Getting around in San Francisco
Getting around San Francisco is relatively easy regardless of whether you decide to provide your own method of getting from point A to point B, or to take advantage of the city’s system of public transportation.
San Francisco is only about 50 square miles in size so many of the places that you’ll want to go are within walking distance. Expats should keep in mind that San Francisco is a city of hills, some of which can be very steep. This is worth paying attention to as you begin to orient yourself. Some people may feel uncomfortable driving up and down the steepest hills of the city as well as parking on those hills.
People who enjoy walking may find it easy to walk through most areas of the city but may opt to take public transportation in the areas of the city where the hills are steepest.
Many expats living in San Francisco do own cars, but a lot of people also get by just using public transportation options in the city.
Getting around San Francisco in a car is fairly simple; although, expats living in the urban city centre will certainly encounter some traffic problems. If you are travelling in the same direction as the flow of rush hour traffic then you may find that you get stuck waiting in some areas.
One of the things to get used to when driving around San Francisco is the large number of one way streets that the city has. There are many areas of the city where you cannot make left turns off of major streets so you have to make a series of right turns instead. This can be frustrating when first adjusting.
The major problem for most people who own cars in San Francisco is not driving but rather parking. Parking lots in the city are expensive. Most areas allow street parking for free but only for two hours at a time. You will find that your best bet is to purchase a parking permit for the area in which you live so that you don’t have to move your car every two hours when you are at home in San Francisco.
Public transportation is considered to be safe in San Francisco. As with public transportation in all major cities, pickpocketing may occur on crowded buses and BART trains but is rare. Keep aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.
For expats who decide to drive in San Francisco, it is important to be aware of the risk of car crime. Violent car crime, such as carjackings, is very rare. However, car theft is higher in San Francisco than the national average for the country. Additionally, car break-ins and vandalism may occur when parking your car overnight on San Francisco streets. Look for well-lit areas to park your car to prevent this problem.
San Francisco is only about 50 square miles in size so many of the places that you’ll want to go are within walking distance. Expats should keep in mind that San Francisco is a city of hills, some of which can be very steep. This is worth paying attention to as you begin to orient yourself. Some people may feel uncomfortable driving up and down the steepest hills of the city as well as parking on those hills.
People who enjoy walking may find it easy to walk through most areas of the city but may opt to take public transportation in the areas of the city where the hills are steepest.
Many expats living in San Francisco do own cars, but a lot of people also get by just using public transportation options in the city.
Modes of transit for getting around San Francisco
- Buses (MUNI) – Buses run throughout the city on a fairly regular schedule. It generally only takes one or two buses (with minimal walking) to reach most destinations from wherever you are located within the city. It is possible to purchase daily, weekly or monthly bus passes or to pay when you board the bus. Buses vary in how crowded they are and will occasionally pass you by if they do get too full which is the only major inconvenience of using them as your primary mode of transportation. Bus lines called “owl lines” operate throughout the night.
- BART – BART is the light rail system that moves through the city. It is a quick and easy method of reaching destinations that are located in San Francisco’s Financial District as well as in the city’s popular Mission neighbourhood. It is also one of the best modes of transportation for travel to nearby suburbs and cities. The rate of pay depends on the distance that you are travelling.
- Cable Cars – The city of San Francisco is famous for its historic cable cars. Although they are frequently used by tourists expats living in the city may enjoy riding them as well. They are convenient for reaching certain destinations such as Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. They are expensive for regular travel but monthly bus passes work on them as well. A tip – don’t wait at the cable car turnaround with the crowds; walk up a stop or two ahead to get on the cars more quickly.
- Taxis – It is easy to find taxis in San Francisco. This includes traditional yellow cabs as well was eco-friendly green cabs. They are reasonably priced especially since travel distances are short around the city. Frequent use of taxis does add up in cost but this is a great way to get somewhere quickly and efficiently. It is expected that you will tip the driver 10% - 20%. It is safe and easy to wave taxis down on the street. Alternatively, you can call for a taxi pick-up. Taxis are available at all hours of the day and night.
- Car Share – Expats who get drivers’ licenses in San Francisco can participate in the city’s car share program. There are cars located in parking lots throughout the city; members can easily rent the cars by the hour or by the day. This is much cheaper than owning a car in the city if you are only planning to use the car a few times per week or less.
- Ferries – There are two ferry stops along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. These provide a fun way of getting to the North Bay or the East Bay although they are generally too pricey for regular use.
- CalTrain – This train travels from the city of San Francisco to the South Bay and is an affordable, convenient way to get to the suburbs and cities south of San Francisco.
Getting around San Francisco by Car
Getting around San Francisco in a car is fairly simple; although, expats living in the urban city centre will certainly encounter some traffic problems. If you are travelling in the same direction as the flow of rush hour traffic then you may find that you get stuck waiting in some areas.
One of the things to get used to when driving around San Francisco is the large number of one way streets that the city has. There are many areas of the city where you cannot make left turns off of major streets so you have to make a series of right turns instead. This can be frustrating when first adjusting.
The major problem for most people who own cars in San Francisco is not driving but rather parking. Parking lots in the city are expensive. Most areas allow street parking for free but only for two hours at a time. You will find that your best bet is to purchase a parking permit for the area in which you live so that you don’t have to move your car every two hours when you are at home in San Francisco.
Safety of Transportation and Car Crime in San Francisco
Public transportation is considered to be safe in San Francisco. As with public transportation in all major cities, pickpocketing may occur on crowded buses and BART trains but is rare. Keep aware of your surroundings and you should be fine.
For expats who decide to drive in San Francisco, it is important to be aware of the risk of car crime. Violent car crime, such as carjackings, is very rare. However, car theft is higher in San Francisco than the national average for the country. Additionally, car break-ins and vandalism may occur when parking your car overnight on San Francisco streets. Look for well-lit areas to park your car to prevent this problem.
