BART, short for Bay Area Rapid Transit, is the regional train that links San Francisco with SFO, Oakland, Berkeley and the rest of the East Bay and Peninsula. In the city it runs underground beneath Market Street and Mission Street, so it is the fastest way to cross town between downtown and the Mission, and to reach the airport.
In this guide
This guide is part of our getting around San Francisco hub. For buses, streetcars and cable cars, see the Muni section there.
Where BART goes in San Francisco
BART has eight stations in San Francisco. Four are downtown under Market Street: Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell and Civic Center. Then the line turns down Mission Street to 16th St Mission and 24th St Mission, and continues to Glen Park and Balboa Park before heading south to Daly City, SFO and Millbrae.
Embarcadero is closest to the Ferry Building, Montgomery to the Financial District, Powell to Union Square and the cable car turnaround, and Civic Center to City Hall and the performing arts venues.
Lines and colors
BART lines are named by color and their end stations. In San Francisco, all lines share the same tunnel, so trains to the East Bay and to the airport stop at the same downtown platforms. Check the destination on the front of the train and on the platform screens before you board. See our SFO to downtown guide for airport trains.
Fares and how to pay
BART fares depend on distance. Short rides within San Francisco cost a few dollars, and SFO to downtown is $11.80. You can tap a contactless credit or debit card, a phone wallet or a Clipper card at the fare gate when you enter and again when you leave. Tap the same card both times.
Clipper is worth getting for longer stays, since it also works on Muni, ferries and Caltrain and gives transfer discounts.
Hours
BART generally runs from about 5am on weekdays, 6am on Saturdays and 8am on Sundays until around midnight. Trains come every 10 to 20 minutes in the city, more often where lines overlap. Check last-train times on the BART website or app if you are out late.
Riding tips
- Stand on the right on escalators and let people off before boarding.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed on trains or in paid areas.
- Keep phones and bags close, especially near the doors.
- Use the BART app or Google Maps for real-time departures.
- Elevators serve every station, though some are slow.
Official resources: BART, Clipper.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pay for BART with a credit card?
Yes. Since 2025, BART fare gates accept contactless credit and debit cards and phone wallets.
How much is BART in San Francisco?
Fares depend on distance. Rides within the city are a few dollars, and SFO to downtown is $11.80.
Does BART go to Fisherman’s Wharf?
No. Take BART to Embarcadero, then the F line streetcar or a short walk along the waterfront.
Is BART the same as Muni?
No. BART is the regional train; Muni runs the city’s buses, light rail, streetcars and cable cars.
Photo credits
Featured image: Pi.1415926535 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Fares and how to pay: Insightwm / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.