We'll be driving our rental car from San Jose to Union Square and Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco. Are there parking lots/garages in either area for the huge numbers of tourists I expect will be there, or should I park in an outlying area and bus or taxi in. Are there BART connections from San Jose to San Francisco? Thanks - Paul

There is street and garage parking available all around the wharf and Union Square. The cable cars connect the 2, so you could park once if that works better for you. Of course, taxis are always an option, but I would only use them to get back to your car if you leave it in either place, no need to park in an outlying area.

No BART in San Jose, you could drive north from San Jose to Fremont (20 minutes) then park car at BART Fremont and get off at Union Square (Powell Street). From there you could walk the square and shopping area then take a taxi or cable car to/from the wharf.

Yes, parking on streets and in garages is plentiful. There is a lot near Ghirardelli that charges about $10-12 as I recall. Often, we circle the area and get a metered spot on the street. Beware the large garage that has a sign advertising a surprisingly low rate for parking. This rate is for SF residents --- and they ask for your ID to prove residency status to get the lower rate. Otherwise, I've read that it is about $24.

If all else fails, there's a HUGE parking garage adjacent to Pier 39 - which is where I always parked in college when making a day-trip to the wharf area.

It IS expensive - in the $20+ range, but it is right there and can't be missed - look for the giant whale mural on the side (I think this is a Wyland painting?)

On the bright side, your parking receipt comes with a bunch of 2-for-1 coupons for the overpriced attractions at the wharf.

Addendum - best parking in Union Square is at the Sutter/Stockton garage. It's just at the edge of Union Square and provides fairly easy access to dump your goodies in the trunk and head back for more.

Same lot. $20-$24 across from Pier 39.

SFImporter,

You said the best parking was the Sutter/Stockton lot - and I saw another website that said this lot was a little more expensive than the Union Square Garage. BUT, when I checked the San Francisco city parking website, they said 24 hr. parking is $30 at the Union Sq. garage, and $33 at the Sutter/Stockton. Do you know what you paid recently? We are staying at the Hilton on the square and they charge $46 for 1 day!!
Thanks.

There is Cal Train from San Jose if you are interested.

Another option for Union Square Area Parking is the 5th and Mission garage (three blocks from Union Square). According to the link of SF municipal garages, the 24 hour cost at 5th/Mission garage is $22.
<a href=”http://www.sfgov.org/site/dpt_index....13451#garages” target="_blank">Link to List of Municipal Parking Garages in SF</a>

The municipal garages will be the cheapest.

I only go to the wharf when I have guests, but I defintely recommend, as people have said, circling around to find a spot on the street (be sure to have a lot of quarters to feed the meter!). Depending on the day of the week, you may find a spot. On the weekend, it's probably much harder unless you get there really early.

BART does not run down to San Jose, but you can take <a href=”http://www.caltrain.com/” target="_blank">CalTrain</a>. During the week there is a baby bullet train up to SF from San Jose. From CalTrain, you can take a bus to Fisherman's Wharf. You'll have to look up which bus on the <a href=”http://www.sfmuni.com/” target="_blank">Muni Website</a>.

OK, I'm posting again - I tried to put the links in there for you...

Another option for Union Square Area Parking is the 5th and Mission garage (three blocks from Union Square). According to the link of SF municipal garages, the 24 hour cost at 5th/Mission garage is $22.

http://www.sfgov.org/site/dpt_index....=13451#garages

The municipal garages will be the cheapest.

I only go to the wharf when I have guests, but I defintely recommend, as people have said, circling around to find a spot on the street (be sure to have a lot of quarters to feed the meter!). Depending on the day of the week, you may find a spot. On the weekend, it's probably much harder unless you get there really early.

BART does not run down to San Jose, but you can take CalTrain (http://www.caltrain.com/). During the week there is a baby bullet train up to SF from San Jose. From CalTrain, you can take a bus to Fisherman's Wharf. You'll have to look up which bus on the Muni Website (http://www.sfmuni.com).