How to Ride the Trolley in San Francisco

A visit to San Francisco is incomplete without a ride on a trolley, a visit to Chinatown, and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• MUNI Pass
• Cash

1. 
   Entrance to San Francisco's Chinatown

   A MUNI Pass is a good idea. The MUNI pass can used for buses and the subway as well as trolleys, and are sold in one, three, and seven-day versions. The MUNI pass is good for unlimited rides during its activation period. While they are not currently for sale online, there are a number of places throughout San Francisco where they can be purchased. The link in the resources section will direct you to the most convenient location. Many hotels also sell the MUNI pass, as do some of the local stores. I purchased mine at a Walgreen’s.

2. 
   San Francisco's Painted Ladies

   Cash is accepted, but is the most expensive option for the trolley at $5 per ride. A one-day MUNI pass gives you unlimited rides for $11, and the three and seven-day passes offer even more value.

3. While you have undoubtedly seen the photos of happy trolley passengers hanging from the poles and leaning out to smile at the camera, the trolley operator frowns on this, and will admonish you to please stop doing that. This is for your safety, as the trolleys pass very close to each other, as well as the cars navigating the busy streets of San Francisco.

4. Occasionally there will be a conductor on the trolley. The conductor's function is to make sure there are only paid passengers on the trolley, so be prepared to show your pass or ticket stub. There is a hefty fine for riding without paying.

Resources

• How to Spend Vacation in Paris
• How to Choose a Travel Guide
• How to Keep Your Travel Journalt

[kims3003]

on 9/27/2009 thank you - i am visiting here next month

[midcenturymaven]

on 9/20/2009 Chinatown's been a favorite place of mine since I was a kid. The trolleys make it a bit easier to get about if you're not in the best shape.

[cincin1]

on 9/3/2009 Use to live in SF and I know what you mean. There is nothing like a trolley ride -- got to love those hills. 5*

[jpersing]

on 6/5/2009 I've been to San Fran 2x but I've never ridden a trolley. Trolleys are always full so I appreciate your trip about the trolley operator admonishing passengers not to hang from the poles and lean out! 5*

[sunshineandrose]

on 4/27/2009 Riding the trolley sounds like a lot of fun! 5*