Ripley's Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets for Your San Francisco Vacation

By Lindsay Eagan

Planning your San Francisco vacation? Looking for something different to satisfy your quirky or eccentric side? Look no further than Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium, located in the Marina District, just steps away from Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the Embarcadero. There are many museums in San Francisco, filled with beautiful art and sculpture. But only at Ripley's Believe it or Not! will you see displays of shrunken heads, elaborate carvings made of camel bones, and a wax statue of the man who had a real horn growing out of the back of his head. Yes, Ripley's Believe it or Not! "Odditorium" isn't for those looking for the mundane or the expected. Check out our helpful guide for visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Francisco, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more.

Looking for Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Discount Tickets?

We’ve got you covered – Ripley's Believe it or Not! admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Image of Light,

Tips for Visiting Ripley's San Francisco

  • The museum is safe and appropriate for all ages. With that said, smaller children may find some of the displays and interactive features overwhelming. If your child is particularly sensitive or easily frightened, they may want to sit this one out.
  • Allow enough time to visit the attraction. While not large, the museum has a lot packed into the space. Take your time, there is so much to see that if you rush through you will miss things!
  • The museum is open later than some of the other nearby attractions. It's a fun after-dinner activity to wrap up your evening.
  • Bring your sense of humor and fun! Ripley's Believe it or Not! is the ideal environment to ignite your sense of wonder, curiosity, mischief and silliness.
  • Maximize your trip by planning activities near Ripley's. There are a multitude of attractions packed into a relatively small, walkable area. One day isn't really enough!
  • Ripley's is an indoor attraction, making it an ideal activity for rainy, windy or cold days. San Francisco weather is unpredictable year-round. This means that at any time of year it can be sunny, warm and clear, or foggy, rainy and cold. Dressing in layers and bringing a hat and umbrella are always a good idea when visiting San Francisco.

What to Do There

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Male, Man, Glasses, Indoors, Museum, Hat, The San Francisco Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium houses a unique collection of the weird and wonderful. As you make your way through the museum, you will discover that it is quite interactive, inviting you to express your own odd side. Although many of the displays have a distinct sideshow flavor, there are many that are more serious, informative and impressive. Ripley's Odditorium in San Francisco houses many unique works of art with a pop-culture edge and a local feel. For example, busts of famous musicians Jerry Garcia (a San Francisco Native), Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana harken back to the San Franciso of the 1960's Summer of Love era, and are made entirely of wire. There are many other sculptures made of found materials, trash, match sticks and other curious finds. If you have a love for art created from recycled or found items, you will enjoy these exhibits. But it's the stories that really make this place special. Robert L. Ripley had a love for people and what made them unique. He scoured the world for artifacts, yes, but he mostly sought out people who had stories to tell. Some of these were stories of outcasts or those who might have been otherwise shunned, but found a home with Ripley. At the San Francisco location, you'll learn about some of these characters and what made them special. You'll learn how a shrunken head was made -- and why. You'll see a mummified foot and learn about the elephant with two trunks.

Nearby Attractions

Image of Book, Publication, Text, Situated along Jefferson Street, you will find a variety of other fun and funky attractions to easily fill up a day or more of your visit. Here are a few we suggest adding to your itinerary... Right next door is Madame Toussad's wax museum, the San Francisco Dungeon and is a very short walk from Pier 39. If you are interested in further exploration, across the street you will have the opportunity to board for boat and ferry rides that will take you through the San Francisco Bay. Travel around Alcatraz Island, take the Rocket Boat on a high-speed adventure or get an incredible perspective of both the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, as well as a breathtaking view of San Francisco's beautiful skyline.

Places to Eat Nearby

There are a number of dining options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from casual to formal. A few doors from the museum is the Rainforest Cafe, always a hit with the kids. On the wharf, you will find Alioto's, a classic, family-run seafood restaurant that is a Wharf favorite. Or, dine with a gorgeous bay view at Castagnola's, one of the neighborhood's oldest and most loved restaurants. Here are more of the many cafe's and restaurants near Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium:
  • Bistro Boudin is a popular restaurant serving tasty dishes, but the Boudin building also houses a cafe, bakery and gift shop. If you are walking around on a chilly, damp San Francisco afternoon, come on in, get warm and order a Peet's coffee. Marvel at the rows of bakery-fresh sourdough bread and breath in the delicious aromas. It's a real treat!
  • Fisherman's Grotto #9 opened in 1935 and was Fisherman's Wharf's first sit-down restaurant. No trip to San Francisco and the wharf is complete without a visit to the Grotto!
Over at Pier 39, you'll find Bubba Gump & Co., The Hard Rock Cafe, numerous seafood eateries, burger and pizza joints, coffee shops and snack spots. When it comes to dining, you might want to extend your stay a couple more days just so you can enjoy more of San Francisco's delicious, fresh seafood and sourdough bread.

