How to Ride Muni: The Quick Start Guide

With Muni, you're just a ride away from everywhere in San Francisco. Every day, people board Muni more than 520,000 times to get where they need to go. Follow these easy steps to reach your destination.


Plan (Image: Hands holding a smartphone with a map open on the screen.)
1. Get Ready: Plan Your Trip

Riding Muni can be easy. With a little planning, your trip can be even easier. If you pay your fare using your phone, make sure it is charged. For whatever way you choose to pay, have your fare payment ready when boarding.

Download MuniMobile to plan your trip or check arrival times.

Find maps and schedules at Muni stations and bus shelters.

Locate your stop above-ground at bus shelters, platform islands, Muni signposts or painted utility poles, or underground at subway stations.


Pay (Image: Farebox)
2.Pay Your Fare: Use Easy Payment Options

There are many ways to buy your Muni fare. Need a discount? Muni offers discount programs for seniors, people with disabilities and people with limited incomes. Clipper START, Lifeline, and the Access Pass are some of our most popular discount programs. Youth 18 and under ride for free. Remember that proof of payment is required for all riders so keep it on hand your entire trip to avoid citations and fines.

There are many ways to pay. Some do not require you to tag the fare box. If you are traveling, use our products map to search places to locate where to buy your fare.

Clipper Card

Tag your Clipper Card at any door when you board.

MuniMobile

Activate your fare just before boarding any door. At a Muni Metro station, show your fare to a station agent. With MuniMobile, there is no need to tag the farebox.

Cash

Cash fareboxes are located at the front of each bus or train. Use exact change. Keep your transfer as proof of payment.

Muni Ticket

Ticket Vending Machines can be found in all Muni Metro stations.

SF Lifeline

For those with limited incomes, the Lifeline Pass is a monthly program that offers unlimited access to Muni service.

Access Pass

For individuals experiencing homelessness, SFMTA offers the Access Pass.


Ride. Image: Customers riding a Muni bus.
3. All Aboard: Riding Muni

All set? When Muni arrives, wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and let others off before you board.

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Board Any Door

If you use MuniMobile, Clipper, a transfer or other pass, enter whichever door you like. To pay cash, use the front door only.

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Hold On

Our city's busy streets and steep hills can make for an exciting ride. Hold on to straps or posts to keep yourself steady or stay seated while Muni is in motion.

Respect Priority Seating

Let's keep priority seating available for those who need it most: seniors and people with disabilities. Consider giving your seat to someone who needs it more than you.

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Be a Good Neighbor

Smoking, eating, drinking, littering and listening to audio without headphones are not allowed on Muni.

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Share the Space

Keep aisles clear by placing bags and backpacks on your lap or in front of you and never on a seat, especially on a crowded ride. Remember to fold strollers before boarding.

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Enjoy the View

From the highest hills to the widest beaches, Muni takes you where you need to go. Take it all in and enjoy the scenery.


Exit: Image: A customer in a wheelchair alighting from a Muni bus.

4. You've Arrived

When nearing your stop, pull the cable cord or push the button to let the operator know you want to get off.

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Gather Your Belongings

Be sure to collect all of your personal items before you go.

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Exiting

To exit, you may need to push a handle or bar to open doors. On some buses, you may need to step down into the stairwell.

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Say Thanks

Muni Operators get you where you need to go, safely and conveniently. Take time to thank your operator as you exit.

Rate Your Ride

Use the SFMTA feedback form to share about your experience riding Muni.

Note: Customers do not need to "tag" out of Muni Metro to exit. Fare gates have motion sensors and will open automatically. Simply walk through. This may be different from other transit services like BART and Caltrain, which do require customers to "tag" out.

 

Thanks for riding Muni.


Need help?

Muni Operators, Station Agents and Transit Fare Inspectors are here to help. Ask for help any time or give us a ring at 311. If you have an emergency, call 911.