Getting Around San Francisco
Getting around San Francisco is part of the city’s charm, with transportation options that are as iconic as the destination itself. From historic cable cars to modern transit systems, moving through the city is both convenient and memorable. Understanding your options makes it easy to explore San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main gateway. Options to get to certain sights are:
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Connects the airport to downtown in ~30 minutes for ~$10 per ride.
Airport shuttles and buses: Are available, typically costing ~$20 per person, while taxis/Uber/Lyft range from ~$35–50 to downtown.
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Muni buses and streetcars: cover the city extensively, with a single ride costing ~$3.
Historic cable cars: are a fun way to see the city, tickets ~$8 each way.
Clipper Card: is the reusable transit card for buses, trains, and ferries, saving money on multiple trips.
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Uber and Lyft: Very common in the city and are often faster and more convenient.
Taxi: offer usually a higher price but more frequent around the city.
Waymo: A self-driving taxi which operates around San Francisco.
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San Francisco is very walkable in neighbourhoods like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Mission.
Be prepared for steep hills—comfortable shoes are a must!
Some areas, like Golden Gate Park or across the Golden Gate Bridge, are better explored by bike or public transit.