Need to Know

Hours
  • Sunday–Thurday, 10:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am–11:00 pm
  • *Hours are subject to change

Directions & Address

175 Jefferson Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Public Transportation: F-Line to Jefferson and Taylor in Fisherman's Wharf. Or cable car to the Bay & Taylor Street terminus.

Save on Tickets with a Go San Francisco Card

Remember, the Go San Francisco® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Ripley's Believe it or Not San Francisco tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.

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10+ Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf During Your Trip to San Francisco

San Francisco is a cultural mecca, filled with art and inspiration at every turn. It’s the perfect vacation destination for couples and families with diverse interests, too, because there truly is something for everyone in the City by the Bay. You can explore unique museums, relax on sightseeing cruises, and discover something new on a tour – all without leaving the popular neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf! If you’re looking for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby areas during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Golden Gate Bay Cruise Aquarium of the Bay Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals And more! Save on Fisherman’s Wharf Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Escape From the Rock Cruise Spend 90 exciting minutes on a journey around the country’s most intimidating former prison: Alcatraz Island. Recently voted the top site in America, Alcatraz is filled with stories both thrilling and chilling. Hear all about daring escape plans and the daily lives of prisoners who once inhabited this eerie isle on a fully-narrated cruise – complete with full sound effects! Getting In: Escape From the Rock tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the impressive Bay Bridge on this comprehensive cruise. This exciting 90-minute excursion will escort passengers by major landmarks and attractions, including Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, and even AT&T Park. It's actually the only cruise that escorts you under both bridges, so this cruise is a nice unique option. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Golden Gate Bay Cruise A shorter but no less interesting cruise option out of Fisherman’s Wharf is the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Enjoy an hour filled with informative narration about important local sights and sounds, with chances to see top attractions like Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. When you return to port, be sure to keep an eye out for the USS Pampanito (see below for more on that) and the famous Pier 39 sea lions. Getting In: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Aquarium of the Bay Animal lovers won’t want to miss this delightful aquarium with a specific focus on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay. Walk through their amazing glass tunnels for a chance to see 20,000 aquatic critters, from petite moon jellies to large sevengill sharks. Kids will especially love the Touch the Bay exhibit! Especially popular exhibits include the jellyfish tank in "Go With the Flow" and the four playful river otters that call the Aquarium home. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Spend some time on Angel Island, one of the top historical attractions in the Bay Area. The island itself is a California Historical Landmark because of its eclectic history, featuring at various points in time military installations and an immigration center. A visit here also provides unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline. Getting In: Angel Island Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. USS Pampanito A World War II veteran, this Balao class submarine is today a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a pre-recorded tour (via headset) that escorts you throughout the ship and highlights each distinct area with fun information. Because this is an historic vessel still undergoing preservation, you'll also get to learn about plans for the future memorial site. Getting In: USS Pampanito tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco Head to Ripley’s for the weirdest experience of your vacation. With dozens of hands-on exhibits and intriguing artifacts, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is a fun and fascinating place for kids of all ages to explore. Some highlights include duct tape art, wire sculptures, a mummified foot from Egypt, and much more. Adults will particularly love their Toy/Candy Factory, which features all your nostalgic childhood favs. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. The San Francisco Dungeon Enjoy seeing the dirty details of San Francisco’s shadier side brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction. Begin your adventure with a sudden, exhilarating drop down into the attraction. Then, you'll enjoy a 60-minute boat ride that escorts you through the city's dark past. The San Francisco Dungeon also features a number of live theatrical performers who re-enact local top local stories about historical gold mining, old San Francisco gangs, ghosts of Alcatraz, and much more. It's more fun than scary, so it's perfectly kid-appropriate, too. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour The best way to explore San Francisco begins right in Fisherman’s Wharf with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn all about top local landmarks and sites with 20+ stops in Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and more. It couldn’t be easier to customize your own trip with the ability to hop on and off, too! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour by Big Bus admission is included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Madame Tussauds San Francisco With seven different themed galleries and dozens of wax figures, Madame Tussauds San Francisco is filled with lifelike recreations of actors, musicians, athletes, historical figures, and much more. Be sure to check out the “Spirit of San Francisco” exhibit, which showcases the city’s most significant cultural and historic moments. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. All-Day Comfort Bike Rental Explore San Francisco on two wheels with a bike rental from Blazing Saddles. This is a very bike-friendly culture, so expect many scenic paths throughout the city streets and along the waterfront – although you should also be prepared for some pretty hilly rides! Take advantage of a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little exercise on your vacation, all while touring this gorgeous city. Getting In: San Francisco bike rentals by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Musée Mécanique If you love exploring the quirkier side of San Francisco – and trust us, there’s plenty of that to go around – then a can’t-miss attraction is the Musée Mécanique. This delightful little museum features a significant collection of privately owned mechanical musical instruments, figurines, and arcade games – all still in perfect working condition! Getting In: Admission to the Musée Mécanique is free! Activities Departing from Fisherman’s WharfFull Day Wine Country Tour Embark on a day trip out to California wine country with a convenient bus trip that picks up and drops off right on Fisherman’s Wharf. Head out to Napa and Sonoma, where you’ll tour several of the region’s best wineries. Enjoy tours and tastings at each stop, and purchase a bottle (or two!) of your favorites. You’ll learn all about California wine culture, too. Getting In: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an included attraction option with the Go San Francisco® Card Build Your Own Pass. Embarcadero & Nearby AttractionsExploratorium Kids will absolutely love the chance to spend an afternoon at San Francisco’s most interactive institution designed just for them – the Exploratorium! With hundreds of interactive exhibits that range from massive art installations to tiny tinkering opportunities, they'll never run out of things to enjoy. Be sure to check out their rotating special exhibits as well! Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Visit one of the most iconic literary landmarks in all of San Francisco – City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. With roots stretching back to the Beat Era, this venue is steeped in history. City Lights offers three stories of amazing literature than spans every conceivable genre, so you’re bound to found something to love among these books. Getting In: Entry to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is free. The San Francisco Maritime Museum Located in the charming Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, the Maritime Museum features a wide variety of art and artifacts that reflects on the maritime culture of San Francisco and around the world. It’s the perfect place for anyone interested in maritime history, with its impressive collections of historic maps and photographs, engineer’s drawings, small craft, and so much more. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Maritime Museum is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are our top recommendations for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding areas during your trip to San Francisco. Don’t forget – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card, which helps you save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your San Francisco vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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San Francisco 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

