Exploring San Francisco: Top Transport Tips for Getting Around

[@Denalin]

Awesome video. I've lived here in SF for a decade and this is spot on! I've never owned a car in the city and transit is definitely the preferred way to get around.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Denalin, that means so much to hear this from a SF native!! 😎👍 We treat San Francisco like London and never drive.

[@luke.415]

"It's really safe" talking about BART. I totally agree.

[@thamyresmoreira7145]

Amazing video!! Thanks so much for such an informative video. Great tips!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks so much!! Glad it helped. And thanks again for taking the time to comment. 😎👍

[@FrankYoung1128]

4:35 what do you do with the bicycles if you plan to take the ferry back? Bring the bicycles with you?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Frank, yes they’re used to having people bring bikes back from Sausalito. They have a bike area. 🚴🏼🚲🚵

[@peteralbert1485]

Over the years, I've realized how much my out-of-town guests appreciate being able to walk take Muni or BART to see the sights. We're especially lucky to live along the N Judah streetcar. This one line is a quick subway ride to downtown, SFMOMA, the Asian Art Museum, Union Square, BART and the Ferry Building, but it's also an above-ground tram ride to Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, the deYoung and the Science Museum, Caltrain (which goes to Silicon Valley) and the Giant's ballpark. Within a reasonable, safe & scenic walk, it gets you to the Haight Ashbury, Chinatown, the Exploratorium, Hayes Valley, Alamo Square's painted ladies, the Castro, Dolores Park, the Warriors' arena and Mission Dolores.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You’ve got it good!!! 😍😍 We can’t wait to be back in San Francisco!!

[@peteralbert1485]

​@@LifeOfReillyTV Come on back! There's a reason so many visitors identify with Tony Bennett's famous song. As my houseguests tell me again and again, SF truly rewards those who return for more. Families can make easy day trips by boat and train into the redwoods or the wine country, using the Larkspur ferry. This ferry takes you to Muir Woods shuttle to the grove of ancient redwoods, and it takes you to the Larkspur SMART train that runs through the vineyards of Sonoma County - look for the opening of new stations in Windsor and Healdsburg.

[@robertlu.x]

great video. I wonder if I can pay BART and other public transportation by credit card like in London? So I do not need to add card to my apple wallet?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thank Robert. I don't think they're ready to do that yet, which is ironic because SF is the home of Apple! There is talk that it will be introduced at some point though.

[@mrt8153]

Thanks so much! This is one of the most helpful travel videos I have ever watched. It's so organized and full of practical information. As a mom, I appreciate any time saved planning trips.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thank YOU Marimily for the amazing message. 😊😊 You’ve really made my day, as this is exactly why we make our videos and what I was hoping to achieve with this one. We don’t actually receive that many comments which thank us, so this is really appreciated and make me want to keep making them. Have an amazing trip!! 😀👍

[@Sitalu]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing your experience

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You are most welcome!!! Glad to be able to help! Have a great trip!!

[@dantamsky9712]

Where exactly were you trying to reach in Berkeley that you couldn't reach on foot? I lived in Berkeley for five years as an undergraduate and only started to learn to drive my last year.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Dan, I think I was walking from a BART station to S Shattuck Avenue. I've just googled the route and I'm pretty sure there's a new building over the piece of land that I hiked over!! Ha ha!

[@blackie-jm9tr]

Great video, very valuable information regarding apps and prices (even for us locals...).

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

The perfect review - this is exactly what we were hoping to do!! Thanks for taking the time to message us!! Have a great trip!! 😎👍

[@NanosLifeofHobbies]

Great informative video. Will use all these tips on my planned trip to SF. Quick question. Planning on staying in Santa Clara to catch a 49ers game on a Thursday. Then Friday going to Fishermans Wharf to stay there for the rest of vacation. What's the best way to travel to Levis stadium from SFO? Then go from Santa Clara to SF all without renting a car? Would love to get your opinion and approach on how you would travel, obviously since your familiar with the transportation system there. Thanx

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the comments - really glad it’s helped. BART connects to the VTA (that area’s rail network) which will take you one minute’s walk to the stadium. You’ll probably change at Milpitas for the second type of train. Hope that helps and enjoy the game!!! 😎👍🏉

[@NanosLifeofHobbies]

