Muni is San Francisco’s city transit system, run by the SFMTA. It includes more than 60 bus routes, the Muni Metro light rail, the historic F line streetcars and the cable cars. Together they reach almost every corner of the city, and for most visitors Muni plus walking is all you need.
In this guide
This guide is part of our getting around San Francisco hub. For the regional train, see our BART guide.
The main types of Muni service
- Buses and electric trolley buses: the backbone of the system, with frequent Rapid routes marked R.
- Muni Metro: the J, K, L, M and N light rail lines run underground beneath Market Street, then surface in the western neighborhoods.
- T Third Street and the Central Subway: links Chinatown, Union Square and SoMa with the southeast of the city.
- F Market & Wharves: vintage streetcars from around the world along Market Street and the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Cable cars: three historic lines with their own fares. See our cable car guide.
Fares
An adult single ride is $2.85 when you tap a Clipper card, a contactless bank card or a phone, or use the MuniMobile app, and $3 in cash. A single fare is good for 120 minutes of transfers on buses and trains. A Muni Day Pass costs $5.70 but does not include cable cars. Cable car rides are $9 one way, rising to $12 in January 2027.
Children 18 and under ride free on Muni buses and trains, though not on cable cars. Check the SFMTA website for current fares and passes.
How to pay
The easiest way is to tap a contactless credit or debit card or phone wallet on the reader when you board. Clipper cards work too and are useful if you also ride BART and ferries. If you pay cash on a bus, have exact change, since drivers do not give change. On Metro trains underground, tap at the fare gates.
Useful routes for visitors
- F line: Castro to Fisherman’s Wharf along Market Street and the Embarcadero.
- N Judah: downtown to the edge of Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach.
- 30 Stockton and 45 Union-Stockton: Union Square to Chinatown, North Beach and the Marina.
- 5R Fulton: downtown to Golden Gate Park’s northern edge.
- 28 19th Avenue: crosses the city to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tips
Use Google Maps, the Muni app or real-time screens at stops for arrival times. Board buses at the front if paying cash; otherwise any door works when you have a valid fare. Offer priority seats to older riders and people with disabilities. Hold on, because hills make for sudden stops.
Official resources: SFMTA (Muni), Clipper.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Muni ride?
$2.85 with Clipper, a contactless card or MuniMobile, and $3 in cash. A fare is valid for 120 minutes.
Does the Muni Day Pass include cable cars?
No. The $5.70 Muni Day Pass covers buses and trains but not cable cars.
Can I tap my credit card on Muni?
Yes. Muni accepts contactless credit and debit cards and phone wallets.
Is Muni free for kids?
Yes. Riders 18 and under ride Muni buses and trains free, but not cable cars.
Photo credits
Featured image: mliu92 from San Mateo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Fares: Grendelkhan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.