
How to Ride the MUNI Bus (San Francisco)
- Get Directions and Schedules. Find your stop. ...
- Get to Your Stop and Wait. Get there early! ...
- Board and Pay. First, for the love of life, let people get off before you try to get on. ...
- Find a Place to Sit or Stand. Move back, move back, move back! ...
- Ride. This should be the easy part. ...
- Get Off. ...
Full Answer
What is the bus system called in San Francisco?
San Francisco Muni operates both a bus system and a network of streetcars (or trolleys) that run on rails. Locals generally refer to the buses as Muni and the streetcars as Muni Metro. The F-Line.
How do you get around San Francisco Bay Area?
The Blue and Gold Ferry company provides transportation around the bay in addition to its boat tours. They run a ferry service to several locations around SF Bay, including Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island. The ferries leave from Pier 41 on Fisherman's Wharf.
How much is the Muni bus in San Francisco?
San Francisco Bus Fares How much to ride the SF Muni buses and trolleys: Adults: $3.00 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $2.50) Seniors: $1.50 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $1.25)
What is the best way to spend a day in San Francisco?
San Francisco has two tour companies that do the Hop On Hop Off, double-decker bus tours. With a 1 or 2-day pass, you can get around to most of the major tour attractions and activities in the city, along with a guided tour of city.

Can you pay cash for bus in San Francisco?
Cash: Fares can be paid on surface transportation with any U.S. currency or coin; exact change is required. Effective August 15, 2021 - anyone under 19 rides free! No proof of payment (Clipper card) required with the exception of Cable Car.
How much is it to ride the bus in San Francisco?
Youth, Senior, Disabled, Medicare & Clipper START FaresFor riders ages 5 to 18 & 65 and up, disabled, Medicare, and Clipper STARTSan FranciscoEast BayZone (See Zone Map)Zone 1Zone 7Zone 1 (San Francisco)$2.50$6.25 Cash $1.75 Clipper $3.50 Clipper START4 more rows
What is the best way to commute in San Francisco?
The best ways to get around San Francisco are on foot and by using public transportation. Most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and the large municipal transportation system (called the Muni) operates bus and streetcar lines, leaving little need for your own set of wheels.
What is the bus system in San Francisco?
Muni is San Francisco's bus and metro system that runs throughout the city, operating buses, trains, cable cars and the F-line heritage streetcar. Muni buses remain above ground and on streets while Muni Metro runs on rails and sometimes go underground.
Are buses in SF Safe?
Having used the public transportation, buses in particular, in San Francisco, including poorer neighborhoods, I would consider it safe.
Are San Francisco buses free?
San Francisco Bus Fares Adults: $3.00 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $2.50) Seniors: $1.50 (Clipper card/MuniMobile: $1.25) Anyone under 19 years of age rides buses and streetcars free (not cable cars).
Is public transport good in San Francisco?
According to a study conducted by RedFin, their Transit Score tool gave San Francisco a score of 80.4 for 2018, meaning public transportation is a convenient option for most trips. San Francisco has taken hold of the number two spot for the second year in a row.
Can you live in San Francisco without a car?
You don't need a car to live in San Francisco. Owning a car is a personal choice, and for every resident who thinks a car is an expensive hassle, there are just as many who appreciate the independence they offer. San Francisco is consistently ranked as the best city to live in without a car.
How do you take public transportation?
2:368:41How to Use Public Transportation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFigure out what line runs closest to it trace. It back to the stop that's closest to you you mayMoreFigure out what line runs closest to it trace. It back to the stop that's closest to you you may need to transfer lines at a transfer station or a shared stop in the middle.
Whats the difference between BART and Muni?
MUNI is a transportation network of trains, buses, and cable cars that operates within just the city limits of San Francisco. BART is a heavy rail system that connects San Francisco with many cities across the Bay Area.
Is San Francisco easy to get around?
Downtown San Francisco is easy to navigate. It's compact and fairly walkable, with multiple easy-to-use public transit options. However, due to its windy, hilly streets and pricy parking, driving around San Francisco is not recommended unless you plan on traveling outside the city itself.
How can I explore San Francisco?
See San Francisco in a DayVisit Fisherman's Wharf.Visit The Golden Gate Bridge.Go to Muir Woods.Step Into Chinatown.Pacific Heights Views.Tour North Beach.Visit Presidio Park.Go To Alcatraz.
What to do when you get to San Francisco?
Although the first thing that you should do when you get to San Francisco is to get a transport map , at times it can be easier to look at the maps provided in the bus stops.
How old do you have to be to get a Muni pass in San Francisco?