Thank you for the quick reply. So when I look at the BART map & off your video, the BART doesn’t seem like it goes in that direction from SFO side. So I would have to go all the way around through Oakland to get to the Milpitas than get on the VTA? Again thank you so much for your help. Very much appreciate it

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yes, I think it’s quicker to go down the Oakland side of the bay to Levi Stadium - and then across. Google Maps is amazing in San Francisco so you can always put your Route in there and it will help you as you go. Enjoy!! 🏉😎

[@BriandasLittleVlogs]

How cool! Thanks for the info. I will be taking a weekend trip to San Francisco soon

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Fab, so glad you got something from it - and thanks for taking the time to message!! Have an amazing trip!!!! 😎👍

[@franciscofco]

I'm visiting San Francisco for the first time in my life and I'm staying at the Hotel Zelos (which is on the corner of 4th street and Market Street), arriving at the Oakland Airport and I don't know what means of transportantion should I be using to visit the most emblematic places of San Francisco like Painted ladies, Alcatraz, Golden Gate, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39, Union Square, etc., can you please tell me what should I do? please 🙏🙏🙏 ... I'm staying for 5 nights and 6 days. Thank you in advance for your kind response 🙏

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi there, I'm excited for your trip!! You'll be mainly getting trams around the city, with a couple of buses, potentially. Open up Google Maps on your phone and type in where you want to go. It'll give you the best route and timings. The best thing is that Google is based in Northern California so the public transport information is the best in the world!!! You might want to download the Muni app so you can pay ahead of time. Have an amazing trip!!

[@franciscofco]

@@LifeOfReillyTVTHANK YOU!!!

[@anastasiyabryant9781]

Thank you for posting this! SOOO helpful!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You're so welcome, Anastasiya!! So glad you found us! Have a great trip!! 😎👍

[@harikrishnanchandramohan4209]

is San fransisco different from La in terms of car dependency?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Absolutely. It’s like New York and London, where you can get everywhere easily on public transport but still get an Uber/Lyft if running late. 😀👍

[@iComico777]

Exactly 💯 mate 👍🏽

[@osnat057]

THANK YOU.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Our pleasure. Have an amazing trip!! 😎👍

[@brentsummers7377]

Awesome video, wonderful information. Until I watched your video I thought BART would be like London where the Tube took me everywhere I wanted to go.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great to hear that it helped - your response is why we make these videos. Have an amazing trip!!! 😎👍

[@sarapanbata4673]

Thank you for this very useful information as we plan to visit sf this december

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Our pleasure, Sarapan!! We hope you have an amazing trip!!

[@mrcellophane99]

I don't have anything Apple on principle. What other options are there for a Clipper card ?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. I’m pretty sure the apps are on Google’s App Store too. 👍👍

[@sarah_harrison]

Hi, thanks so much for the insider tips! Which ferry ride do you recommend? I know the Sausalito one is famous but wonders if you would also recommend other routes, like the Lakespur? Thanks! 😊

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi there, we haven’t tried the other ferry rides, to be honest. I’m sure they’ll all be great!! I want to book a dinner on the Bay, one day!! Let us know if you do it!!

[@Topnotch-x2r]

Great tips!! Muni downloaded. Thanks 🙏

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Nice!!! Have an amazing trip!!!!! 😎👍

[@anniek4919]

Why do I need the clipper card if I have the muni app and Bart app? I’m confused

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You don’t. It all depends on what mode of transport/where you’re looking to go. Muni is cheaper but city only, Clipper is more expensive but you get BART and one of the ferry rides, plus Muni.

[@blimbert]

@@LifeOfReillyTV so does that mean if you get the clipper card, you can ride muni using the clipper card?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yes, the Clipper card will work on Muni, too!

[@dianna7043]

Thank you so much for the informational video.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You are most welcome, Dianna. Thanks for taking the time to say so. We hope you have a great trip!!

[@larihleao]

Great info!! Thank you so much!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Fab - hope it helps, Larissa!! Have a great trip!! 😎👍

[@mrcellophane99]

So how do I use the Muni app ? I have in on my Android phone, then what ?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You can plan your trip - it’ll tell you what bus/tram to catch. You can also buy your tickets on the app. 😎👍

[@Nix-qq5je]

I am planning on doing a 3 day weekend in San Fran but hate how expensive Uber/Renting is.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You're in luck...you won't need to rent or catch Ubers in SF. You might take the odd one but you don't NEED to take them at all. Have a great trip!!

