City in California, United States
Getting around San Francisco
How to get around San Francisco
Muni buses, Muni Metro and BART cover most of the city; cable cars are slow and touristy. Walk where you can and use Uber or Waymo at night or for hills.
Ways to get around San Francisco
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Muni buses and Metro | $3 per ride | Tap Clipper card or phone; 2-hour transfers included |
| BART | $2.50–12 | Regional train to Oakland, Berkeley and SFO; fares by distance |
| Cable cars | $8 per ride | Slow, crowded and mostly for views; a Muni day pass includes them |
| Waymo / Uber | About $18–30 for short trips | Driverless Waymo rides are available across most of the city |
Ride-hailing apps in San Francisco
A 5 km ride costs about $18–30 ($18–30).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Waymo | Driverless; across most of SF and the Peninsula |
| Uber | Most drivers; airport and bridge pickups |
| Lyft | Good alternative; sometimes cheaper at surge |
- Yellow cabs are available at airports and hotels via Flywheel, but rideshare or Waymo is usually cheaper and easier.
Arriving in San Francisco
San Francisco International (SFO)
BART to Downtown about $11, 30 min; Uber/Lyft/Waymo $35–65, 25–50 min.
Oakland International (OAK)
BART via Coliseum about $12 to Downtown SF, 40 min; Uber/Lyft $45–70.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences work for visitors in most states; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English. Under-25s pay rental surcharges.
- Onward travel in United States: Distances are long, so domestic flights are usually fastest. Amtrak works well in the Northeast Corridor; buses are cheapest. Outside big cities you often need a car.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in San Francisco?
Yes. Apps that work here: Waymo, Uber, Lyft.
What's the best way to get around San Francisco?
Muni buses, Muni Metro and BART cover most of the city; cable cars are slow and touristy. Walk where you can and use Uber or Waymo at night or for hills.
How do I get from the airport to San Francisco?
BART to Downtown about $11, 30 min; Uber/Lyft/Waymo $35–65, 25–50 min.
Is San Francisco walkable?
Very walkable.
More about San Francisco
Going to San Francisco solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.