San Francisco joins a long list of major cities around the world that offer locals and visitors passes to make accessing various public transport systems easier. Though theirs is a lot more diverse and different than in the other cities. For one thing, you could actually get different versions of such passes, be they on paper, online, or as a plastic connected with the city's famous Clipper card. Whatever you go for, you'd get unlimited access to the different modes of transportation in San Francisco, not having to go on long lines to get one-ride tickets and such.
As already mentioned, a Clipper Card is a famous transit pass in san Francisco. But exactly is it and how is it any different from the other passes the city offers? The Clipper Card serves somewhat like a debit card, in it that you can load it with money and use it to pay for various public transit systems. In fact, a few of the systems of the city even offer discounts for those who use their Clipper Cards to ride. And don't worry! These passes aren't exclusive to locals only. Visitors can also buy them and use them for exploring the city too.
If you ever hear people talk about San Francisco's 'Muni' system, they're referring to the buses and trolleys of the city. This isn't to be confused with the 'Muni Metro,' which is their railway system. Unlike the latter, the city's Muni buses and trolleys operate on various routes, making it easier for people to get from one place to another with different options. As well as affordable costs too! The most expensive price for a ticket for a Muni is $300, while kids get to ride them for free. You can even use your transit passes or Clipper card here too! Talk about convenience, right?
San Francisco's railway system, typically referred to as the city's 'Muni Metro,' is perhaps the most unique of its kind compared to other cities. For one thing, it acts both as a subway and streetcar system for the city, unlike in New York, for example, where their famous subway system remains underground throughout. Though the Muni Metro only really serves as a subway system when it's traveling around the city's downtown area. In other parts of San Francisco, the trains are overground, serving as the local streetcar service for commuters. You can use any transit pass or your Clipper card to pay for your rides here.
When you go to San Francisco, there's probably one landmark you'd just have to go to. You can't say you've been to the city if you don't go here! And that's the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! One of the most famous bridges, not just in the country, but also in the rest of the world, both locals and tourists pass by this bridge every day. But if you don't have your own car whilst in the city, you can always go on a bus or ferry provided by the Golden Gate Transit system. They also serve those who need to travel to and within the North Bay area of the city.
Arguably the most iconic public transport system and one of the most unique things about San Francisco is its cable car system. The old-school-style vehicles from the turn of the century still operate perfectly and transport people from one place to another. though these days, it's mostly tourists who go on them as a novel experience of having visited San Francisco. Still, many locals also still use them as an effective way to commute. And while it still gets crowded, it's not as tightly packed as the Muni Metro or Muni buses and trolleys.
The Presidio Trust is a federal agency associated with the National Park System. It's because of this entity that San Francisco has another public transport system: the PresidiGo Shuttles. Covering three different areas, Downtown, San Francisco, Crissy Field, and Presidio Hills, it's become an efficient way to travel. Even despite the limited coverage of districts. And the best part? They're free! Anyone can use any of these shuttles and they don't have to pay a single cent for them. And it's only fair that they're free considering that they don't go to other parts of the city.
Finally, there's the BART or the Bay Area Rapid Transit. It is an entirely different system from San Francisco's Muni Metro since it actually goes beyond the city. From San Francisco, it travels to the East Bay area and then down the Peninsula. However, even though it does go outside the city, you can still make use of your Clipper card that's usually exclusive to San Francisco's public transport. In fact, doing so is arguably the most efficient way to get to ride this system. Not only do you not have to bring cash with you, but the payment process itself is done in a snap!
Traveling to San Francisco is already fun, but traveling within the city is just as enjoyable, as well as easy! Thanks to the city's very effective public transport systems, exploring it is practically a walk in a park! Don't forget to go to iconic places while you're at it!
Now, if you're staying in the city for quite a long time, it'd probably better if you chose any of San Francisco's luxury rentals as your home here! These accommodations are top-notch and worth every penny you pay for!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get curated travel inspirations.
Submit |
