| San Francisco - Transport Information |
Getting Around
Being so small, San Francisco is easy to get about on foot but can be a bit tiring when you take into account the notoriously steep hills. Those wishing to save their energy are able to take advantage of the brilliant public transport system.
MUNI
The San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) operate over 100 bus lines, cable cars and street cars. If you are staying a while then you are best to get a pass, which can be purchased at Visitor Information Centres as well as some shops and hotels. The MUNI Passport allows you to travel on all MUNI run services.
If you plan only to take the old fashioned cable cars which run a couple of different routes in the city centre then you will find that you can buy your ticket from the conductor on board or you can buy a souvenir ticket from the MUNI ticket booths. The $3 each way ticket includes a free transfer on any MUNI service for between 1½ and 2 hours from the time of issue.
For information, schedules and route maps have a look at their website http://www.sfmuni.com
BART
Totalling 104 miles, and running as underground, surface and aerial trains the Bay Area Rapid Transit system is an easy and convenient system to get around the Bay Area and links San Francisco with East Bay.
Further information is available at http://www.bart.org
Taxis
Taxis are quite difficult to flag down on the street in San Francisco and you are advised to phone to book a taxi, although at peak times this cannot be guaranteed.
Car
Driving in downtown San Francisco is a bit frantic, up and down the hills and trying to find parking is likely to stress you out. Hotels seldom offer free parking and an average cost for valet parking can be $40 plus taxes and tips. If you are planning to visit the likes of the wine region then it is a good idea to use a car, if not then leave the car at home!
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Airport Info
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Telephone: +1 650 821 4001
Fax: +1 650 821 4004
Website: http://www.flysfo.com
Situated about 14miles south of San Francisco, the airport has four terminals, one being international, and can be very busy. There’s the usual array of shops, bars, bureaux de change, car rental outlets, duty free shopping and Tourist Information. There are also facilities for disabled travellers and children.
The best way to get to the city centre is to use the BART line, which is quick and easy and has a number of stops. Depart every 15/20 minutes. The approximate cost for this service would be $5 each way. A transfer by taxi would be a minimum of $25.
There are two other international airports but these usually fly only from Mexico, Canada and domestic flights. These are Oakland International (OAK) which is 10 miles away and San Jose International (SJC) which is 51 miles away from San Francisco. Further information can be found from http://www.flyoakland.com and http://www.sjc.org.
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