- Routes, Fees, and Insider Tips
- BART
- CalTrain
- Trolley coaches
- Hybrid buses
- All-electric buses
- Cable Cars
- MUNI Metro
- Historic Streetcars
- Ferries
- Conclusion
Welcome to San Francisco! Welcome to the great City by the Bay, home of the Giants, the 49ers, the world-champion Golden State Warriors, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. As we all know, San Francisco maintains pride of place among the most famed cities in the world.
You’ve come to a city of 800,000 people, but around 24 million of you visit every year!
In other words, tourists might think of themselves as the real residents of this city. The City’s fame makes its itinerant population absolutely ginormous, and SF’s residents are in the minority. On any given day, tourists outnumber locals by nearly 30 to 1!
Since you’ve traveled from far and near, you probably don’t instinctively know how to get around this fabulous, seemingly enormous place. But, hold onto your hat! Fog City is actually pretty petite for a major city – only 7 miles by 7 miles and surrounded by water on 3 sides. It’s mostly gridded, and is peppered with world-class landmarks and unique neighborhoods.
Finding your way in the City can be a bit intimidating to a newbie, but San Francisco makes it a breeze to get around (even if your phone gets swallowed by a sea lion!)
So how do you do it?
If you’ve been alive anywhere for any number of years, you probably know about San Francisco’s cable cars (installed 150 years ago). Sure, they’re for show, but they’re also a legitimate (and fun!) transportation option.
And you might also know about our multiple-award-winning, beautiful Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART), a super-efficient, heavy-rail electric commuter system installed exactly 99 years after the first cable car, and copied by cities throughout the United States.
But that’s just two of about a dozen major public transportation layers in SF’s complex get-around game. Some such layers are early as storied, colorful, or futuristic as the trolleys and BART, and I’m excited to get you on board with them in this blog!
Because it’s so bountiful, there’s a lot to say. The different systems offer different rewards, among them accessibility, comfort, nostalgic experience, and street scene watchability, as well as aesthetic reward. Of course, we’ll also look at efficiency and cost.
Here’s the many vehicles the town proffers to the vehicle-less louts who’ve landed here from other locales: buses, light rail trains, iconic cable cars, historic streetcars, trolley coaches, BART, CalTrain, scenic ferries, rent-a-bikes, scooters, robo-taxis, classic rideshare, and free City shuttles. And we can’t forget about the most ancient form of transportation… your own two feet!
Let’s Get Ready! Routes, Fees, and Insider Tips
Recently, I traveled through Continental Europe, Britain, and New York City. In those places, I was stunned by a simple, common-sense move they’ve made: almost all transportation options are accessible by holding your phone wallet next to entryway readers. No tickets! No multi-ride passes! No reservations! Why didn’t we think of this 80 years ago when we created credit cards?!
Maybe you already knew about this, but it’d been a while since I used public transport, and I was stunned.
Of course, bills and coins are now in the province of the Pleistocene Age, and I’m guessing you’re a citizen of contemporary times and want nothing to do with them.
The good news is that San Francisco is catching up to Europe in this regard. In other agreeable news, they also offer the easy option of the Clipper Card – a piece of rechargeable plastic that buys you wheels anywhere in the City.
Once purchased, it can be loaded into your Google or Apple Wallet. Who’d have thought when that first credit card was invented all those years ago, that we’d be standing here today, ready to pay for something, and pulling a phone out of your pocket to do it? Kinda makes you wonder what the future holds…
But I digress. The physical card costs three dollars, and can be bought online, at transit stations, and even at Walgreens But the downloadable version is free, and can be accessed with the MuniMobile app. Whereas you just load money onto the card at transport station machines, and the online card offers unlimited, 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day options.
Aside from that, MuniMobile also enables travelers to use a QR code when getting on Muni buses, trains, and cable cars – but not on BART.
BART
Within the city limits, the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA or “Muni” as it’s called) controls buses, streetcars, cable cars, trolley coaches, and light rail lines (Muni Metro). Muni also controls BART, even though BART is a regional service, serving both the Peninsula and the East Bay. This is worth mentioning because that Clipper Card will grant you rides on all of these options (if you’ve recharged your card with money, that is!).
BART makes traveling between San Francisco and nearby airports easy and affordable. You can get to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in about 30 minutes with direct access to the terminal. To reach Oakland International Airport (OAK), take BART to the Coliseum Station, then hop on a quick shuttle to the airport. With frequent trains and reliable service, BART is a stress-free way to travel.
Local Tip: Clipper Card will even work on the ferries that operate out of San Francisco, even though those aren’t controlled by Muni but by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA).
CalTrain
It will also get you on CalTrain. CalTrain is a regional heavy rail system of the OG kind. Its lines were first built in 1863 and sailed along sustainably until the late 1940s, when car use expanded and fewer and fewer people chose the trains.
Kept alive by government subsidies, the rail line reinvented itself as CalTrain in 1985, and has been self-supporting until recently. The post-pandemic explosion of remote work has dented the system’s ridership and financial independence to the point that both state and federal subsidies have had to be poured in to keep it humming.
Caltrain is a commuter rail line connecting San Francisco to the Peninsula and South Bay, including cities like Palo Alto, San Jose, and Gilroy. It’s a reliable option for both daily commuters and travelers, offering clean, comfortable trains with free Wi-Fi. With frequent schedules and stops near major attractions, Caltrain is a convenient way to explore the Bay Area.