One of the best times to visit San Francisco is Independence Day - there's even more going on than usual! From bay cruises to bus tours and scavenger hunts, there are lots of fun and festive activities in the Bay Area. Since 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, it's the perfect excuse to plan an extra long weekend in San Francisco. If you’re looking for San Francisco 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these ideas! There are many local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in July, including... Fireworks from Fisherman's Wharf SoMA & the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Golden Gate Park Events PIER 39 Activities Sightseeing Cruises and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions The Go San Francisco pass provides admission to a number of these attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of San Francisco attractions and activities and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and San Francisco attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco pass. San Francisco Fireworks July 4, By Jay Huang from Pleasanton, USA (Happy New Year 2016) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsEveryone's favorite 4th of July activity is watching the fireworks. San Francisco will be setting off fireworks from two locations: from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from the barges north of Pier 39. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm. You'll be able to see both sets of fireworks from most central locations. The synced performance is an impressive sight, but for the best views of the firework display, head to one of the following areas: Aquatic Park Ghiradelli Square The Cannery Fisherman's Wharf Coit Tower Angel Island No matter where you decide to set up camp, make sure to get there early for a good spot. Insider tip: Take public transportation to the area, as surrounding streets will be closed to cars for several hours in advance of the fireworks. Getting In: San Francisco Fireworks are free to watch. If you're opting to use public transit, a 1-Day MUNI Pass is included as an option on the San Francisco Explorer Pass. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art If you're looking for some artistic inspiration this July, stop by popular SFMOMA. It's a delightful artistic and architectural experience all around. Enjoy the unique displays and make sure you check out their exhibit on Andy Warhol, spanning three floors and featuring a dozen artworks unique to the museum. The exhibition closes on September 2. Their permanent collections are also quite impressive, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary art. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. Explore Golden Gate Park Image credit:Douglas Atmore / National Park Service. It's easy to turn a visit to Golden Gate Park to a full-on day trip. In addition to the number of beautiful biking and walking trails, you can browse through American art at the world-class de Young Museum. Don't miss the chance to see Specters of Disruption, an exhibition exploring disruption within nature, history and myth, culture and technology. Why not pay a visit to the California Academy of Sciences? Ranked one of the 'New Wonders of the World' by Conde Nast Traveler, the Academy is full of things to do. Enjoy a four-story living rain forest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem. Plus, check out immersive space shows that will transport you beyond the boundaries of our planet. In celebration of our nation's birthday, they often have live music and fireworks displays on the 4th of July as well. Getting In: de Young Museum tickets and California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. 4th of July Celebration at PIER 39 Pier 39; photograph by J. O'Neill Head to PIER 39 for Independence Day fun for the whole family. Enjoy musical performances reminiscent of the 80s and 90s live! There's tons to do on the pier on any given day, so imagine the fun you can have during their 4th of July celebration. Enjoy hours of waterfront fun and expand your explorations to Fisherman's Wharf. See what's new and weird at Ripley's Believe it or Not! or meet some of your favorite celebs in wax figure form at Madame Tussauds. Be sure to stay for the dazzling fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay at 9:30 pm. Getting In: Ripley's Believe it or Not! tickets and Madame Tussauds tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco pass. Fireworks from Angel Island Head over to Angel Island for live music, dancing, delicious food, beer and wine, and unbeatable views of the fireworks over the bay. Book your ferry tickets in advance online (this event sells out!) for round trip transportation plus a round trip Tram ride from the Cover to Battery Ledyard for the best views of the fireworks. Insider Tip: Be sure to make your ferry reservations in advance, as this is a very popular spot for locals to watch the fireworks from. Getting In: Angel Island fireworks are free to watch. Angel Island Roundtrip Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. U.S.S. Hornet Museum Photo by U.S.S. Hornet Museum Celebrate part of America's history by visiting the U.S.S. Hornet Museum. Her namesake stems from one of the first ships in the U.S. Navy and bears the creed: "A Heritage of Excellence". Chock full of stories and fun facts to learn about life at sea, this museum is a can't-miss. The museum will also be hosting a 4th of July party complete with live music, family activities, food and drink and a great view of the Bay Area fireworks. Insider tip: if you decide to visit for the 4th, fireworks will start around 9:15pm and we suggest bringing a warm jacket - it gets a bit chilly on the water. Getting in: U.S.S. Hornet Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass. The 4th of July celebration is a special event and is separately ticketed. San Francisco Cruises Is there anything better than enjoying the warm San Francisco sun from aboard a boat in the bay? Taking a cruise through the bay and under the bridge is a must, especially in the summertime. Choose from several top options, including the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise, which sails beneath both the Bay Bridge and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Or, choose for a more expansive tour of the Bay with a Golden Gate Bay Cruise. There are also a number of specialty fireworks cruises available during the 4th of July holidays, so keep an eye out for those. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets and Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco Card. Fireworks cruises are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass. Madame Tussauds San Francisco Madame Tussauds is the place for fun celebrity encounters, and is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco. 'Meet' all your favorite stars, from Serena Williams to Taylor Swift. Then, explore the museum's themed areas filled with stars and memorabilia from blockbuster movies, sports, music history, leaders and entrepreneurs. Be sure to spend some time in the Spirit of San Francisco exhibit for a unique way to experience the Bay Area, home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass. San Francisco Dungeon Experience 200 years of San Francisco history at the San Francisco Dungeon, a campy attraction that combines hilarious scares with fascinating history. Start on the part thrill ride, part theatrical performance, and be immerse yourself in the spectacle. Get a feel for Alcatraz prison life and see if you have what it takes to escape ‘The Rock,’ as you plunge into the depths of San Francisco’s underground. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Live Music at Aquatic Park July 4 Photo by California Beaches In addition to all that there is to do at PIER 39, the city of San Francisco is also hosting a live music show at Aquatic Park. Starting at 6:oo pm, enjoy a free concert in the park and stick around for the 9:30 pm fireworks display. Insider tip: arrive early to secure a good spot on the lawn! Getting in: Admission to Aquatic Park and the performances are free. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival & SoMA July Photo credit: San Francisco Travel Association/ Scott Chernis In an effort to enhance the vitality and quality of life of the Yerba Buena Gardens and San Francisco community, the Yerba Beuna Gardens Festival team hosts a summer long lineup of great events. They have a wide variety of free events like dance performances, kids shows, choral performances, art installations, and much more. All throughout July enjoy mime shows, concerts, jazz festivals and more. For dates and specific events, consult their website. You could also spend the day exploring the SoMa neighborhood (South of Market), a trendy, artsy space with lots to explore. Getting In: Yerba Buena Garden Fest events are free to attend. Fillmore Jazz Festival July, Photo by Steven Restivo Events If you love music, then you won't want to miss this iconic local event. The Fillmore Jazz Festival (on its 36th year!) will take Pacific Heights, celebrating San Francisco's long and storied musical heritage. It's also the largest festival of its kind on the west coast - so you know it's a must-see! Enjoy world-class music, sumptuous food, and tasty beverages. The festival runs from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm both days, with performers varying on each day. Getting In: The Fillmore Jazz Festival is free to attend. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, the Go San Francisco pass provides admission to many of these attractions. You can save up to 45% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal
San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options
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San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options

Traveling to San Francisco this year, but unfamiliar with the city or airport? No worries! With this guide, we'll detail all the best travel options to get you from San Francisco Airport to the city. So, read on, make notes, and take the sting out of your trip! Including: BART Clipper Cards Buses Rideshare Taxis and more! San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: BART The Bay Area Rapid Transit system, or BART to its friends, is San Francisco's rapid transit network. It's one of the cheapest ways to get from San Francisco International Airport to the city center, Downtown, and a slew of other key destinations throughout the city. Trains leave frequently, and it's easy enough to follow signs in the airport to locate the platform. Once your train has arrived, it takes around 20-30 minutes to travel from San Francisco International Airport to Downtown, but you can check the map on board if you want to get off at an earlier or later stop. If you're trying to cut costs, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system is one of the best ways to get into San Fran. Ticket prices depend on the length of your journey, but a ticket to Downtown should only cost around $9. Clipper Card Of course, if you're staying in San Fran for a spell, you can save yourself the hassle of buying tickets for every trip with a Clipper Card. It's a top-up card that lets you swipe into stations at will - as long as you have the cash. You can buy Clipper Cards from most stations. However, if you'd rather not carry around an extra card, you can add it to your iOS or Android wallet and swipe with your cellphone. Options. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Buses The cheapest and, dare we say, least cheerful of your options is the humble bus. If you're traveling light, boarding one won't be an absolute nightmare. And thankfully, bus services reach each of San Francisco International Airport's three terminals, so you'll never be too far from a pick-up point. The bus company's called SanTrans, so look out for their branding before boarding - though they should be the only buses around. The bus numbers to look out for are the 292, 397, and the KX, an express line into town. The 292 and 397 are regular lines, so as the bus gets further away from the airport, it'll start to fill up. That's why it may not be the best choice for travelers with multiple heavy bags. However, with tickets typically under $2.50, you won't find a cheaper way to get into San Francisco. Plus, the slower travel time and ample window room will let you get the lay of the land as you ride. The KX is less of an issue, as it doesn't stop for nobody. Once you're on the bus - likely alongside people who've also caught a plane - you'll be on a one-way trip to the city. At least this way, lugging a load of bags isn't much of an issue. And, for only around $4, you'll still squeeze a ton of pennies doing so. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare In this digital age, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are all the rage. Not only can you book ahead of time, but you'll also know the likely exact cost of your trip, avoid any tomfoolery regarding meters, and can follow your journey through GPS. So, if you don't mind forking out a bit more, you can get a direct trip from the plane door to the hotel/Airbnb door. Of course, you'll need the apps downloaded on your device to use them, so either download them before you travel, or hop on the airport's wifi to avoid any extra surcharges. Plus, if you want to split the bill and don't have trust issues, you can share your ride with other travelers who're heading to the same area of the city. Prices will vary depending on the time of day/city congestion, so it's worth looking before you book, in case you're not comfortable with the purported amount. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis Back in the pre-digital age, taxis ruled the world. They're still about today, and sometimes you can even spot them in their natural habitat - roaming around, looking for passengers. Like rideshare services, taxis will set you back a pretty penny, but they also take all the hassle out of your vacation. Typically, taxis will charge about $60 to take you to San Fran's Downtown area, so make sure to discuss prices with the driver before hopping in. Remember that you may find some bad apples in the bunch. Drivers can take advantage of fresh faces by overcharging. After all, if you've never ridden a taxi from the airport, how are you to know how much it costs? Keep that $60 fee in mind, and either verbally negotiate a fixed price with the driver, or ensure they turn their meter on before you set off. That way, you can avoid any tomfoolery. San Francisco Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer If you want to really flash them dollar bills, the only way to travel in style is by private transfer. It's the costliest option on this list, but if you've got the bucks, why not shell out for a premium service? You can book your driver months in advance, and they'll provide a personalized service that's second to none. You know in movies, when people are met at the airport by dudes carrying signs with their names on it? That's a private transfer. They'll meet you at the gate, carry your bags to the car, make sure the temp and seats are perfect, and then take you from the airport to your address of choice. They won't talk your ear off if you prefer quiet, but are happy to chat about the area if you're willing. And you never know; they may just give you some top tips on where to go during your stay. Speaking of top tips on San Francisco's best attractions, check out this sweet segue to Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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