[@Nix-qq5je]

@@LifeOfReillyTV I may take the odd one? the odd what?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You might take the odd Uber - leaving a restaurant after midnight, or if someone is really tired. This might be a British phrase!!

[@Nix-qq5je]

@@LifeOfReillyTV Gotcha! And yeah I am unfamiliar with British phrases so thanks for clearing that up

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. No probs!! Cheers!

[@ajjcarter72]

Thanks so much for taking the time for this. We are traveling there in December and this will come in handy! It's my second time there so I do know some basics, but it's been several years so a refresh was needed.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

So glad you found it helpful, Angela!! Lots has changed since going paperless, so we learnt a lot ahead of our last trip there. Have an amazing time!!! 🌉

[@larissa1770]

I’m going next month! If you don’t mind me asking… can you please give me some tips / major things I should know 😭

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Larissa. Check out our SF City Guide and let us know if you have any other questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofEen-Naql_pKc

[@sherikennedy4117]

great info, but i am confused. no kidding. lol. so we land in sfo. does a clipper card cover everything including using the muni or are these actually 2 separate entities? we will stay the first night at the hotel inside the airport. then, take bart to downtown i guess which ends up at embarcadero. from there to get to the wharf you need muni app or still clipper card to use muni? this is where i am confused. and are the ferries included in the muni or clipper cards? i am thinking of buying either a single or multi day pass as we will be there for 2 or three days pre-cruise. when we did this in vancouver, there was one public transport "card" or ticket that was good for light rail, bus and ferry systems. i am wondering if there is a similar system or card in san francisco? thanks so much...great video.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Sheri, oops, maybe I didn’t make the video clear enough, after all. If you’re planning on using BART, the Clipper Card is all you’ll need!! It has Muni and Ferries on there! You’ll get some good discounts on everything except - you’ve got it - the historic cable cars! If you weren’t using BART, I’d have a different answer but you’re good to go!! Have a great trip!

[@sherikennedy4117]

@@LifeOfReillyTV thanks. right now we have two options. one is to stay at the airport hotel the entire time in which case we would use bart for three days pre cruise and one day post cruise. the other option would be to take bart downtown and stay at a hotel closer to the pier thereby only needing to use the other options of transport until we return from the cruise and go back out to the airport to stay (for ease of getting in and out of town.) THAT said, do you have a different answer if we are using bart for basically only 2 trips vs using it daily? i am thinking the three day pass is probably the way to go which is what we have done in other cities here and abroad.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I would be tempted to stay closer to the pier so you don't have a 40 min BART to catch every day. It would also be cheaper. Once you've got the Clipper card, you could just use that the whole time, for ease, as it works for Muni etc, but you would only use BART to get to the airport and back. That's fine and what I would do. I hope that all makes sense!

[@speedytrain9306]

Awesome video! I love filming transit in SF and am very familiar with the transit here, and I have to say that you are the first video I have seen that actually tells you everything you need to know. Great job!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Wow, that means a lot. Thank you!!! I just hope it doesn’t go out of date too quickly!! 😂

[@tomtaber1102]

I live about 20 miles south of San Francisco. When I visit I take Caltrain from San Mateo, where I live, or I drive north a bit to BART. There is no reason to drive in SF.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

YES! Thank you for backing up what we say!!! We usually drive to a station and then BART in. The public transport is so good!

[@richardlister3906]

Thanks for the info!! A video about using your mobile in the US would be great...because of the high roaming charges for tourists

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Richards. Great idea. Are you from the UK?

