Getting Around San Francisco with Public Transport
We're here to help you navigate all of the possible public transportation options in San Francisco
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadSan Francisco is one of the most beloved cities by residents and tourists alike. With several major attractions, an incredible restaurant scene, lovely parks, and historic streetcars, it’s easy to see why. Many residents can enjoy these perks because of public transport in San Francisco. If you recently moved to the city, learning the transit system can be invaluable. We will explain the different options you have to get around the city.
Types of public transport in San Francisco
Hybrid buses
The Muni hybrid buses can take you anywhere you want to go around the city. Because many passengers rely on them daily, the city of San Francisco supplies hybrid buses.
The city’s mayor said, “new 21st century buses are the very cornerstone of San Francisco’s Transit-First policy. We make sure Muni is reliable, affordable and safe for our riders.” New hybrid buses’ are one example of the city’s initiatives for a more sustainable future. 
To plan your trip you can download the MuniMobile app. Before boarding the bus, you can pay for your pass in a variety of ways.
- Buy a clipper card (use this card on all transit systems)
- Pay with cash, exact change required
- Load money to the MuniMobile app with a credit/debit card or PayPal
- Buy a pass from the ticket vending machines
Caltrain
Caltrain is a rail service that runs along the San Francisco Peninsula down to San Jose and Gilroy. They offer a weekday and weekend schedule for their passengers — perfect for a car-free getaway. A mobile app is available to track schedules and train stops.
The Caltrain has five stops in the city of San Francisco. The final stop is San Francisco Station, located blocks from AT&T Park, home to the SF Giants.
Muni Metro
Muni Metro is the light rail system in San Francisco. It’s the third-largest light rail system in the United States. There are a total of 151 light rail vehicles which transport about 173,500 riders throughout the city per weekday.
In total there are six regular lines rail lines and one shuttle that runs during peak hours. There are three tunnels, nine subway stations, 24 surface stations, and 87 surface stops.
The subway and surface stations are all wheelchair-accessible, and many of the surface street stops are too. Two of the surface stations, Stonestown and SFSU, are in the southwestern part of the city. The other 22 surface stations are in the eastern part of the city.
Using the MuniMobile app is a great way to check routes and schedules for the metro. The options for payment are the same listed under hybrid buses. Check here for the current fares. It’s worth noting that the Muni Metro can only accommodate foldable bikes.
Historic streetcars
The historic streetcars run on the F-line which begins near Fisherman’s Wharf. From there it moves down a long path through the Embarcadero waterfront. It then makes a turn straight down Market Street, passing by the Civic Center and ending in the Castro District. The streetcars are a scenic journey through the city, and an opportunity to admire every incline, building facade and street mural.
The F-line operates every day of the year from 6:00 a.m. until after 1 a.m. Depending on the time of day, streetcars run every six to 15 minutes. Payment options for the streetcars include cash, a Muni farecard, or a Clipper card.
BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides transportation around the greater Bay Area. From the San Francisco Peninsula, you can connect to Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and other East Bay cities. Transportation is fast and reliable. Riders take BART to work, to school, and to sporting and social events. The answer to ‘how to get around San Francisco” often lands with the BART.
There are eight stops in San Francisco. Powell Street is one of the most popular stops because it drops you off near some of the city’s best attractions. Here you can find Union Square, the Theatre District, the cable cars, and the Moscone Convention Center. Embarcadero is another big stop. It drops you in the heart of the Financial District, and close to the Ferry Building. You can use a Bart ticket or a Clipper card to ride BART.
Cable cars
San Francisco was the first city in the country to introduce the technology behind cable cars. The cars get pulled along by cables that run underneath the street. Although this form of public transport in San Francisco is not the most common, it offers unbeatable city views.
The cable cars have existed for almost 150 years and became a national historic landmark in 1964. They have been iconic to the city of San Francisco along with the world-renowned Golden Gate bridge.
In total there are three cable car lines and they are easy to locate and board. Two of the lines start at Powell and Market and continue to Fisherman’s Wharf. The third one is at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. You can find maps and schedules in the MuniMobile app.
Using public transport in San Francisco is one of the best ways to explore the city. Many apartments, such as those offered by Blueground, are close to bus stops and metro lines. Moreover, the properties are fully-furnished, located in the top neighborhoods, and beautifully designed. The Blueground Guest App available to tenants comes paired with an exclusive neighborhood guide to make exploring local hidden gems easier.
