Many visitors to San Francisco want to see the region’s famous redwoods up close at some point on their trip. As one of the closest redwood forests to San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument is a popular option. But despite its convenient location — less than 20 miles from downtown — navigating to Muir Woods from San Francisco can be complicated.
We’ve compared the five best ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco — including by bike, rental car, shuttle, and Muir Woods tour. Once you know your options, you’ll have no trouble getting to Muir Woods and seeing these incredible trees for yourself.
Table of Contents
- Why go to Muir Woods National Monument?
- How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
- 5 Ways to Get to Muir Woods from San Francisco
- Getting to Muir Woods FAQ
Why go to Muir Woods National Monument?
The main reason to go to Muir Woods National Monument is to see the tallest tree species in the world, the Coastal Redwood, or Sequoia sempervirens (not to be confused with the Giant Sequoias of Yosemite).
The coastal redwood is the taller and thinner cousin of the Giant Sequoia, with one tree, Hyperion, reaching a remarkable 380 feet tall. Coastal redwoods are also long-lived: the trees in Muir Woods were spared from logging in the 19th century, and some may be as old as 1,200 years old.
Now, redwoods only grow in scattered groves along the coasts of Oregon and California, only some of which are old-growth (undisturbed) forests. Having an old-grove redwood forest less than an hour away from San Francisco is a truly special opportunity that no one should pass up.
What Is There to Do in Muir Woods?
There are several things to do in Muir Woods, most of which allow visitors an opportunity to experience the trees. The Visitor Center and gift shop offer an introduction to the forest, as well as books and souvenirs to take home.
From there, you can explore a 6-mile network of trails — many flat and paved — including the iconic Redwood Creek Trail. Hiking loops range from 0.5 to 2 miles long, or around 1.5 hours at an average pace. You can choose how far you want to go and cross any one of the three bridges over the creek. If you have the time and energy, you can continue on trails up the hill and into Mount Tamalpais State Park, for a full day of hiking in San Francisco.
How far is Muir Woods from San Francisco?
Muir Woods is about 16 miles north of San Francisco, in Marin County. It’s located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais. By car, you can drive there in about 45 minutes without traffic — but this may not be the best way to get to Muir Woods.
Let’s take a look at five ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco and how they compare in terms of time, convenience, and price.
Exclusive Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
The only wine country tour to combine three Napa & Sonoma Valley wineries with a morning excursion to San Francisco’s stunning Coast Redwood forest – Muir Woods.
Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Morning Tour
This is the only Muir Woods tour with guided audio narration inside the park. Walk under the world’s tallest trees, then enjoy charming Sausalito.
5 Ways to Get from San Francisco to Muir Woods
It’s easy to get to Muir Woods on a day trip from San Francisco. But the best way to get there will depend on how much time you want to spend there and whether you want to go anywhere else.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll have to pay an entrance fee of $15 per adult (free for kids 15 and under). It can be paid in advance or upon entry to the park, and may be included with some tour and shuttle reservations.
Here are five different ways to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:
1. Book a Tour to Muir Woods from San Francisco
Pros:
- Stress-free
- Convenient
- Environmentally-friendly
- Includes expert guide
Cons:
- Limited amount of time in the park
The best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to book a tour. This is the most convenient option, because you can rely on an expert to deal with the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the park.
There are several companies that offer guided tours to Muir Woods from San Francisco, including Extranomical. One option is a half-day tour that focuses on Muir Woods, with a stop in the charming beach town of Sausalito.
Another option is a full-day tour that begins with a trip to Muir Woods, and then takes you to California wine country in the afternoon.
Both of these tours are extremely convenient, with pickup in downtown San Francisco. After you board the bus, sit back and relax on your way to Muir Woods as you learn about the park from a local expert.
Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Tour
Length: 5 hours
Price: $99 (includes Muir Woods entrance fee)
Available: Year-round, morning and afternoon
This tour includes 1.5 hours of free time in Muir Woods — more than enough time to walk the Redwood Creek Trail as you listen to an audio narration about the park. Then explore the Bohemian and Cathedral groves, or browse the gift shop before meeting back with your group.
Enjoy the trip back out of the park and into Sausalito. Grab something to eat and do some exploring or shopping in the charming bayside town.
When it’s time to head back to San Francisco, you have the choice to ride back across the Golden Gate Bridge on the bus, or take the ferry across the bay. On the ferry, you can enjoy the views from the water on your way back to the city, making this a varied and well-rounded experience.
This tour is available in the morning or afternoon, year-round — but book early, because it can sell out. Once your tour is confirmed, there’s no need to worry about seasonal shuttles or parking reservations!
Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour
Length: 10 hours
Price: $179 (includes 3 wine tastings)
Available: Year-round
If you want to pack in a full day and see more of what Northern California has to offer, combine your trip to Muir Woods with a trip to California wine country — including stops at three wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Begin with a pickup at or near your hotel in San Francisco, before heading to Muir Woods for a full hour of exploration among the coastal redwood giants. Then, hop back on the bus and head to scenic Napa Valley for a wine tasting at a quintessential Napa winery. Next, you’ll go to historic Sonoma Plaza for lunch before enjoying wine tastings at two additional wineries.
On your way back to the city, enjoy a photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge before getting dropped off at your hotel.
Note: While this trip includes three wine tasting in the tour price, the Muir Woods entrance fee is not included and must be paid upon arrival.
2. Take the Shuttle to Muir Woods
Pros:
- Affordable
- Environmentally-friendly
- Visit on your own schedule
Cons:
- Slowest option
- Limited travel connections
- Availability changes seasonally
The second-best way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to take the shuttle. However, the shuttle doesn’t go all the way from San Francisco, only from Sausalito or Larkspur Landing. So you’ll need to get to one of these locations before taking the shuttle for the final leg of the journey.
The shuttle is run by Marin County (route 66). It picks passengers up from Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal on weekends and holidays year-round, and from near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal on weekdays from June – August.
The shuttle is an affordable way to get to Muir Woods, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance for the exact shuttle you plan to take, and you’ll need to get to the shuttle stop at least 15 minutes before that time. You can make your reservation online at Go Muir Woods.
As of 2025, round-trip tickets are $3.75 for adults. Children 15 and under ride free, but require a reservation. Entrance to Muir Woods isn’t included, but you can purchase it when making a reservation or upon arrival.
One good thing about this option is that you can spend as much time as you want at Muir Woods and take any return shuttle back to Larkspur Landing or Sausalito. Just be aware that shuttles tend to fill up towards the end of the day, so don’t rely on the very last shuttle to get back to San Francisco.
Be sure to have your shuttle confirmation downloaded onto your phone before you get to Muir Woods (and that you have plenty of battery). You’ll need it for the return trip, and you won’t have any service while you’re there.
Where is the Sausalito shuttle stop?
Location: Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Runs: Weekdays, June-August
How to get to Sausalito Muir Woods Shuttle Stop
Ferry – There are two ferry options to get from San Francisco to Sausalito. The Golden Gate Ferry leaves from the SF Ferry Building, and the Blue and Gold Ferry leaves from Pier 41 on the Embarcadero.
Both have multiple daily departures and cost under $15 each way per adult. The rides are 30 minutes from departure to arrival in Sausalito.
If the weather cooperates, the views along the way are not to be missed, making this a classic San Francisco experience!
Bike – Biking from San Francisco to Sausalito makes for a lovely bike ride on a sunny day. Rent bikes at Fisherman’s Wharf, then ride along the waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and along Alexander Ave. into Sausalito. Just make sure your bike is locked up before you get onto the shuttle! There is a seasonal bike valet available at the ferry terminal.
Public Bus – You can take Golden Gate Transit bus route 130 to San Rafael from downtown. It picks up passengers along Mission St., Van Ness, and Lombard before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Get off at the Bridgeway and Bay Street stop, which is very close to the Muir Woods Shuttle stop.
This bus runs every hour in the morning, so it makes for a convenient and affordable connection for a morning shuttle to Muir Woods. Tickets cost $8.25 for adults, paid in cash upon boarding.
Take a taxi or rideshare – You can take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to the Sausalito shuttle stop. For groups, this may cost you even less than the bus.
Drive – If you have a car and plan to drive to a shuttle stop, we recommend driving to Larkspur Landing rather than Sausalito, for easier parking.
Where is the Larkspur Landing shuttle stop?
Location: Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal
101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA 94939
Runs: Weekends and Holidays, year-round
How to get to Larkspur Landing Muir Woods Shuttle Stop
Ferry – The only ferry option from San Francisco to Larkspur Landing is the Golden Gate Ferry, departing from the SF Ferry Building. The 35-minute ride costs $14 each way for adults.
Bike – San Francisco to Larkspur Landing is a longer and more complicated bike ride, so we don’t recommend it for casual riders.
Public Bus – Taking the bus to Larkspur Landing involves several connections, so we don’t recommend this option. If you want to take the public bus to Muir Woods, going to the Sausalito shuttle stop is more practical.
Taxi or rideshare – Taking an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to Larkspur Landing is a good option for groups, but it will be more expensive than going via Sausalito.
