Getting Around San Francisco Without a Car

San Francisco is one of America's most car-free-friendly cities, served by Muni buses, light rail, historic streetcars, cable cars, BART rapid transit, and Bay ferries. A single Clipper-card Muni ride costs $2.85; a 7-day Visitor Passport covers unlimited Muni and cable cars for $47. Most major attractions are reachable without a car.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is a Clipper card and how do I get one?

Clipper is the Bay Area's all-in-one reloadable transit card, accepted on Muni, BART, Caltrain, Golden Gate Ferry, and more. A physical card costs $3 and can be purchased at BART station vending machines, Walgreens, Whole Foods, or other retailers. You can also add a digital Clipper card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet instantly for free.

What is BART and when should I use it instead of Muni?

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a regional rapid-transit system connecting San Francisco to Oakland, Berkeley, SFO, OAK airport, and other Bay Area cities. Use BART for trips to the East Bay, airport connections, or fast travel between downtown SF stations. Within San Francisco, Muni buses and Metro cover neighborhoods BART doesn't reach. As of January 1, 2026, the average BART fare is $5.18.

How much does a cable car ride cost?

A single cable car ride is $9 for all riders over age 4 (effective July 1, 2025); children 4 and under ride free. No transfers are issued or accepted. Seniors 65+ pay $4 before 7am or after 9pm. Cable cars operate daily from 7am to 11pm.

How do I get from SFO airport to downtown San Francisco without a car?

BART is the fastest and cheapest option: take the free SFO AirTrain to the International Terminal BART station, then ride 30 minutes to downtown stations (Powell, Montgomery, Embarcadero). The one-way fare is $11.15 as of 2026. BART runs from 5am to midnight on weekdays, 6am–midnight Saturdays, and 8am–midnight Sundays.

Is a Muni Visitor Passport worth it?

Visitor Passports offer unlimited rides on all Muni vehicles including cable cars for 1 day ($15), 3 days ($35), or 7 days ($47). Since a single cable car ride alone costs $9, the pass pays off quickly for anyone planning multiple cable car or bus trips. Passports are not valid on BART or for SFO airport trips.

How much does a Muni bus or light rail ride cost?

As of July 1, 2025, a single adult ride costs $2.85 with a Clipper card or MuniMobile app, or $3.00 cash. One fare covers unlimited transfers within 120 minutes. Youth 18 and under ride free on all regular Muni service (cable cars excepted).

What transit options are best for first-time visitors?

For most visitors, a Muni Visitor Passport (1-, 3-, or 7-day) is the simplest option, covering buses, Metro, historic F-line streetcars, and cable cars with no per-ride hassle. Add a Clipper card or use contactless bank card tap-to-pay for BART trips to the airport or East Bay. The F-line historic streetcar runs from Castro along Market Street to Fisherman's Wharf and is included in the Passport.

Can I take a ferry around San Francisco Bay?

Yes. Golden Gate Ferry connects the Ferry Building to Sausalito, Tiburon, Larkspur, and Angel Island. The Sausalito ferry costs $14.00 cash or $8.25 with a Clipper card one-way, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. SF Bay Ferry also serves Oakland, Alameda, and Vallejo from the Ferry Building.

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