Forgive me if this is a stupid question.

Hubby and I will be arriving on Sunday, April 17 about 2:30pm. One of the ways I was considering taking (thanks to those who answered a post of mine a couple of months back) was going to either BART Powell or BART Montgomery and then calling a taxi.

My question: is this going to be hard to do on a Sunday? That is, is it going to be hard to get a taxi to pick us up by, say, the BART Powell station (or walking up to the next cross street from there)? We will be staying in North Beach (across from Washington Square Park), so walking to the hotel is obviously not an option! ;-)

The only other thing I can see to do is take a shuttle. I've already given in and decided to take one to the airport that following Saturday morning. But should I bother doing the BART/taxi thing or just take a shuttle? If it's the shuttle, probably Super Shuttle or Bayporter Express (they have a small discount at the moment if you reserve online).

I guess I'm trying to save a little money here, but if it's too much of a hassle, I'm willing to take a shuttle both ways.

Thanks!

Hi JerseyGirl,
Of the two BART stations, I would pick Montgomery over Powell. Fewer street people, shoppers, teenagers hanging, out, etc. Montgomery IS the Financial District station, and you will be there on a weekend, but even without the commuter and office trade, the taxis still cruise around Montgomery and Market because of the Palace Hotel and other hotels in the area. I don't think you will need to call a taxi - stand on Market near Montgomery and look for one cruising - it should not take long.

Dovima,

Thank you! I knew the Montgomery station was in the Financial district, but I wasn't sure how busy with cabs it would on a Sunday afternoon.

Having unfortunately spent too many Sundays working at Montgomery and Bush, I can tell you that there is not much street traffic including cabs. I would suggest if you have trouble trying to flag a cab on the street, you go to the Palace, which is at the corner of Market and New Montgomery, where there should be some lined up. There is a BART exit which comes up right in front of the Palace on Market so you just have to walk around the corner to the main entrance.

Hey SAB! I worked in the Russ Building for many years, at Montgomery and Bush. I miss that fine old building very much. Let's just say that no tourists ever come into the lobby of my current workplace to photograph the ceiling (the Russ had that faux-Gothic, vaulted lobby).

Anyway, I hear what you are saying about Montgomery Street on Sunday. I think JerseyGirl will take our advice to stand on Market near Montgomery or New Montgomery,rather than further up the block.

Cheers.

I agree with SAB, it will be easier to get a taxi from a hotel, and the Palace is right on the corner of N. Montgomery and Market. Besides, there are 2 of them, one can do Market, another the hotel.

Used to work in the Russ Building also, now in a more modern, characterless building down the block. I always take visitors who want a downtown tour to see the Russ Building.