Drive – If you plan to drive to a shuttle stop yourself, Larkspur Landing is your best bet. There’s plenty of parking there at the Ferry Terminal, which is free on weekends and holidays.
3. Drive to Muir Woods
Pros
- Fast and direct
- Go your own schedule
Cons:
- Limited parking
- Requires a reservation
- Renting a car is expensive
The most straightforward way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to drive there yourself. But driving to Muir Woods isn’t as easy as it used to be, thanks to a parking system designed to protect the area from overuse.
Everyone who wants to park at Muir Woods needs to get a parking reservation before driving there. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to go back somewhere with cell reception and purchase one online – if there are any left.This seems complicated, but if you purchase your parking reservation before your visit (at Go Muir Woods), it won’t be a problem. As of 2025, the rates for parking at Muir Woods are:
Small vehicles (under 17ft.): $9.50
Medium vehicles (17-22ft.): $30.00
Large vehicles (22-35ft.): $45.00
Parking reservations are for a specific date and time window. You’ll have to arrive within a 30-minute window, but once you’re there you can stay as long as you want until closing. The exception is for medium and large vehicles, which must enter and leave within a 1-hour, 45-minute window.
Even if you have a reservation, there may not be any parking available when you arrive! This is most likely to happen after mid-morning or on weekends. You may have to circle the parking lot waiting for someone to leave.
The main advantage of driving yourself to Muir Woods is that you can stay as long as you want to maximize your time there. You don’t have to worry about catching the last shuttle to leave the park or hailing a taxi.
So if you already have a car at your disposal, driving to Muir Woods is a good option. But if you don’t have a vehicle, we don’t recommend renting one just for this day trip. There are other, cheaper ways to get there!
4. Take a Rideshare to Muir Woods
Pros:
- Convenient
- Fast
- Go on your own schedule
Cons:
- Expensive
- Could get stranded
Another way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is to take a taxi or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. This is one of the most expensive ways to get there, and it isn’t necessarily the most convenient.
Getting there is easy enough — the main problem is getting back. Since there’s no cell service or internet within Muir Woods National Monument, you’ll need to book a car in advance, since you won’t be able to do it from the park.
Unless you have a solid plan for getting back to the city, we’d suggest avoiding this option. On top of that, it can be expensive — up to $100 one-way.
5. Bike to Muir Woods
Pros:
- Scenic
- Environmentally-friendly
- Travel on your own schedule
Cons:
- Can be dangerous
- Physically and technically challenging
Muir Woods is just 16 miles north of the city, so avid cyclists might consider this an enjoyable option — despite the hills. The trouble with this option isn’t the distance, but the nature of the roads.
The first part of the journey is pleasant enough, with a scenic ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. But the road leading into Muir Woods is the steep, curvy Highway 1. This two-lane road has no bike lanes and heavy traffic.
If you’re an experienced cyclist, it’s possible to bike from San Francisco to Muir Woods. Just be sure to take safety precautions and learn the route in advance, since there’s no cell phone service in or near the park.
For casual cyclists, a better alternative is to bike part of the way and take the shuttle from there. You can rent a bike in San Francisco and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. Safely stow your bike there and take the shuttle the rest of the way to Muir Woods National Monument.
Choose the Right Way to Get to Muir Woods
With these five options on the table, you should be able to determine the best way to get to Muir Woods based on your schedule, the size of your group, and other factors. Whichever choice you make, be sure to enjoy your time among the redwoods to the fullest and leave it the way you found it.
And remember, the easiest way to get to Muir Woods from San Francisco is on a tour — it’s safe, affordable, and saves you the hassle of driving there!
Getting to Muir Woods FAQ
Can you get to Muir Woods without a car?
Yes, you can get to Muir Woods without a car. The most convenient way is to book a tour, but you can also take the ferry to Sausalito or Larkspur Landing and take the Muir Woods shuttle from there.
Are there shuttles to Muir Woods?
Yes, there are shuttles to Muir Woods, but they don’t run all the way from San Francisco. You’ll need to catch the shuttle in Sausalito or Larkspur Landing, and you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.
Can I Uber from San Francisco to Muir Woods?
Yes, you can take an Uber from San Francisco to Muir Woods, but there is no cell service or internet there. So if you plan to take an Uber back, you’ll need to book it in advance to make sure it’s waiting for you. Otherwise, you can call a cab from the payphone.
How much time do I need to see Muir Woods?
Plan to spend 1-2 hours at Muir Woods. Although there are additional hiking trails if you want to stay longer, the shortest loop can be completed in under an hour. Most tours allow 1-1.5 hours of time in the park.
