Getting around SF (walk, bus, train??)
 

We're staying at the COmfort Inn at Van Ness and Lombard. Mapquest says that Pier 39 is 1.26 miles away, which isn't a bad walk, unless it is rainy and cold.<BR><BR>What options do we have in case of bad weather? Where can I find info about taxis, busses, etc?<BR><BR>What would the locals recommend?

We stayed at the Lombard Motor Inn just down the block for the Comfort Inn. We took the bus everywhere! We got a pass that you showed everytime you got on the bus. If memory serves it was also good for the cable car. We got a bus map for $2.00 at one of the cable car turnarounds. (Can't remember the street but I think it was Hyde). The map was indispensable. All in all the buses were a good way to go.<BR>I did walk from Pier 39 and had no problem. But it is obviously very hilly, so if you aren't in good shape consider yourself forewarned!

Really, if you start at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, you can keep walking right to Ghirdelli (SIC) Square and the Cannery. We caught a bus from there. Not a bad walk.

Good to know- thanks for the advice!

At www.sfmuni.com you can download a beautiful map (it's the same as the $2.00 one) - not only is it a fabulous street map, all lines are on it - trolleys, buses, cable cars, etc. What looks like "not a bad walk" on Mapquest gives no indication of the very, very steep streets! Public transportation in SF is not only efficient, most of the time, it's great fun.