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Getting Around San Francisco, USA

Globetrotter

21 Apr 2023 - 5 min read

San Francisco is one of the most famous cities in Northern California, known for its culture, business, and finance. It offers many interesting places and attractions for tourists, including beaches, impressive buildings, and so on. With so many spots to go to, it's no wonder San Francisco is such a popular destination!

Given its appeal, San Francisco provides multiple transportation options for visitors. Are you planning a trip to San Francisco soon? Here are some tips before you go.

The Best Time to Visit San Francisco

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San Francisco, famous for its cable cars, Alcatraz Island, and Golden Gate Bridge, has won the hearts of tourists. But that doesn't mean you can expect friendly weather at any time.

In contrast to Southern California, San Francisco's climate is more dynamic, especially during the cool summers and when heavy fog envelops the city.

You can plan your trip starting from September to November. These months are the time of Indian Summer in San Francisco, which brings clear skies, warm sunny days, and very little chance of rain.

Also read: Itinerary & Budget: 4 Weeks in the US with Family

Transportation Recommendations in San Francisco

A city that is the center of business certainly has a different crowd. No wonder San Francisco has heavy traffic, and it's hard to get parking for private vehicles.

So, can tourists use public transportation safely in this city? Absolutely! San Francisco has a variety of safe public transportation options.

Want to explore the beautiful sights of San Francisco, just like the ones you see in movies? Check out these transportation options to make the most of your trip.

Walking

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Advantages: San Francisco is a friendly city for pedestrians. Unsurprisingly, one of the ways to get around in this city is to walk along the streets and take in the bustling atmosphere. In addition, there are many places that you can visit on foot, from city landmarks to cafes. Also, you don't need to worry about traffic jams or looking for a parking space.

Walking trails: San Francisco boasts pedestrian paths with walking trails that can guide tourists and hikers to open spaces throughout the city, such as the SF Crosstown Trails. Thanks to these walking trails, you can explore every nook and cranny of this stunning city on foot.

Bicycle

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Rent a bike: As well as being a pedestrian-friendly city, San Francisco is also cyclist friendly. If you're a tourist visiting San Francisco, consider renting a bicycle from one of the city's renowned rental shops like Way Wheels. They offer both conventional and electric bikes, the latter of which are battery-powered. With a bicycle, you can easily explore Ocean Beach, Marina, and other fascinating destinations in the city.

Tips: Bike rental places are available in the city center. However, they do not provide helmets and other protective equipment. So, if you intend to rent a bicycle in San Francisco, you can prepare your helmet and additional protection.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

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What is BART? This public transportation connects San Francisco to various cities around it. BART is the MRT of San Francisco. Not only connecting to various surrounding cities, but this transportation can also take you from one airport to another.

Routes: Besides connecting you with the airport in San Francisco, you can use this fast public transportation to go to The Mission District and Market Street, which are in the city center. The BART rail is underground, but some stations are on the roadside.

Fares: The ticket price charged by BART varies, but prices start at USD 3. To use this vehicle, you can buy a ticket at the station with cash or a credit card; however, if you want to use BART frequently while on vacation here, you can download the BART application on your cell phone and use a Clipper Card. This application can help you cut long ticket lines at the station.

MUNI Metro

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Advantages: MUNI is a company that operates buses, streetcars, and cable cars. If you come to San Francisco and want to avoid traffic jams or looking for a parking place, MUNI is an option for getting around the city. MUNI is a public transit system connected to major San Francisco destinations.

Fares: MUNI is public transportation in San Francisco with the lowest price. For USD 2.50, you can ride this vehicle for two hours. You can use a Clipper Card or download the MuniMobile application if you want a lower price.

Bus

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Advantages: San Francisco also has public buses that can be used to get around the city. Moreover, several roads in this city are specially made for buses and other vehicles cannot pass them. All public buses in San Francisco have been designed in a modern way that is environmentally friendly and safe for their passengers.

Cable Car

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Routes: Cable cars or traditional trams, driven using manual levers, serve a limited route starting from Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and along California Street. This vehicle is so famous among tourists that you should try it if you want to experience a different mode of travel. However, remember that the speed of this transportation is slower than other public transportation.

Fares: The cable car has the same price for long or short routes, around USD 8 for one way. You can use cash, MuniMobile, Clipper Card, or SF Visitor Passport to pay for it.

Tips for using a cable car: To make riding the cable car more exciting, you can start your trip in the afternoon because the roads and passengers are looser than other hours. Riding it in the evening also lets you enjoy beautiful evening views from Chinatown to Nob Hill. Of course, this is a memorable vacation sensation you can't get in Australia.

Street Car

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What is a street car? The streetcar is a modern version of the cable car that runs on electricity instead. It serves the same purpose as the cable car, connecting the city center to popular tourist areas, and is a must-try when visiting San Francisco.

Ferry

Routes: If you want to visit the infamous Alcatraz Island, taking a ferry is the way to go. Take a ferry from Pier 33, either in the morning or afternoon, to get there. Apart from Alcatraz, you can sail from Pier 41 to the East Bay to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Ferry Building: Besides riding the ferry, you can also visit the Ferry Building. Here, you can enjoy typical San Francisco food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful sea views.

Taxi

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Metered taxi: Upon arrival at the airport, taking a taxi is a convenient way to get to your hotel. However, it can be quite expensive, starting from USD 3.50, not including the tip for the driver.

Tips: Metered taxis in San Francisco are available all over the city. You can find it when you just exit the building. However, if you want to get a taxi faster when leaving a hotel or tourist location, you can download the SF Taxi application which helps you get the nearest taxi.

San Francisco has various public transportation options you can try while on vacation. Starting from traditional vehicles to walking, everything is comfortable for tourists to do.

Apart from that, San Francisco also has a choice of hotels to stay at that you can book through Traveloka. With Traveloka, you can book hotels and flight tickets easily.

Book Your Flights Here