Public Transport in San Francisco 2026 — BART, Muni Metro, Cable Cars, Clipper Card and Getting Around the Bay Area

Public Transport in San Francisco 2026

San Francisco is one of America's best cities for public transport — compact geography, a well-developed BART rapid transit system, and SFMTA's Muni network of metro, buses, and cable cars combine to make car-free living genuinely feasible in the city. The wider Bay Area is served by Caltrain (to San Jose), AC Transit (East Bay), and Golden Gate Transit (Marin). This guide covers public transport in San Francisco in 2026.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

• BART is the Bay Area's heavy rail rapid transit; 5 lines serving 50 stations; connects SF (Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center, 16th St Mission, 24th St Mission, Glen Park, Balboa Park, Daly City south) to Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Dublin/Pleasanton, Millbrae, SFO, OAK airports
• Fare: Distance-based; SF within-city trips approximately $2-$3; BART to/from SFO approximately $9-$10 (with Clipper discount)
• Operating hours: Approximately 5am-midnight weekdays; slightly reduced weekends

Muni — San Francisco's City Transit

• SFMTA operates Muni Metro (underground rail/surface light rail), historic streetcars (F-Market), cable cars, and buses
• Muni fare: $2.50 per trip with Clipper; free 90-minute transfer window
• Cable Cars: Iconic San Francisco tourist attraction; Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, California lines; fare $8 single ride (significant tourist premium vs other Muni services); Clipper card accepted
• Muni Metro (subway) serves Market Street, Castro, Sunset District, Caltrain station

Clipper Card — Bay Area Transit Card

• The Clipper card is the regional smart card accepted on BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, and many other Bay Area operators; available at BART stations and online

SFO Airport Transit

• BART: SFO International Terminal BART station; direct service to SF downtown: approximately 30 minutes; approximately $9-$10

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.