All you need to know about driving in San Francisco

Visiting San Francisco for the first time is exciting, but driving and parking in this vibrant city can be daunting. First-time visitors often have questions about narrow streets, steep hills, and high traffic. This guide will help you navigate parking, driving, and understanding key rules like turning right at red lights and paying tolls for the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge. With these tips, you can confidently explore the city by car.

Street Parking in San Francisco: Tips and Tricks

Parking in San Francisco’s busy areas, like Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square, can be challenging but not impossible with these strategies:

• Parking Meters: Most metered parking spots are in effect Monday through Saturday, and you can pay via coins, credit cards, or apps like PayByPhone. Rates vary depending on the neighborhood.
• Read Parking Signs: Always check for parking restrictions such as street cleaning, time limits, and residential permits. Violating these can lead to fines or towing.
• Curb Colors: Be mindful of curb colors. Red curbs mean no parking, yellow is for loading zones (often time-specific), green is for short-term parking, and blue is for disabled parking only.

Best Parking Apps for San Francisco

Parking apps can save you time by helping you find and reserve a spot. Some of the best apps for San Francisco parking include:

• SpotHero: Reserve parking spaces in advance, especially near tourist hotspots like Chinatown or Fisherman’s Wharf.
• ParkWhiz: Another option for booking parking spaces ahead of time, great for areas like Oracle Park or the Golden Gate Bridge.
• PayByPhone: Use this app to pay for metered parking, which allows you to extend your time remotely if needed.

Parking Garages and Lots in San Francisco

If you prefer garage parking, San Francisco has several options near popular areas:

• Union Square Garage: A convenient spot if you’re visiting Union Square or nearby neighborhoods like Nob Hill.
• Pier 39 Garage: Located right next to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Fifth and Mission Garage: A large garage in the SoMa district, great for visiting the Moscone Center or Yerba Buena Gardens.

Driving in San Francisco: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors

Driving in San Francisco requires special attention, particularly with the city’s unique terrain and traffic flow. Here are some critical tips:

Right Turns on Red Lights

In California, including San Francisco, you can turn right at a red light, but only after a complete stop and ensuring the intersection is clear of oncoming traffic and pedestrians. However, do not turn right on red if there is a posted sign that specifically prohibits it.

• Key rule: Look for “No Right Turn on Red” signs, especially at busy intersections or near public transit lines. These signs are more common in downtown areas.

Be Prepared for Steep Hills

San Francisco’s steep hills can be intimidating. Here are some tips for handling them:

• Use Low Gear: When driving downhill, switch to a lower gear to ease the strain on your brakes.
• Parking on Hills: Always turn your wheels toward the curb (downhill) or away from the curb (uphill) when parking on a slope. Failure to do so could lead to a ticket.

Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

San Francisco is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly, so always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and watch for cyclists, especially near parks or along designated bike lanes.

Navigating One-Way Streets

Many streets in San Francisco, particularly in neighborhoods like North Beach and SoMa, are one-way. Always pay attention to street signs and lane markings to ensure you’re driving in the correct direction.

Avoid Rush Hour Traffic

If possible, avoid driving during peak traffic, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, especially near Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge entrances.

Bridge Tolls in San Francisco: What You Need to Know

San Francisco is home to several iconic bridges, but crossing them requires paying tolls. Here’s what you need to know about paying tolls for the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge:

Golden Gate Bridge Tolls

• Toll Location: Only southbound drivers (heading into San Francisco) need to pay a toll on the Golden Gate Bridge.
• No Cash Payment: The bridge uses an all-electronic tolling system, so there are no toll booths. You have several payment options:
  • FasTrak: A prepaid toll tag automatically deducts the toll when crossing.
  • Pay-by-Plate: Cameras will capture your license plate, and you will receive a bill by mail. You can pay online within 48 hours of crossing to avoid receiving a mailed bill.
  • Prepay Online: You can prepay your toll before crossing via the Golden Gate Bridge website or mobile app.
• Toll Costs: As of 2024, tolls range from around $8.80 (for FasTrak users) to $9.40 (for Pay-by-Plate users), but prices can vary, so it’s best to check the current rates.

Bay Bridge Tolls (San Francisco-Oakland)

• Toll Location: Drivers heading into San Francisco from the East Bay (Oakland) via the Bay Bridge are required to pay a toll.
• Toll Costs: Toll rates vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Peak hour tolls (Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM) are usually higher, typically around $7. Off-peak and weekends are usually around $5.
• Payment Methods: The Bay Bridge also uses electronic tolling via FasTrak or Pay-by-Plate.

Parking Near Popular Attractions in San Francisco

Parking near tourist attractions can be tricky, so it’s important to know where to go:

• Golden Gate Bridge: The Welcome Center lot fills up quickly, but there’s parking at Battery East or Crissy Field, a scenic walk away from the bridge.
• Alcatraz Island Tours: If you’re catching a ferry at Pier 33, parking near Fisherman’s Wharf Garage or booking a spot through SpotHero in advance is recommended.
• Lombard Street: Street parking near the famous crooked street is limited. You can find spots farther away and walk or use a nearby North Beach garage.

Avoiding Parking Tickets and Towing in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for strict parking enforcement. Here are tips to avoid tickets:

• Check Curb Colors: Always park legally according to curb colors. As previously mentioned red means no parking, yellow is for loading, and blue is for disabled parking.
• Street Cleaning: Watch out for street cleaning signs, as parking during those hours can result in a ticket.
• Tow-Away Zones: Some streets have tow-away zones during peak traffic hours (usually marked by signs), so avoid parking in these areas.

Final Thoughts on Driving and Parking in San Francisco

Driving and parking in San Francisco can be an adventure, but being prepared with these tips will help you easily navigate the city. Understanding the rules for right turns on red lights, knowing how to pay bridge tolls, and using parking apps will make your trip more enjoyable. Whether you’re exploring the city’s steep hills, cruising over the Golden Gate Bridge, or finding parking in busy areas, these tips will help you stay stress-free.

Do you have more questions about parking or driving in San Francisco? Let me know in the comments!