Though driving or taking ride-shares such as Uber and Lyft are common modes of transportation in San Francisco, there are always other ways to navigate the city. Whether you need to travel between neighborhoods or around the Bay Area in general, there are public transportation options for you.
Muni
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, commonly referred to as Muni, is the city and county department responsible for all ground transportation in San Francisco. Muni consists of buses, streetcars, light rail, and the iconic cable cars.
Riders can pay in cash (exact change only!) for single fares at the front of the vehicle itself. Otherwise, there is the option of buying passes for unlimited rides within a certain number of days. For those spending more than a few days visiting San Francisco and the surrounding area, a Clipper card is a worthwhile investment. Clipper cards can be purchased for $3 and loaded with either passes or cash value, and can be used for access to Muni, BART, and CalTrain alike. Riders can also get a cheaper Muni fare by using Clipper.
Muni offers visitors and residents a comprehensive network for traveling around San Francisco. It supports commuters as well as tourists, providing access to noteworthy San Francisco sites like AT&T Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Dolores Park, and Ocean Beach.
BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, is a heavy rail and subway system that connects San Francisco with surrounding cities. It is one of the fastest options for traveling between San Francisco and Oakland, which are connected by a tunnel underneath the Bay. From there, BART connects to cities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties.
There is also a BART line that goes directly to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), as well as Oakland International Airport (OAK).
Riders can purchase passes at BART stations, or use their Clipper cards to pay in cash. If you travel within San Francisco frequently, considering purchasing a monthly pass that offers unlimited rides on Muni as well as all BART stops within San Francisco.
BART connects to Oracle Arena as well, so if you’re attending a home Warriors game, be sure to grab a seat.
CalTrain
CalTrain is the commuter train that services the San Francisco Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley. The northernmost stop is at 4th and King Streets in San Francisco, and the southernmost stop is in Gilroy. Along the way, there are stops in cities such as San Jose, Palo Alto, and San Mateo, making CalTrain the one of the main public transit options for commuters south of San Francisco.
For riders looking to save time, CalTrain offers a Baby Bullet (express) train, which skips certain stops to reduce commute time.
Valid tickets must be shown on CalTrain. You can purchase these at the station platforms, or tag on with a Clipper card. If you use Clipper, CalTrain deducts cash value from your card. Don’t forget to tag off after getting off so as not to be charged for the full route.
The Ferries
For a more sightly way to travel, consider taking a ferry between San Francisco and a city across the water. San Francisco Bay Ferry and Golden Gate Ferry are options for both commuters and visitors, offering riders the option of bringing their bikes on board and even buying drinks or snacks. Ferries travel between San Francisco and cities such as Sausalito, Alameda, Oakland, and Vallejo. You can also grab a ferry through Alcatraz Cruises to visit Alcatraz, the famous island prison, for a tour.
For homeowners in San Francisco looking to explore options for public transportation, visit the SFTMA guide to getting around.