Children under 4 years: free. If you are planning to spend a few days in San Francisco it can be a good idea to buy a Muni Pass, which is also valid on streetcars, cable cars and Muni metro lines.
2. Pay Your Fare: Use Easy Payment Options
There are many simple ways to buy your Muni fare. Want a discount? Use MuniMobile and Clipper to save $.25 per ride. (Seniors, students and people with disabilities get a $.10 discount.) Remember that proof of payment is required for all riders so keep it on hand your entire trip to avoid citations and fines.
3. All Aboard: Riding Muni
All set? When Muni arrives, wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and let others off before you board.
Need help?
Muni Operators, Station Agents and Fare Inspectors are here to help. Ask for help any time or give us a ring at 311. If you have an emergency, call 911.
How to get a transfer on a bus?
1. Pay $1. 50 in cold, hard, EXACT CASH. Put your exact change in the machine at the front of the bus, right next to driver and take the proof of payment/transfer he or she gives you. 2. Show the driver your TRANSFER STUB, if in fact you have one from a connecting ride on the BART or a MUNI train or cable car. 3.
Why do bus drivers want to keep moving?
Bus drivers want to keep moving (if only because all the passengers do , and no driver wants to listen to complaining riders all day) and so they WILL NOT STOP FOR YOU no matter how frantically you are waving and running after them. At night especially, make sure you are standing where the driver can see you.
Can you talk on the bus?
No, no. Use your inside voice, mention that you're on the bus and therefore can't talk long, then get on with your ride. And just so we're entirely clear: NEVER choose a new ring-tone while riding the bus. No one else is going to be happy that you like the Sonata that much better than the Cha-Cha you had before.
How long does it take to get around San Francisco?
If you are here for just a few days or a couple of weeks, the most practical and economical way of getting around San Francisco would be getting one of the 1, 3 or 7 day passes that allow unlimited travel on all the buses, streetcars and cable cars (but not BART) in the city.
Where is the Bart train in San Francisco?
BART, or Bay Area Rapid Transit, is a train system that runs through San Francisco and out to other cities in the East Bay and down the Peninsula. In San Francisco. The Bart trains run underground, under Market Street, like a subway, then emerge above ground in the outer areas of SF. East Bay.
How many days do you need to visit San Francisco?
With a 1 or 2-day pass, you can get around to most of the major tour attractions and activities in the city, along with a guided tour of city. For a first visit, this can be a handy way of getting an overview of San Francisco along with transportation all around the city.
What are the two ride sharing companies in San Francisco?
The two ride-sharing companies in San Francisco are Lyft and Uber. The pricing and services are pretty similar between the two. Download their apps to check prices and find cars.
When will the San Francisco cable cars return?
The cable cars stopped running in 2020 due to Covid, but are scheduled to return in September, 2021. The Powell-Hyde Line will return first. The San Francisco cable cars run on three routes: Powell-Hyde line. From Powell & Market Streets to Fisherman's Wharf, at Beach and Hyde Streets.
Where is the Golden Gate bus stop?
The bus stops at the toll plaza at the Golden Gate Bridge before crossing the bridge and stopping in Sausalito, before its endpoint in San Rafael.
Can you use a San Francisco card for more than one trip?
You put money on the card and use it up by traveling on the buses, trolleys, cable cars, BART, CalTrain and some ferries. The cards don't expire, so you can use it for more than one trip (but it can be a hassle to get the money refunded once it's on the card).
Where to ride Caltrain?
How to Ride Caltrain: If you're looking to travel down the peninsula to South Bay places like Stanford, Palo Alto, and San Jose, Caltrain is your best best. It's a comfortable way to travel, with double-decker cars, space for bicycles on TK, and food and drink service on board.
What airports are connected to the Bay Area?
That's because the decades old system—first operating in TK—connects both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport with the rest of the greater Bay Area (save for the North Bay).
How fast is a BART train?
Most trains have between 4–10 cars and travel at an average speed of up to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h). Main transfer stations (for switching between BART trains) are McArthur, Oakland City Center, and Bay Fair in the East Bay, and Balboa Park south of San Francisco..
What is BART in San Francisco?
How to Ride the B.A.R.T. Hitchster/Flickr. Bay Area Rapid Transit, or BART, is the San Francisco Bay Area's main regional transit system, and is one of the first forms of public transit visitors tend to use when coming to San Francisco. That's because the decades old system—first operating in TK—connects both San Francisco International Airport ...
How many square miles is San Francisco?
It may seem an overwhelming array hills and neighborhoods, but San Francisco is actually a pretty compact place: a snug 49-square-mile city on the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, jutting up between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
Is San Francisco easy to get around?
