Questions about San Francisco public transportation
 

My family will be in SF for two days next June during a month long sweep through the west. We don't have time for an in depth stay (we'll have to do that some other time) but we want to give our kids (10 and 9) a feel for the city. On day 1 we'll be driving up from Monterrey and plan to do some of the things best done from the car like maybe the San Jose Tech Museum, a view from Twin Peaks, Golden Gate park, Cliff House area, Presidio area, and view the Golden Gate bridge. We'll drive across and perhaps visit the Marine Mammal Center and proceed to our hotel in Corte Madera. <BR> On our second day, it seems best to use public transportation. I was thinking we might ferry in from Larkspur. I have questions about how to get familiar with the system after that. Areas of interest would be the attractions around the wharf (I know this is tourisy, but that's what we are!), seeing the crooked part of Lombard street, maybe the cable car museum, and a brief walk or ride through Chinatown, returning to the ferry building. We think the kids are a little young for Alcatraz, so we'll skip that on this trip. The kids would love to ride the cable car at least one time. Is it best to catch it at the end and ride the whole way, or can you count on getting off and on in the middle? Are crowds a problem on cable cars? (This will be a Thursday.) I read that you can get a one day passport for cable cars/busses for $6 each. Do you think we would we get our money's worth, or should we pay fares each time we need them? Is there more than one bus system, and where does one get route information and the passports? How long does one usually have to wait to catch the bus? We are totally unfamiliar with riding busses but it seems the smart thing to do. Your suggestions would be appreciated!

I can't answer all your questions, but from my experiences in S.F: <BR> <BR>The bus system was good. We used it and found it convenient. The cable cars are always crowded, but don't let that stop you -- just hoop on and hop off, the way everyone else does -- and it is a fun thing to do. <BR> <BR>You might try getting on the cable car at Fisherman's Wharf and just riding it where it takes you -- then ride it back.

We always found HUGE lines for the cable cars, except in the morning, and not even really early. Aim for as early in the day as possible, would be my suggestion. We also used buses, and walked, with no problems.

Sara, to answer some of your questions: within SF, there are several transit options (aside from the cable cars). MUNI is the city's mass transit, and they have a bus system and a streetcar system; the streetcars run mostly but not entirely underground in the downtown areas, and aboveground further out. Another fun option is to take the Market Street streetcar line out from near the wharf and back; the cars are all restored old-time streetcars from cities around the country. There is also BART, (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a commuter train that comes in from and goes to other counties in the East and South Bay and runs through the city, but you won't need to use it for the areas you want to see. You will probably do best to board the cable car at either end of its route, though you may have to stand in line (that may be less of a bore if you board at Market and Powell, where your kids can watch the turnaround); if you try to catch one mid-route, you're likely to watch full cars go by without finding a place. You may find a one-day pass useful, considering the expense of the cable cars, because then you also don't have to worry about having the right fares all the time. <BR> <BR>There is an excellent, very thorough web site that can provide you with schedule, route, fare, and connection info: www.transitinfo.org/counties. Scroll down to San Francisco, and you will find links to info for all the transit agencies in the county, plus those that connect to it. <BR> <BR>Since you will be staying in Marin County, you might consider parking in, e.g., Larkspur, and taking the ferry over to SF. This will land you near the Wharf and I'm sure your kids would enjoy it, especially as you're skipping Alcatraz, which comes with a ferry ride. You'll find info on ferries to-from the Marin County side at the above link. <BR> <BR>As an alternativ to the SJ Tech Museum, I would consider the Exploratorium in SF. This is a great, entirely interactive science museum that is very intelligent and geared right to your kids' age (the parents will enjoy it too). It is located at the Palace of Fine Arts, which is a beautigul setting and right near the GG Bridge. <BR> <BR>By the way, I doubt you'll have time for the Marine Mammal Center; starting from Monterey, you will have quite a full day. Even if you don't stop in SJ, you should probably take Hwy 280 into SFrather than Hwy 1, to save a lot of time. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

BE SURE to take a WARM coat or heavy sweater or sweat shirt. Some summer days the high can be 60 !! with fog until noon and chilly wind. When I lived there we always noticed the tourists in shorts with blue legs and chattering teeth. <BR>The ferry from Larkspur is very convenient, lets you out at Ferry building , some go to Pier 39(wharf). If not you can get a bus infront of Ferry building that takes our there

Do not catch the cable car near the Fisherman's Wharf. We were there 2 years ago and waited 45 minutes until our turn (long line). The other end (near Union Square) is less crowded. Be prepared to be packed like sardines. It's not a ride to do everyday though. Enjoy. <BR> <BR>Cathy

I meant it is not a ride you would get to do everyday. My kids enjoyed it. <BR> <BR>Cathy

I agree with Liz--long cable car lines! We got a day pass and used the buses and nifty trams (down Embarcadero, I think) and had a ball. We went to Golden gate park on the bus and saw lots of interesting SF on the way.

The "trams" referred to in the previous post are actually the streetcars I described above, just to clarify.

Hi Sara. <BR> <BR>I live in SF and the bus system is pretty good. It is called Muni and I am sure they probably have a website. Muni runs busses and an underground system that is like a subway. There are several lines of each. They get crowded during rush hour, but otherwise they are fine. They cost $1.00 and you can get a transfer that is good for a certain amount of time. Just show the transfer to the driver when you get on the next bus. Also, keep a copy of the transfer with you on the bus even if you don't technically want to “transfer” to another bus because there is a new policy that, if you are asked, you have to show this as proof of payment. Otherwise, you will get a ticket. <BR> <BR> <BR>I NEVER recommend fisherman wharf. There is absolutely nothing worth seeing there. <BR> <BR>You can get on and off of the cable cars. There are different lines and, as mentioned above, never get on at Powell and Market. It is way too crowded and I just don't see the point when there are lots of other places to get on. Crowds are a problem during rush hour. <BR> <BR>I don't think you will get your money's worth with the $6.00 pass because although technically you are only supposed to use a transfer twice, most drivers do not rip off the top stub and so you can use it several times. This means you can get several rides within perhaps 3 or 4 hours for $1.00. You can probably get a map of the bus system in most tourist or corner stores. There may also be one on Muni's website. Most of the busses come within 5 or 10 minutes, but sometimes you have to wait up to 20 minutes. There is no predicting this. <BR> <BR>By the way, I wouldn't suggest trying to do all of the things you have listed for the day on which you are driving from Monterey. It will take you over an hour to get to SF from San Jose, so unless you just plan to drive by the tech museum and not go in, I don't see how you can fit it all in. I agree with the previous person who suggested the Exploratorium. At least it is in the city. <BR> <BR>Have fun. <BR>