San Francisco is seven miles across, dense and walkable, with a good mix of public transit. Parking is scarce and expensive and break-ins are common, so most visitors are better off without a car while they are in the city.

Muni

The city's transit agency runs buses, electric trolleybuses, the Muni Metro light rail (underground downtown), the historic F-line streetcars along Market Street and the waterfront, and the cable cars. One fare covers transfers for a period of time, except on cable cars, which cost more. A day or multi-day pass covers everything including cable cars and is the best value if you ride several times a day.

Paying

Use a Clipper card, the Bay Area's transit card, which works on Muni, BART and the ferries, or add Clipper to your phone's wallet. The Muni mobile app sells passes and single tickets.

BART

BART is the regional rail system. In the city it runs under Market Street and through the Mission, and it is the easiest way to and from San Francisco International Airport and across the bay to Oakland and Berkeley. See airport-to-city transfers.

Ferries

Ferries from the Ferry Building and Pier 41 cross to Sausalito, Oakland, Alameda and other towns. They are transport and sightseeing in one.

Walking and the hills

Many sights are close together, but the hills are steep. Plan routes that go downhill where you can, and use a bus or cable car for the climbs.

Ride-hailing, bikes and scooters

Ride-hail apps and taxis are everywhere and useful at night. Bike-share and e-bikes are good on the flat waterfront and in Golden Gate Park. If you do drive, read driving and parking in San Francisco first.

Choosing the right ticket

  • A single ride or two a day: pay per ride with Clipper.
  • Several rides a day, with a cable car ride: a 1-, 3- or 7-day visitor pass, which includes the cable cars.
  • Travel to the airport or East Bay: BART fares are separate from Muni passes; pay with Clipper.
  • Ferries: priced per trip, paid with Clipper or the operator's app.

Useful routes for visitors

  • F-line: Castro to Fisherman's Wharf along Market Street and the Embarcadero.
  • Cable cars: Union Square to the Wharf over Nob and Russian Hills.
  • Muni Metro: fast underground trains downtown and out to the Castro and the west of the city.
  • Buses to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio from downtown and the Marina.
  • Buses along Haight Street to Golden Gate Park.

Accessibility

All Muni buses and most Metro stations are accessible, and drivers can lower buses to the curb. Cable cars are not wheelchair accessible. BART stations have elevators, though they are sometimes out of service; check the status before you travel.

Safety tips

  • Keep phones and bags close on crowded buses and trains.
  • Late at night, choose busy stations and well-lit stops, or take a ride.
  • Never leave anything visible in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in San Francisco?

No, not for the city itself. Rent one only for day trips, and only for those days.

Can I use contactless bank cards?

Many systems accept them or phone wallets; Clipper works everywhere. Check before you ride.

Is walking realistic?

Yes, for many trips, if you plan around the hills.