Travelling Around San Francisco

Question

My family of myself and 3 teenagers will be staying in San Francisco for 2 days in August and I'm trying to figure out the best and most cost effective way to travel.

We'll be travelling to and from the airport, to and from Union Square (where our hotel is) and other places such as The Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf etc.

Any advice is welcome.

Answer

For a short, two-day stay in San Francisco with your family, including three teenagers, the best approach is to combine convenience with cost-effectiveness. San Francisco has multiple transportation options including rideshares, public transit, and cable cars, each suited to different needs.

For traveling to and from the airport (SFO or OAK), rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft are generally the fastest and most convenient, especially with luggage and a group of four. While airport shuttles or BART (for SFO) are cheaper, they may involve waiting and multiple transfers, which can be inconvenient for a short stay.

Once in the city, staying around Union Square makes it easy to access many popular attractions. Here are some options for getting around:

Public Transit (Muni & BART): Muni buses, trams, and the metro light rail can take you to most tourist spots like The Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown. A Muni Passport or Clipper Card is cost-effective if you plan to use public transport multiple times.
Cable Cars: A classic San Francisco experience, especially the Powell-Hyde line, which connects Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Keep in mind they are tourist-oriented and can be slow, but fun for your teenagers.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Offers door-to-door convenience for reaching destinations quickly, especially if traveling with luggage, during off-hours, or to spots not well-served by public transit.

Other tips to maximize convenience and cost-efficiency:

Walking is often practical in central San Francisco, particularly around Union Square, Chinatown, and North Beach, but be prepared for steep hills.
Consider buying a 1- or 3-day Muni Passport for unlimited rides on buses, streetcars, and cable cars—it can save money and reduce hassle for a family of four.
Plan your day geographically to avoid backtracking, as traffic and hills can slow rideshare trips.

In summary, a combination of rideshare for airport transfers and less-accessible locations, plus public transit and occasional cable car rides for sightseeing, will likely be the most efficient and cost-effective way to get around San Francisco during a short visit.

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