[@MikeCohenSF]

I've lived here for over 12 years without ever driving or owning a car. I live right on the N Judah muni line, so I step out of my house, jump on the train, and I'm downtown in 20 minutes or at Ocean Beach in a half hour.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Awesome!! That’s how a city should be!! 😍👏

[@drewbaker5064]

Your two SF videos were great. Question: I will have a car (part of longer road trip). I was planning to drive to Market/Powell Cable stop area. Park there, ride cable car to Wharf (before 8am, hopefully beat the lines), then rent bikes and bike across the bridge. Then at the end of the day ride the cable car back to Market/Powell. Does this sound like a reasonable plan - or would I be better off driving to the Wharf to park? If I did that, I can't figure out the best way to work in the cable car without just riding it up, and then waiting in line to ride it back... Thanks!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I think you’ve got a great idea, Drew!!! As long as the parking doesn’t break the bank at Market/Powell. If it is really expensive, you could park near the Ferry Building, take the California Cable Car and change at Hyde to the cable car down to Fisherman’s Wharf and then get a normal tram back to the Ferry Building? That would take you in a big circle and mean you won’t have to take the same line at any time. Your plan is just as good though, just another option. Have a great trip!! 😎👍

[@crystallanders2986]

So helpful, 🙏 grateful for this!!!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yay, so pleased you found it helpful!!! 😊Have a great trip, Crystal!!

[@ericphan5857]

Cable car in sanfrancisco is famous for more than 50 years already but it was different terrain and each city had different tterrain

[@wynterisabellebridalbible]

We are going next week for the Pacific coast drive. We arrive on Halloween so hoped to go to where locals trick or treat. Could we get there without a car?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Cool!! Sounds like a great trip! You could certainly get anywhere in the city without a car, but you might want to go more suburban, so easier to go in your rental car, I reckon. Have an amazing time!!

[@l.w.9567]

Soooo… I should download Muni app, and use the clipper card?? Or are they separate thing…?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

If you're just going to be using buses/trams in SF, then you only need the Muni Card. If you're going to use BART, then you'll probably use Clipper, well, you'd have to.

[@l.w.9567]

@@LifeOfReillyTV thank you for your reply!! I’d really love a video of you ranking SF attractions (things to do/places to go)

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Your wish is our command!! We haven’t ranked them, but see what flavours and sights look good to you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZofEen-Naql_pKc

[@erisbob]

Your insights are greatly appreciated, as is your clever personality. I'll be visiting California for the 1st time from Indiana this October. I see your Santa Cruz shirt. I will be visiting Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco over the course of 8 days. Thoughts? Thanks again! Keep up the great work!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Bob - very kind of you!! 😊 My first thoughts are: "I'm jealous!!" You're going to have a great time!! We've only really stopped for food in Sacramento, so we do need to do that properly. Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz and San Francisco are amazing though!! You'll be very tired on the plane back to Indiana but you'll have some AMAZING memories, I'm sure!! Let me know how the trip goes!!

[@Fosforitofercho]

You forget Revel Electric Motorbikes, very cheap and super fun!!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I hadn't heard of that, Julian!! Thanks for adding it to the list!! 🚲

[@Fosforitofercho]

40 miles all day $30, amazing! I think in the future it will reach $50

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

And perfect for the hills in SF!!

[@Fosforitofercho]

@@LifeOfReillyTV very useful , I recommend to the hills only one passenger, two maybe not .

[@brendanbyrne1769]

Sonoma Valley Airport?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I didn’t even think of that! It could be a great idea for domestic travelers!

[@ethantolentino8187]

How do you obtain the free MUNI rides with chase center tickets?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Ethan, you just have to show your Chase Center ticket to the conductor/driver.

[@heanorram1]

Great video, thanks for the tips. We are in SF for the weekend in August and are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 under 18's. From watching your video I understand that our children can travel free on Muni all day and us 2 adults can buy the 1 day passport which includes the cable car. I have 2 questions if you don't mind? We will travel into SF from Daly City, but it looks like the Clipper can only be used by one person, would we have to buy 4 separate clipper paper cards for the day? and how do we pay for the children's ride on the cable car, do you pay on the tram itself?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Richard - really glad that you found the video helpful. I hope it all made sense!! I'll answer the easy one first: you can book the kids' Cable Car rides on your MuniMobile app, at any point. It's still $8 but one less thing to have to buy in-person and wait in line for. You could put all of the Passports and kids' cables cars on your one MuniApp, which is nice and convenient. With regards to Clipper Cards, we didn't need them this trip so didn't get them for our kids. From what I can see, if the kids have phones, they could add the Clipper Card to their Digital Wallet but I'm not sure if they'll get the Youth Discount without applying for the Youth Card. This can be done via email but says it could take 7 business days to arrive: docs.clippercard.com/brochures/en/Clipper_Youth-Senior-Combo_072618_Tagged_7-31-18_v2.pdf You can get them from a Staffed BART station with proof of ID but I couldn't see Daly City when I checked: www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/locations We're geo-locked in the UK so I can't do this for you but you could try downloading the Clipper App and seeing if you could buy a Youth Ticket? Then, you'll know that your children could do that on their phone? I have a feeling they need the Youth Card though! They've made it a tough process for people that might only use a Clipper Card once or twice!

