Getting Around San Francisco: Public Transportation Tips

Simple breakdown of transit options—plus apps, passes, and how we actually got around.

When It Comes to Getting Around San Francisco…

We keep it simple. No car, no rideshare—just public transportation and google maps. For all three days we were in San Francisco, we used buses, trains, and streetcars to explore the city. Even from the airport (SFO), we took public transit to where we were staying in Pacific Heights. It took about an hour and cost around $5.

If you’re staying in a tourist area in San Francisco or a neighborhood like the Mission, Castro, or Marina, getting around San Francisco is totally doable without a car. Here’s how we did it, how much it cost, and what we learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

Arriving at SFO
Catching the BART

Our Route from the Airport to Pacific Heights

Here’s what it looked like:

We took BART from SFO to downtown (Embarcadero Station).
From there, we walked a bit and then transferred to a Muni bus that took us toward Pacific Heights.
It took around an hour with wait times but was easy to navigate with Google Maps and the Muni map.

The Basics: San Francisco Public Transportation Options

We were surprised by how many options there are when it comes to getting around San Francisco—but here’s the simplified breakdown:

Buses (Muni): We used these the most. They go everywhere and come fairly often, depending on the line. Just know: the signage isn’t always clear. A few times we jumped on the wrong one or barely made it after sprinting to the stop. Totally worth it.
Light Rail (Muni Metro): These are like underground trams in some parts of the city and street-level in others. Helpful if you’re going across the city or heading toward the beach.
Streetcars (F-Market & Wharves Line): These historic cars run above ground and are great if you want a scenic ride, especially along Market Street or toward Fisherman’s Wharf.
Cable Cars: Super iconic and surprisingly practical in hilly areas like Nob Hill or Chinatown. These are fun for short trips, but more of a “treat” than an everyday option.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): This is what we used to get from the airport to the city. BART connects SFO to downtown and beyond. It’s also how you’d get to Oakland or Berkeley

Use the Clipper App to tap to pay each ride

How to Pay: The San Francisco Clipper Card

The easiest way to pay for any San Francisco public transportation is the Clipper Card. We didn’t get the physical card—we just downloaded the app and added it to our Apple Wallet. That way we could just tap our phones to pay as we boarded.

A few things to know:

Some Muni buses ask you to tap again when you get off. This adjusts your fare based on how far you rode, and if you forget, you might get charged the full route amount.
You can load cash value or use daily/weekly passes. For tourists, the cash balance route was easiest.
You can use the Clipper Card on Muni, BART, cable cars, and even ferries. One app, all systems.

In total, we spent about $23 per person for three days of getting around, including our airport rides.

Crowded Bus
Street Markings for the Bus

Tips for Navigating Public Transportation in San Francisco

Google Maps + Transit App: Google and Apple Maps were our go-to for planning routes and finding the closest stops and routes.
Know Your Stops: Unlike NYC, not every stop is clearly labeled on the bus. Keep an eye on your phone’s GPS or listen for the audio announcements.
Pack Light: Some buses can get crowded, especially during rush hours, and it’s easier to move around with just a backpack or crossbody. Another reason to perfect the carry-on suitcase packing.. wrangling a suitcase on the bus is no easy feat.
Don’t Stress the Wait: Some lines only come every 15–20 minutes. If you miss it, grab a coffee or just enjoy the moment. The next one is on the way.

Views on the Bus <3
Headed to Golden Gate State Park

Final Thoughts on Getting Around San Francisco

You don’t need a rental car to enjoy the city. Getting around San Francisco with public transportation is affordable, straightforward, and part of the experience. Between the Muni buses, BART trains, and the occasional cable car ride, it’s more than just a way to get from point A to B—it’s how you soak in the vibe of each neighborhood along the way.

Whether you’re heading to a tourist area in San Francisco or off exploring local pockets of the city, this guide should help keep things easy, breezy, and (mostly) on time.