Practical information for visiting San Francisco

Air: San Francisco International Airport is connected to downtown by BART from the International Terminal; the airport says the journey is about 30 minutes. SFO listed more than 140 nonstop destinations worldwide in September 2026. Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport is another regional option reached through BART with an airport connector.

Regional transit: BART links the city with the East Bay, airport and peninsula stations. Caltrain serves the peninsula and San Jose from the eastern side of the city. Ferries connect the Ferry Building and Pier 41 with selected bay communities.

Payment: A contactless bank card or Clipper works across the region's participating transit agencies, but each rider needs a separate card or device. Tap rules differ by operator; BART requires the trip to be closed correctly.

Road: bridges and freeways connect the city regionally, but congestion, tolls and parking make a car inefficient for most city sightseeing.

On crowded Muni vehicles, at events and around major viewpoints, keep a bag closed and controlled. After a late programme, choose a populated stop and plan the final walk before leaving the venue.

San Francisco Police advise leaving the trunk empty and taking luggage, passports, electronics and every visible item with you. Clear the vehicle before arriving at the parking place; a covered bag is not secure storage.

Visible homelessness or a person in distress is not itself evidence of danger. Give people space, do not photograph a crisis, and call 911 for an emergency or immediate safety concern. Use 311 for non-emergency city information and services.

During earthquake shaking, drop, cover and hold on; stay away from windows and wait until it stops. Near the coast, follow official tsunami instructions and move to higher ground when directed.

Visitors from outside the United States should carry insurance that covers local treatment and possible medical evacuation. Care can be expensive, and travel insurance is not replaced by an emergency call.

Cold ocean water, rip currents, sneaker waves and shorebreak make San Francisco's Pacific beaches hazardous. Golden Gate National Recreation Area says its beaches other than seasonally guarded Stinson Beach are not swimming beaches. Keep children close and never turn your back on the ocean.

Long hill walks, wind and cool fog can cause fatigue or chill even when the temperature looks mild. Carry water, use sun protection and add a layer before exposed bridge, ferry or coastal time.

Wildfire smoke can reach the Bay Area in dry seasons. Use AirNow's current AQI and fire-and-smoke map; reduce outdoor exertion when conditions are unhealthy. In natural areas, stay on trail and learn to recognise poison oak.

Call 911 for police, fire, medical emergencies, an overdose or an immediate mental-health crisis. State the address, nearest intersection, Muni stop, trail or recognised landmark and say which language you prefer if interpretation is needed.

Call 311 within San Francisco for non-emergency city information and services; it operates 24 hours a day in more than 160 languages. From outside the city, call 415-701-2311.

For a vehicle break-in without immediate danger, a formal report can be filed online, at a police station or through 311. Preserve booking, serial and insurance details.

During an earthquake, drop, cover and hold on. After shaking, leave a visibly unsafe building, expect aftershocks and follow ReadySF instructions. On the coast, move away from the water if a tsunami warning or strong local shaking calls for it.