your Trip

Consider renting a vehicle for more flexibility, especially for trips outside the city.

Car Rental

Companies: All major rental car companies operate at SFO, OAK, and downtown San Francisco (e.g., Hertz, Enterprise, Avis).
Requirements: Valid driver's license. IDP is recommended for foreign licenses. Major credit card. Minimum age generally 21 (surcharges for under 25).
Recommendation: Not for city center due to traffic/parking. Recommended for day trips outside the city (e.g., Napa Valley, Muir Woods).
Find Deals: Use sites like DiscoverCars.com for competitive rates.

Bicycle Rental & Sharing

Bike Sharing: Bay Wheels (Lyft) offers traditional bikes and e-bikes throughout the city.
Rental Shops: Many shops near Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's Wharf offer daily or hourly rentals.
Safety: Dedicated bike lanes exist. Helmets are recommended and often required for rentals.
Terrain: Be prepared for hills if cycling extensively within the city.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Available from specialty rental shops. Less common for general tourist use due to traffic and hills.

Luxury Cars

High-end vehicle rentals are available from select agencies for special occasions.

Vans & SUVs

Larger vehicles available for families or groups with more luggage needs.

Driving & Parking Tips

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory.
Right turn on red is generally permitted after a full stop (unless signs restrict).
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Watch for pedestrians.

Parking Challenges

Parking is extremely challenging and expensive. Garages often charge $40-$60+ per day.
Street parking is limited, metered, and subject to strict street cleaning schedules. Read signs carefully.
Car break-ins are frequent. Never leave anything visible in your car.

Transportation Summary

San Francisco offers a range of transport options. Public transit (Muni/BART) is great for city exploration. Taxis and ride-shares offer convenience. Car rentals are for outside trips. Walking and cycling explore the city's charm.

Getting Around San Francisco