While the San Francisco Bay Area, encompassing the surrounding North, East, and South Bay regions, extends quite a bit further, it's still a fairly easy place to get around—you just have to know your options. Despite the obvious 'obstacles,' San Francisco is easy to navigate on foot, and there are public transit options a plenty—each ...
Is a trolley car part of the Muni system?
These restored historic trolley cars come from all over the world, and are also part of the Muni metro system. Shared Vehicles: Taxis or ride shares like Uber and Lyft can be good options, especially if several people are traveling, and are especially convenient later in the evening when public transit is limited.
How do you pay for public transportation in San Francisco?
Pay $1.50 in cold, hard, EXACT CASH. Put your exact change in the machine at the front of the bus, right next to driver and take the proof of payment /transfer he or she gives you. 2. Show the driver your TRANSFER STUB, if in fact you have one from a connecting ride on the BART or a MUNI train or cable car.
What is the cheapest way to get around San Francisco?
BART from OAK to SF downtown: round-trip $20.40, one way $10.20. Single Ride Muni Bus/Train: $2.75 ($2.50 with a Clipper Card or the Muni Mobile App). Single Ride Cable Car Ticket: $7. Ride sharing (like Uber and Lyft) is typically under $15 for most trips around the city.
How do you ride the bus in San Francisco?
Use a Clipper Card: A ride on Muni costs $3 (cash) and $2.50 using Clipper/MuniMobile for adults. Clipper Cards are the way to go for regular riders. Monthly Clipper Cards cost $81 (Muni only) or $98 (Muni plus SF Bart). Youth (ages 5 to 18) and seniors (65 and older) receive a 25-cent discount.
Is the bus free in San Francisco?
AC Transit has suspended fare collections, so all rides on the East Bay’s primary bus service will be free for the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike San Francisco’s Muni buses, which have Clipper readers at both the front and rear entrances, AC Transit buses have fare collections only in the front.
How much is a 1 day Muni pass in San Francisco?
The Day Pass is now available on MuniMobile®. It’s a great deal for only five dollars. Look for ” Day Pass (no cable car)” on the MuniMobile app; it is good for unlimited trips on Muni buses, trains and historic streetcars. For a low price, you can keep the Muni rides going all day long.
Can I get around San Francisco without a car?
While most major cities in the United States offer some kind of public transit system, San Francisco has hands down one of the best! An intricate network of trains, buses, street cars, bikes and those world-famous cable cars will get you almost anywhere you want to go in the Bay Area.
What is the bus San Francisco?
MUNI is San Francisco’s Bus and Metro system that run like a web of veins throughout the city. Utilizing Muni to its fullest capabilities will save you time, money, and provide different points of views of the city.
What is the best way to get around San Francisco?
Taking a taxi is the most popular option for getting around San Francisco. It's fast and easy. However, it's a little more expensive. The new alternative is to download the Uber or Lyft apps and use them when you need to get around.
How to get around San Francisco?
San Francisco Public Transportation. One of the best ways for getting around San Francisco is by bus or light rail train. They are the most efficient ways to get from one attraction to the next. The public transit here is really easy to use. Most locals prefer this option, so they don't have to deal with the pains of San Francisco parking.
What is the best public transportation in San Francisco?
BART. BART is the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. This train system services most of the Bay Area. This is a great public transportation San Francisco option for those traveling in from SFO or the East Bay. BART runs from the East Bay, through San Francisco and south to one of the main airports.
What is the train system in San Francisco?
Caltrain is another train system with two stops in San Francisco. It’s mainly used for those traveling to and from the peninsula and all the way down to San Jose.
What city has streetcars?
Streetcars. The city of San Francisco is one of the few cities in the world with working street cars. The F & E lines are home to dozens of vintage streetcars from around the world. Here you will discover streetcar pictures, a little on their history and what to expect when you ride one.
How long does it take to get to Half Moon Bay?
You can also get here in just over an hour by car. SF to/from Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay is about a 45-minute drive south of San Francisco. Driving is easy. However, if you want to take public transportation, that is also an option. It will take about an hour and half with two to three transfers.
Where is Golden Gate Transit in San Francisco?
This public transportation San Francisco option focuses on people wanting to get to and from Marin County, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Golden Gate Transit runs several buses to and from Marin County. They also have their fares set up in zones, so it makes it easy to see what it will cost you to get around.
Day Pass
Unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains and historic streetcars for one day.
Cable Car Single Ride
Single ticket to ride the historic cable car. Fare collection resumes September 1, 2021.
1-Day Visitor Passport
Unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars.
3-Day Visitor Passport
Unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars.
7-Day Visitor Passport
Unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars, and cable cars.
