Public Transit Guide to Getting to and Around San Francisco

Save Money on Your Next Trip to San Francisco, California

Darrin Atkins
San Francisco, California, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it's no wonder why it's one of the most popular tourist destinations. San Francisco is beautiful and different, colorful and appealing, charming and welcoming.

The people of San Franciso are a very welcoming sort and the environment of the city is much like a European town where people of all walks of life are invited to come and share space and be a part of something special.

Are you planning a trip to the City by the Bay? Do you want to save money on your trip or are you on a budget? No worries, friend, this guide will help you save money on your vacation to San Francisco.

Local Airports

The two biggest airports near San Francisco are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). The San Francisco airport is not actually in San Francisco but is south of the city and close to the cities of Millbrae and South San Francisco. The Oakland airport is east of San Francisco, on the other side of the bay.

To get to San Francisco from either of these airports, it is best to take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains. There is a BART connection right inside the San Francisco airport but not inside the Oakland airport. From Oakland you have to first catch a special BART bus from the airport which will take you to San Francisco.

Bay Area Rapid Transit and Caltrain

BART trains are quick and easy and usually run pretty late in the evening. They can take you to downtown San Francisco and various stops throughout the entire Bay Area, from Fremont to Dublin, from Pleasanton to Concord and Pittsburg, and from Pittsburg through San Francisco and then to San Francisco International Airport. Caltrain is another train service for travel on the peninsula area from San Francisco down south to San Jose and Santa Clara.

San Francisco Muni

Once in San Francisco you will need to get around the city. Taxis are available but they are not cheap. The low-cost way to go is to use the San Francisco Muni bus and rail service. You will first need to research the lines and stations that best fir your needs.

Enjoy your visit to San Francisco and make sure to use these methods of public transportation. Save money, save gas, and prevent headaches by using mass transit. Welcome and enjoy your stay in this wonderful city.

Sources:

San Francisco Visitors website

San Francisco International Airport website

Oakland International Airport website

BART website

Caltrain website

San Francisco Muni website

Published by Darrin Atkins

Darrin Atkins has worked for Premiere and Nevada magazines, The Record newspaper, and other publications. He has written more than 35 books.   View profile

1 Comments

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  • Suzanne Bennett 6/20/2009

    This is such a great resource for people living in or visiting the Bay Area. When I lived in that area, I didn't even have a car. The public transportation is that good. Now I live in Texas where everything is far away! Miss my public transportation! :)

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