[@heanorram1]

@@LifeOfReillyTV thanks for the reply, that’s great advice. I’m thinking it will be more straightforward to buy the paper version of the Clipper for the children for the sake of the $3 charge

[@heanorram1]

Also if we plan on taking both lines of the cable car on the same day (to and from the wharf to Union Square) could we buy the children the adult 1 day passport at $13 as it would work out cheaper than 2 x $8 trips? Sorry for hijacking your video comments with my questions!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

It would definitely be more straight forward but I don't think they can get a Youth priced ticket without having got the Youth Card. You might find you get the $3 fee and then have to pay the adult price. Sorry to not know the answer to that one...you could phone their Customer Services or throw the question into TripAdvisor for an answer? Let me know what the answer is because I'm certain that I'll have the same question again!!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. Don't worry, that's what the comments are for!! I'm sure you'll help loads of other people! You're absolutely right about the Cable Car tickets. If you know you're definitely going to want to use the cable cars more than once, or you want the freedom to jump on and off, definitely get the kids the 1 Day Passport!! Yes, it's $5 more than you would have paid but you'd end up paying much more if you go on the cable cars more than once. Great plan!! For anyone else reading this...if you're strict and make sure you will only go on the cable cars ONCE with kids, you could get them the single trip cable car ticket and use the free Muni for the rest of the day (while the free U18 Muni offer is still on)

[@darleneporter4876]

You did not mention anything about seniors. Can all seniors apply & use the muni card for free are is it only for San Francisco residents . Just discovered your channel enjoy your videos as you explain everything very well.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Darlene, thanks for getting in touch. So glad you're enjoying our videos. You're right, we do leave off the seniors...I'm always thinking from a family perspective but we do want everyone to enjoy our videos. I think the free Muni Senior card is for San Francisco residents only but you can sign up for the Senior Clipper Card, which would give you Muni Discounts (half price travel). You might want to see if they let you on for free anyway?!! Watch out for the pesky Historic Cable Cars: you only get a discount if you travel on them between 9PM and 7am, so not great times at all!!

[@darleneporter4876]

@@LifeOfReillyTV Thank you

[@i2harry]

Lol “It’s really safe” is not particularly true. Always travel in group and keep an eye out. The crazy ones in SF are in another level than NYC.

[@brentsummers7377]

Just remember that there are some KZbin channels that post videos trying to make SF, Los Angeles, New York, etc look as dangerous & sketchy as possible. All to get views for their channels.

[@Con-Doe]

The hotels are going to charge you $ 65 to 100 bucks to park your car x daily. No reason to pay the vig on that.

[@sandradibiaso7316]

It's not hot walking around Los Angeles or downtown San Diego.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

It is if you're English and used to 40 degree weather!! Ha ha.

[@ericphan5857]

I think for old people like us it is better to stay where we were because clean cities saved for young children with clean body and flesh fresh blood while most of old people like us are full of toxin from food and medicine and old world life style

[@liannebedard5521]

What idiocy. Fresh blood? Your chances of meeting vampires are..,whacko. Just go enjoy yourself,.

[@lalapebbleslaylalovesyoumc3017]

🛍️👑🛒

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Enjoy your shopping!!!

[@user-hz2hk5mu2i]

So you don't need a car if you're a single transplant 😅

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Transplant?! You don’t have to give an organ to get around…unless you order a limo!! 😀

[@user-hz2hk5mu2i]

@@LifeOfReillyTV Dad joke received 😑.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

👏😂

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

But I also don’t get your original post! 😀

[@user-hz2hk5mu2i]

@@LifeOfReillyTV lol I was asking if a single guy from a different state needed a car to get around. Where I'm from, a car is mandatory. According to the video, the answer is no.

[@lescobrandon9693]

No car needed because if you have one it will be broken into.

[@jamebrooke894]

🚑

[@butx1555]

you talk too much. just give me the deed