San Francisco Transportation Guide
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 8/17/2026
Whether you visit San Francisco for tourism, business or any other reasons, getting around is a very important need. At first, the transit system of San Francisco may seem a little bit intimidating. But it is really not once you understand how it works. Let us introduce you to the public transportation of San Francisco.
How to pay for San Francisco Transportation?
At first sight, the fare system for transportation in San Francisco can seem a little bit overwhelming. Yet, it is not that complicated. Let us explain how you can pay for your rides in San Francisco.
Clipper
The Clipper Card is a transit card you can use to pay for nearly all of the transportations in San Francisco. The only exception is the Cable Cars. The card can either be physical or digital (on your mobile device). Though, we recommend using a physical card if you are a foreigner. The app may not be available in foreign countries.
Quick Summary:
Most Convenient Method to Pay: Clipper Card (available on app or at BART stations).
Best fare for visitors: Visitor Passport (1, 3 or 7 days)
How to get a Clipper card?
Getting a Clipper Card is pretty simple. If you want a digital one, simply download the Clipper app and load a card (which is usually loaded on your digital wallet). Everytime you want to load your card with either a pass or money, you will use the app. To get a physical card, you can order one online and get it mailed to your house or go to a BART station and find a kiosk. A new physical card cost $3 in addition to what you load on it.
MuniMobile App
Photo by 4300streetcar | Wikimedia Common Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Those who do not have a Clipper card can use the MuniMobile App. The MuniMobile app serves as a ticket purchase platform and trip planner.
Muni Bus & Metro (Light Rail)
Both the Bus and Metro of San Francisco are operated by Muni. Thanks to this, the fares for both of them are the same. When it comes to convenience, both are effective transportation means. The bus has more stops while the metro can be faster. Bus stations are located along the streets and often feature shelters. On the other hand, the Metro stations are elevated platforms when on-street. Two metro lines are subway lines, meaning their stations are underground.
Fares
Fares for Bus & Metro as given on the website of Muni:
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Adult Single Ride - $2.85 to $3.00
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Day Pass - $5.70
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Free for youth 18 and under
You pay using either your Muni Mobil App or Clipper Card.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
How to ride?
Wait for the vehicle at one of the designated stops and board once it is there. A card reader will be located near the entrance. Tap or scan your payment method with it.
Tips
If in San Francisco, you plan on visiting the major places such as the Golden Gate, Palace of Fine Art or Golden Gate Park, the bus line 28 will probably be your best option.
BART (Bay Area Transit System)
The BART serves most of the San Francisco Bay Area. It goes all the way down to San Jose to the south, stopping at the International Airport of San Francisco on the way.
Fares
Exact cost depends on your destination and departure stations. Fares generally range between $3 and $12.
You pay using your Clipper Card.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
How to ride?
Riding the BART is very simple. Find a station, scan your card to pay your fare and wait for the vehicle. Ride until your desired station and scan your Clipper Card again when you exit the station. Your fare will be based on the distance covered.
Frequently Asked Question(s):
Is the BART safe? Security has been a concern for many BART users. Generally, the BART is safe and many stations have security guards. Nonetheless, we are encouraged to be careful when traveling to specific areas, and precautions are always necessary at night.
San Francisco Cable Cars
The cable cars are the iconic transportation system of San Francisco and had rendered years of loyal services. Nowadays, it is mainly a tourist attractions. But don't worry, it is a good one.
Fares
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Single Ticket - $9
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Senior / Disabled - $4
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Youth 4 and under - Free
Included in Visitor Passport Pass
You may pay using either a physical ticket, the MuniMobile app, or the Clipper Card with a proper pass loaded on it.
How to ride?
You can ride cable cars at either one of the designated stops, or the turntables (end/beginning of each line). Once you boarded the vehicle, the driver will help you to pay for your fare. You can then exit at your desired stop. We made a more detailed article on cable cars.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Map Source: Northern Latitudes
San Francisco Bay Ferry
The San Francisco Ferry is a nice and convenient way of moving around San Francisco. The route allows passengers to reach towns that may otherwise require long driving time while offering some great views over the bay.
Fares
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Regular ticket (mobile or paper) range - $1.10 to $9.90
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Children under 5 - Free
You may pay using your Clipper card. The fare will depend on your route.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Routes
All the routes of the San Francisco Bay Ferries goes to downtown San Francisco except for the Oakland & Alameda route. Some routes may also be opened during special events like sports games.
​Shorter routes are also available (not depicted on map above). This includes the Alameda Short Hop connecting Mainstreet Alameda and Oakland’s Jack London Square, and the free Oakland Alameda Water Shuttle connecting Alameda Landing and Oakland’s Jack London Square. Note that both of these routes are open only on select days.
Streetcars
Another iconic transportation type of San Francisco, there are only two streetcar lanes – the E and F. Both pass next to major points of interest including the Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf.
Fares
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Adult Single Ride - $2.85 to $3.00
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Day Pass - $5.70
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Free for youth 18 and under
You may pay using your Clipper card or Munimobile app.
For more information on historic streetcars, you can visit the Market Street Railway website.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
How to ride?
Streetcars function exactly like buses. They will stop at designated points along the route. You can board or exit there. When you board the vehicle, you only need to scan/tap your payment method to pay for your fare.
How to go to/from San Francisco International Airport to Dowtown?
San Francisco International Airport is not located right next to downtown. How to get from San Francisco to the airport? Here are some methods.
Driving From the Airport
The drive from San Francisco International Airport to San Francisco is about 30min long via the I-280N or US-101N.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
BART
One BART station is located in the international terminal of the airport. The station can be reached via the airport tram if you come from the terminal 1 and 3 of the airport. The ride from the airport to the city takes about 40min.
Private Companies
The company SamTrans offers bus ride from the airport to the town. You may visit their website (click here) for more information.
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