Navigating San Francisco: A Tourist's Guide to BART, Uber, Taxis, and Trams

San Francisco is not only famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant cultural tapestry but also for its unique and varied transportation options. For tourists, choosing the best way to explore the city can be part of the adventure. Whether you opt for the historic trams, the efficient BART system, the convenience of an Uber, or a traditional taxi, each mode of transport offers its own advantages and nuances. It's a casual city where everyone wears sneakers  so I'd recommend only packing trainers so if you find yourself having to walk you'll be best prepared for comfort.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide the best way to navigate the city based on convenience and cost.

I have to begin by telling you I've never liked public transport, I get a little claustrophic and dislike being under ground. I went on the Eurostar once to Paris and that was enough for me and even when I lived and worked in London in the early part of my career I took the tube to work but didn't enjoy it. These days in London I'll hop on a bus if there's no waiting but mostly I either drive, or jump in a cab. I never take the tube.
The beauty of San Francisco you can reach a lot within a few blocks on foot. Like I said, pack your trainers. I don't have my phone attached to my arm like many so I've never actually Uberred until this trip where I have taken four. The service is quick, easy, convenient and relatively cheap although I am not sure how fairly the drivers are treated. I did hear a few moans about the remuneration split. The driver doing almost all the work and getting less than half the money. The one thing I will say, all the Uber vehicles I booked were cleaner and more luxurious than my car so things can't be that bad. I took a regular taxi from the airport which was a much shabbier vehicle and more expensive, so if cost saving and prestige are your thing, Uber is definitely a better option in San Francisco.

If you are going a little further afield you may want to consider BART, we went from Powell Street Station a short 5 minute walk from Union Square and whilst the cost $8 to my destination was significantly cheaper than the return in an Uber ar $75 it did have it's draw backs. Nothing happened to me on BART, but is was early on a Sunday morning. I am not sure I'd have fancied it during the rush hour. When I arrived at my destination and spoke to some local women, they were shocked to hear I'd used the BART system as a female, inferring they wouldn't have been so brave, citing incidents of criminal activity, mainly people being robbed. I have to say the staff on BART were extremely helpful, directing me as a 1st timer how to navigate from A to B. Make sure you have a smart phone or credit/debit card as real money is useless. You cannot buy a traditional ticket and every passenger needs an individual payment method for their journey. Not sure how that works out for children travelling.

Here's my breakdown of whats on offer for getting around and the pros and cons I discovered.

1. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

Pros: BART is an extensive train network that connects San Francisco with other cities in the Bay Area including Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose. It’s especially convenient for getting to and from San Francisco International Airport. The trains are fast, cover a wide area, and are relatively frequent.

Cons: BART stations might not be located close to all tourist destinations within San Francisco itself. The system map can be confusing to newcomers, and service can be less frequent during off-peak hours and weekends.

Cost: Fares are distance-based but expect to pay between $2 to $15 per trip, making it one of the more economical options for longer distances.

 2. Uber

Pros: Uber offers door-to-door service with various service levels from budget rides to more luxurious options. It’s widely available in San Francisco and can be a convenient choice if you’re traveling in a group or with lots of luggage.

Cons:  Costs can add up quickly, especially during peak times when surge pricing is in effect. Unlike BART or trams, traffic can significantly impact travel time.

Cost: Variable; short rides within the city can start around $8, but longer distances or surge pricing can increase costs considerably.

 3. Regular Taxis

Pros: Taxis are a familiar, easy-to-use option for many travellers. They can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands in busy areas. No app or data usage is required, which can be beneficial for international visitors without local mobile service.

Cons: Taxis generally tend to be more expensive than other forms of public transport and, like Uber, are subject to traffic delays. Rates are metered, and it’s often customary to tip the driver.

Cost: Meter starts at about $3.50 plus $2.75 per mile. Short trips in the city center can be reasonable, but longer distances can become costly.

 4. Trams and Cable Cars

Pros: Perhaps the most scenic and iconic way to travel around San Francisco. Cable cars and historic streetcars offer a charming experience and are great for short trips along popular routes like Market Street or the climb up Nob Hill.

Cons: These are not the fastest mode of transport and have limited coverage. They are often crowded, and you may have to wait in line to board.

Cost: A single ride ticket costs around $8, which can be pricey for very short trips but is worthwhile for the experience.

Best Way to Get Around

For Sightseeing: Combining the use of BART for longer distances and trams or cable cars for specific scenic routes offers a balanced approach to both cost and experience.

For Convenience: Uber or taxis are unbeatable for door-to-door service and ease, particularly if you’re not on a tight budget or are in a hurry.

For Budget Travelers: Stick with BART and buses. San Francisco’s bus system, MUNI, which I didn't take, integrates with BART and covers more ground within the city.

To sum up, San Francisco offers a variety of transportation options suited to different needs and budgets. Visitors are encouraged to plan their routes in advance, I used google maps and soon got to grips with the City, even though I hadn't been for over 15 years. It's easy to consider both the cost and the unique experiences each mode of transport can offer depending on your time and objective. Whatever your choice, each ride contributes to the full San Francisco experience, from the rumble of a historic cable car climbing up a steep street to the view from the window seat of a BART train crossing the bay.