San Francisco is only 7 miles by 7 miles, but navigating its steep hills and diverse neighborhoods can feel daunting.
Here’s the local guide to getting around SF easily and efficiently, whether by public transit, bike, foot, or rideshare.
1️⃣ Muni (Buses, Metro, and Cable Cars)
SF’s primary public transit system.
- Muni buses run citywide and are affordable.
- Muni Metro light rail connects downtown to neighborhoods.
- Historic cable cars are a fun (and touristy!) way to explore the hills.
👉 Buy a Muni Visitor Passport for unlimited rides.
👉 Book a San Francisco cable car tour.
👉 Shop compact crossbody bags for hands-free commuting.
2️⃣ BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Perfect for traveling to/from the airport or nearby cities.
- Connects SFO and OAK airports to downtown SF.
- Fastest way to get to Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay.
👉 Buy a Clipper Card for easy transfers between BART + Muni.
👉 Pack essentials in a small travel backpack from Amazon.
3️⃣ Biking Around the City
San Francisco is a bike-friendly city with scenic routes:
- Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach
- Crissy Field to the Golden Gate Bridge
👉 Rent bikes or book a Golden Gate Bridge bike tour.
👉 Stay safe with bike helmets and locks from Amazon.
4️⃣ Walking
SF is very walkable, but prepare for hills!
- North Beach, Chinatown, and the Mission are perfect for walking tours.
- Wear comfortable shoes and layer up for microclimate changes.
👉 Book a neighborhood walking tour.
👉 Shop supportive walking shoes for all-day exploring.
5️⃣ Rideshare + Taxis
- Uber and Lyft operate citywide and are often cheaper than traditional taxis.
- Robotaxi services like Waymo and Cruise operate in many SF neighborhoods. You can hail a self-driving car through their apps—no driver required.
- Perfect for late-night trips or when public transit isn’t running.
👉 Pack a portable phone charger to avoid battery stress on long days out.
Local Pro Tip
Always check Google Maps or Transit apps to plan your route in real-time.
👉 Carry a lightweight windproof jacket for foggy or breezy walks.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco’s charm lies in its neighborhoods, and getting around efficiently will help you explore more of what makes this city so magical. With the right tools and a little local knowledge, you’ll travel like a true SF local.
👉 Book your San Francisco transportation or city tour.
👉 Shop essential travel accessories from Amazon.
Go where the locals go. ❤️