When it comes to getting around inside San Francisco’s 49 square miles, you’ve got lots of options, and almost all of them have a big red MUNI logo on the side. Muni has a massive and incredibly diverse fleet of trolley coaches, hybrid buses, all-electric buses, cable cars, streetcars, and even a fleet of historic streetcars so you can ride in old-timey style!
Trolleys
Trolley coaches are an essential part of San Francisco’s public transit system, particularly well-suited for navigating the city’s hilly terrain and dense urban areas. Their quiet operation and zero-emission design make them a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice for commuters. Additionally, they provide a reliable alternative in neighborhoods where steep gradients make other modes of transport less efficient or feasible.
Buses
Muni also operates about 550 diesel-electric buses. These are more the classic “city bus” look, and stops can be found peppered through every square mile of the City.
Hybrid buses combine the power of diesel engines with electric propulsion, reducing fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional diesel buses. With their widespread network of stops, these buses provide a versatile and accessible transit option for residents and visitors, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods across San Francisco. Their adaptability makes them a vital component of the city’s commitment to sustainability and efficient urban mobility.
The SFMTA is going green! Pretty soon, the electric trolley coaches won’t be the only ones with their arms in the air like they just don’t care… or to find electricity on the power lines. Muni recently announced a commitment to have an all-electric bus fleet by 2035, and starting in 2025, they’ll only buy all-electric buses.
Cable Cars
What’s more San Francisco than to ride an iconic cable car down a steep, narrow street with the Golden Gate Bridge, or fog, depending on the time of year, in the distance? There’s a reason these things have become synonymous with San Francisco, and they’re a must-do! The cable cars run on three lines: Powel/Hyde, Powel/Mason, and California Street, and they offer a one-of-a-kind way to navigate the City’s famous hills. And the best part? The ride’s only $8, and you can pay with your Clipper Card! If you’re visiting, this one’s definitely on the bucket list!
MUNI Metro
Not content with just 4 ways to get around, San Francisco’s Muni also has a light rail system called the Muni Metro. The Muni Metro has several lines (J, K, L, M, N, and T) that run both underground and at street level, making it easy to reach popular neighborhoods and attractions. The fare for these streetcars are the same as buses: $3 if you’re paying cash, or $2.50 if it’s on the Clipper card. There are maps at each station, and all bus announcements are in four languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, and Tagalog. The light rail system isn’t huge – nothing like NYC’s or anything – it’s still a convenient way to explore the City!
Historic streetcars
Have you ever wanted to experience riding a nearly 100 year-old streetcar? Well, then San Francisco’s got another treat for you! Way back in 1979, San Francisco got its first historic cable car: a model-year 1954 tram from Hamburg, Germany. Nowadays, Muni’s got a fleet of over 40 historic streetcars, some of them built as far back as 1912!! Now these cars can’t be found anywhere else, or even everywhere in the City. The historic lines only run on 6 routes: F – Market, E – Embarcadero, PH – Powell/Hyde, PM – Powell/Mason, CA – California St, and the only numbered on, 39 – Coit Tower. The fare for these is the same as the main streetcar system: $3 for cash, and $2.50 if you’re paying with Clipper.
Ferries
Even though they’re not a way through San Francisco, the City’s ferries definitely deserve a mention. Ferries run between San Francisco and spots like Sausalito, Tiburon, and Oakland, offering amazing views along the way. If you’re interested in learning how to reach Muir Woods using ferry and bus from San Francisco, check out the video next. Fares usually range from $5 to $13 depending on the route, and yes, you can use a Clipper Card or grab a one-way ticket at the terminal. Make sure to bring some layers—it can get windy out on the bay!
Bonus – Free Presidio Shuttle: After telling you all the ways you can spend money on fares to get around the City, I can’t skip the freebies! The Presidio GO Shuttle offers free rides from Downtown SF to the Presidio daily, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a few stops downtown, and multiple stops around the Presidio. Whether you’re headed to Tunnel Tops Park for amazing Golden Gate views, the Walt Disney Family Museum, or a Sunday picnic, this shuttle gets you there—free and easy! I’ll link the route in the description.
Conclusion
In addition to all these transportation options, you can also grab a bike share, take a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, order a taxi, or even hop in a self-driving Waymo car!
Keep in mind, San Francisco is very walkable. The one thing I wouldn’t recommend is driving—it’s tough to find parking, and it can get expensive.
San Francisco offers a wealth of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re gliding through the city on a trolley bus, cruising across the bay on a ferry, or taking a stroll through its iconic neighborhoods, getting around is part of the adventure. With so many ways to explore, you can tailor your journey to your style while enjoying everything the City by the Bay has to offer. So grab your Clipper Card, hop on board, and let San Francisco take you places!
Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.
Guided Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour
This full-day guided tour breaks you into Alcatraz and explores the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.
Gary Lillian is an advisor to Extranomical Tours which has led more than 10,000 guided tours in Northern California in the last 10 years. He is a graduate of Northwestern University, holds a master’s degree from Kellog Graduate School of Management, and is a recognized subject matter expert in marketing and customer experience engineering.
