How to get fromSan Rafael to South San Franciscoby bus, subway, car, or taxi

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There are 4 ways to get from San Rafael to South San Francisco by bus, subway, car, or taxi

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Line 101 bus, BART
best
1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 4th Stbus 101
2. Take the subway from Powell Street to San Brunosubway Yellow-S / ...
1h 22m
$9–14
Drive 27.7 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from San Rafael to South San Franciscocar 27.7 mi
36 min
$5–8
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from San Rafael to South San Franciscotaxi 27.7 mi
36 min
$100–130
Line 101 bus, line 292 bus
1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 7th Stbus 101
2. Take the bus from Mission St & 7th St to Airport Blvd & E Grand Avebus 292 / ...
1h 38m
$8–12

San Rafael to South San Francisco by bus, foot, and subway

297Weekly Services

1h 22mAverage Duration

$9Cheapest Price

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Rafael to South San Francisco.

Launch map view

Distance: 31.8 mi
Duration: 1h 22m

What companies run services between San Rafael, CA, USA and South San Francisco, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Airport Blvd & E Grand Ave via Mission St & 7th St in around 1h 38m.

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South San Francisco(opens in a new window), United States(opens in a new window)

San Francisco is Northern California’s cultural hub. Exuding a laid-back vibe, the city is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the freshest seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and the best art galleries and cafes in the famed Union Square neighbourhood. Alcatraz Island, the former prison, is a must-visit, as is the biggest Chinatown outside Asia. Hitch a ride on one of the iconic red cable cars, catch the San Francisco Giants playing baseball, feel movie magic at the Walt Disney Family Museum and take in spectacular views of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks.

Things to do in South San Francisco

San Francisco cable car system(Opens in a new window)

The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system and an icon of the city of San Francisco. The system forms part of the intermodal urban transport network operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway, which also includes the separate E Embarcadero and F Market & Wharves heritage streetcar lines, and the Muni Metro modern light rail system. Of the 23 cable car lines established between 1873 and 1890, only three remain (one of which combines parts of two earlier lines): two routes from downtown near Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, and a third route along California Street.

SkyStar Wheel(Opens in a new window)

SkyStar Wheel is a 150 ft 137 ft diameter traveling observation wheel located in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf since November 13, 2023. It has previously operated in San Francisco's Music Concourse (2020–2023), Cincinnati's The Banks (2018–2020), Louisville's Waterfront Park (2018), and Norfolk (2018).

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze(Opens in a new window)

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze is a tourist attraction on Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. It is a mirror maze in which people must find their way out, attempting to avoid confusion.

Children's Fairyland(Opens in a new window)

Children's Fairyland, U.S.A. is an amusement park, located in Oakland, California, on the shores of Lake Merritt. It was one of the earliest "themed" amusement parks in the United States. Fairyland includes 10 acre of play sets, small rides, and animals. The park is also home to the Open Storybook Puppet Theater, the oldest continuously operating puppet theater in the United States.

Places to stay in South San Francisco

AC Hotel by Marriott San Francisco Airport/Oyster Point Waterfront(Opens in a new window)

8.4Very Good

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Oyster Point(Opens in a new window)

8.6Fabulous

Hotel Nova SFO(Opens in a new window)

8.2Very Good

Airport Inn(Opens in a new window)

8.5Very Good

Rome2Rio makes travelling from San Rafael to South San Francisco easy.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from San Rafael to South San Francisco right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.