A Visitor's Guide To San Francisco's Public Transportation System

San Francisco is inarguably one of the most magnificent cities in the United States, but it isn't exactly known for being budget-friendly. Utilizing public transportation is a great way to save money during your trip so that you can have room in your budget to splurge on accommodations, food, and experiences.

San Francisco has been a popular tourist destination for decades. It's nicknamed the City by the Bay, and is well known for iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Historic streets are lined with colorful houses known as "Painted Ladies," and modern skyscrapers add dimension to the skyline. With beautiful coastlines that stretch along the Pacific Ocean and cultural highlights like the oldest Japantown in America, it's no wonder travelers from around the world flock to San Fran. In 2025, San Francisco was dubbed California's most expensive tourist destination, but opting to take public transportation can help travelers cut down on costs.

The city has an extensive public transportation system that makes sightseeing simple, but understanding the ins and outs of urban transit can be challenging for first-time visitors in any major city. If you're planning on visiting San Francisco, this guide will help you navigate the public transportation system with ease.

San Francisco is serviced by three major international airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest and the busiest. It's the second-busiest airport in California and the closest airport to downtown San Francisco. In December 2025 it won a prestigious Prix Versailles award and was dubbed the most beautiful airport in the world. Travelers who land at SFO will have an easy time making their way from the airport to the city thanks to BART. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains are all-electric. You can board either the Yellow Line to San Francisco/Antioch or the Red Line to San Francisco/Richmond, depending on where you're staying. The exact fare will depend on how far you travel, but expect to pay around $11 one-way from SFO.

Flying into Oakland International Airport is another convenient option to consider in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can also catch the BART from there. The station is just outside of Terminal 1. You'll first take a train from OAK to the BART Coliseum station. From there trains depart every five minutes or so to downtown San Francisco. The entire journey will take about 40 minutes.

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) is a bit further away from downtown San Francisco, but if you're able to find an affordable flight, it may be worth considering because it's still possible to travel to the city via public transportation. Caltrain is the best option. From SJC you'll travel on the bus to the Santa Clara Transit Center. From there you can board a train to downtown San Fran. The journey will take about an hour and should cost under $10.

Muni is downtown San Francisco's affordable public transportation system, and it includes light rail trains, streetcars, cable cars, and city buses. Travelers can access the light rail trains via underground subway stations and aboveground metro stations. Bus stops are also located all across the city. Before you arrive in San Francisco, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Muni Metro Map. You can find a digital and printable version online at sfmta.com. A Muni day pass costs under $6 and includes unlimited rides on all Muni vehicles.

Taking a ride on San Francisco's historic streetcars and cable cars is something that every tourist should do during their visit. Images of the iconic cable cars have become synonymous with the city itself. If you're a fan of vintage vibes, you'll adore traveling via this remarkably well-preserved mode of transportation.

The cable cars date back 150 years and are considered a National Historic Landmark. They attach to steel cables, which help them climb up the steep San Francisco streets. There are three different cable car lines: "two start at Powell and Market and continue to the Fisherman's Wharf area; one starts at California and Market and continues to Van Ness Avenue. Board at the cable car turntables (the beginning or end of each route) or look for the brown-and-white cable car sign post," the SFMTA website states. The streetcars attach to electrical wires that are suspended above the streets. The historic F Line Streetcar is a popular choice that travels to and from some of the city's best tourist hotspots. Streetcars from across the United States have been restored and put back in circulation, so you'll be experiencing a piece of history as you travel.