World Travel Guide

City Guide  - San Francisco  - Getting Around
Getting Around

To avoid perpendicular hills and aching feet, the city's transport authority, San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) (tel: (415) 673 6864; fax (415) 923 6166; website: www.ci.sf.ca.us/muni) provide a peerless system and a wealth of choices around the clock. Trolley cars, buses, streetcars, cable cars, a subway system and more all ensure the visitor does not have to walk for long.

Muni buses operate citywide with name, destination and line number on the front. Stops are designated by pole signs and curb and street markings. Muni metro streetcars travel underground downtown and on the streets in outlying neighbourhoods. In 2000, the Muni F-line began running its extended route from Market Street along The Embarcadero on the waterfront to Fisherman's Wharf and now has up to 16 historic streetcars running every 6-15 minutes. The cars came from as far away as Italy and date back to 1928 with US$14 million spent on them. The fare for buses and streetcars is US$1. Exact change is required.

The Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART; tel: (415) 817 1717; website: www.bart.gov) operates the subway, which runs along Market Street stopping at The Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center and links San Francisco with East Bay and Daly City. It operates from early morning until 2400 and tickets can be purchased at machines in stations. Cable cars, which run three routes (see the Key Attractions section) and provide some of the best views in the city, cost US$2.

Muni Passports are available for one day (US$6), three days (US$10) or seven days (US$15) and provide unlimited travel. Passports are sold at a number of venues including the ticket booth at the cable car turnaround at Powell and Market Streets and the Visitor Information Center, lower level, Hallidie Plaza, Powell and Market Streets. A comprehensive map to all Muni routes costs US$2 and is also available from local bookstores, newspaper stands and corner shops.

Ferries go from the Ferry Building on The Embarcadero at the end of Market Street, once the world's second busiest passenger terminal handling 100,000 ferry communters daily. Regular crossings go to and from Bay communities. Sausalito and Larkspur are served by the Golden Gate Ferry (tel: (415) 923 2000), which makes frequent crossings, taking 30-45 minutes, from behind the south end of the Ferry Building. Blue and Gold Fleet, Red and White Fleet and Vallejo Baylink run daily services from the Ferry Building and Pier 41, serving Oakland, Alameda, Vallejo, Tiburon and Sausalito. Single fares range from US$2.10 to US$8.

Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and, despite reports to the contrary, hailing them is not difficult although the wise will book in advance. Prices vary but fares are about US$2.50 for the first mile and US$2 per mile thereafter. Tipping is customary, almost obligatory, and drivers expect about 15%. Yellow Cab Cooperative Inc (tel: (415) 626 2345) and Veterans Taxicab Company (tel: (415) 552 1300) are both reputable providers.

Limousines
Stretch limos are a common sight in San Francisco. A level of service to suit every taste is available, with some cars carrying up to ten passengers. Many operate 24 hours a day and come fully insured, American Coach Limo (tel: (650) 876 1884) and All City Limousine (tel: (650) 873 3621) among them. Rates vary. A limousine from the San Francisco International Airport downtown costs around US$50.

Driving in the City
While coming into San Francisco by car is a delight, driving around it is not. Hills and cable cars, which have right of way, do not help. Parking is at a premium, car parks are expensive, and the unwitting tourist can easily fall prey to a hefty fine. Regulations can be confusing and are aggressively enforced: pedestrians at a crossing have the right of way even if they are not obeying the signals. Fines for motorists who fail to comply can reach US$594.

The fine for parking in a bus zone is US$250. Blocking access to a wheelchair curb costs US$275. Coloured curbs indicate restricted parking. It is important to note that, when parking on a hill, the driver must curb the wheels to prevent a runaway and ensure the handbrake is on; wheels should be turned out facing uphill. The Fifth and Mission Parking Garage is the biggest in the city; other car parks include Union Square Garage on Geary Street, and the Ellis-O'Farrell Garage, again where the two streets meet.

Car Hire
The best reason for hiring a car is to explore the magnificent coast road, Route 1, or for longer journeys. Most firms offer deals that include insurance and unlimited mileage, but drivers should be at least 21 years of age, some firms specify 25 years. A valid driving licence is required, a second form of identification and booking ahead is advised. Avis (tel: (415) 885 5011 or (800) 331 1212; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: (415) 292 8400 or (800) 221 1203; website: www.budgetrentacar.com) and Thrifty (tel: (415) 788 8111 or (800) 367 2277; website: www.thrifty.com) offer competitive rates. Daily base rates start at around US$39.

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
Fitness fanatics and those who like a challenge may find hiring a bicycle answers both needs. It is certainly one of the more rewarding ways to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Holiday Adventures Sales and Rentals (tel: (415) 567 1192) provides mountain and street bikes from US$5 per hour or US$25 per day. The more adventurous may want to sit astride a Harley Davidson to pursue the alternative American Dream. Eaglerider Motorcycle Rental (tel: (415) 503 1900) can turn sane citizens into easyriders from US$75 daily. Prices include helmets, basic liability insurance and unlimited mileage. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold an appropriate driving licence.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Water
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink