As of 2026, BART serves 8 stations within San Francisco and connects the city to the broader Bay Area.
Where does the BART go in San Francisco?
BART connects San Francisco to communities across the Bay Area, including Millbrae, Richmond, Antioch, Dublin/Pleasanton, and Berryessa/North San José
Inside San Francisco itself, BART mostly sticks to the downtown core. You’ll find four shared stations with MUNI—Embarcadero, Montgomery St, Powell St, and Civic Center—where you can hop on local transit. Honestly, this is the best way to explore the city without a car.
How many stations does BART have?
BART operates 50 stations total as of 2026, with 19 surface-level, 15 elevated, and 16 underground (subway) stations
Four of those stations downtown are run jointly with MUNI: Embarcadero, Montgomery St, Powell St, and Civic Center. Want the full list? Check out bart.gov/stations.
How much of BART is underground?
About 28 miles (45 km) of BART’s 120-mile system runs underground
That includes the 3.6-mile Transbay Tube beneath San Francisco Bay and stretches under dense urban areas like downtown San Francisco and downtown Oakland. Now, here’s the thing: those underground sections make BART feel like a proper subway system.
How much does it cost to ride the BART in San Francisco?
Fares start at $1.95 for short trips and go up to $15 or more for airport trips
You can pay online via the BART website or app, or use ticket machines with cash, credit, or debit cards. Kids under 4 ride free. Need exact fares? Try the calculator at bart.gov/fares.
Is the BART safe in San Francisco?
BART is generally safe, especially on the mainline from SFO to San Francisco
You’ll find 24/7 surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes, and regular police patrols. For the latest updates, head to bart.gov/safety. Just avoid empty cars at night and stick to well-lit areas.
Does the BART in San Francisco go underwater?
Yes, the BART Transbay Tube is a 3.6-mile underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland
It’s been running since 1974 and carries four BART lines beneath San Francisco Bay. Fun fact: it’s one of the deepest immersed-tube tunnels in the world.
Is BART safe at night?
BART is considered safe at night, but extra caution is advised
Trains run until around midnight on weekdays and later on weekends. Stick to well-lit platforms, avoid empty cars, and if possible, buy tickets during daylight hours. That said, don’t let paranoia ruin your trip—millions ride safely every year.
Does BART go to Fisherman’s Wharf?
BART does not serve Fisherman’s Wharf directly; you must transfer to the F-Line streetcar at Embarcadero Station
From Embarcadero Station, hop on the F-Line streetcar (run by MUNI) to reach Fisherman’s Wharf in about 10–15 minutes. Check schedules at sfmta.com.
What age is senior for BART?
Seniors qualify for BART discounts at age 65 and older
You’ll need a Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Senior Card to get those discounts. Grab one at select locations or online. More info at rtc-sf.org.
How far does BART go underwater?
The BART Transbay Tube is 3.6 miles (5.8 km) long and runs entirely underwater
At its deepest, it sits about 130 feet below sea level. Built to withstand earthquakes, it’s one of BART’s most impressive engineering feats.
Is BART train safe?
BART implements rigorous cleaning and safety protocols, including hospital-grade disinfectants and daily electrostatic fogging
High-touch surfaces like poles and seats get wiped down regularly. Masks are optional as of 2026 but still encouraged. For service alerts, check bart.gov/servicealerts.
Is there an underground city in San Francisco?
San Francisco does not have a true underground city, but it has over 1,000 miles of sewer mains beneath its streets
Those sewer systems aren’t for pedestrians. While some old tunnels like the Stockton Tunnel have been repurposed, no large-scale underground city exists. Mostly just pipes and tunnels you’ll never see.
Is there a subway system in San Francisco?
Yes, San Francisco has a subway system operated by both MUNI and BART
MUNI’s subway runs under Market Street with the J, K, L, M, N, and T lines. BART has its own separate subway downtown. Both systems connect seamlessly for transfers.
Do BART cards expire?
BART’s Clipper Card does not expire and has no fees
You can reload it forever. Older paper tickets? They expire after 60 days of inactivity. Manage your card at clippercard.com.
How long does the BART take?
A BART trip from downtown San Francisco to SFO takes about 33 minutes on the SFO–Millbrae line
Transfers to other lines might add 5–15 minutes. Plan your trip with the BART app or website at bart.gov/schedules.
