What is the cheapest way to get from San Francisco to San Rafael?

The cheapest way to get from San Francisco to San Rafael is to drive which costs $3 - $5 and takes 26 min.

What is the fastest way to get from San Francisco to San Rafael?

The fastest way to get from San Francisco to San Rafael is to taxi which takes 26 min and costs $70 - $85.

Is there a direct bus between San Francisco and San Rafael?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Van Ness Ave & Clay St and arriving at San Rafael Transit Center-Platform B. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 36 min.

Is there a direct ferry between San Francisco and San Rafael?

Yes, there is a direct ferry departing from San Francisco-Gate C and arriving at Larkspur. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 35 min.

How far is it from San Francisco to San Rafael?

The distance between San Francisco and San Rafael is 13 miles. The road distance is 18.4 miles.

How do I travel from San Francisco to San Rafael without a car?

The best way to get from San Francisco to San Rafael without a car is to ferry which takes 35 min and costs $6 - $15.

How long does it take to get from San Francisco to San Rafael?

The ferry from San Francisco-Gate C to Larkspur takes 35 min including transfers and departs hourly.

Where do I catch the San Francisco to San Rafael bus from?

San Francisco to San Rafael bus services, operated by Golden Gate Transit, depart from Van Ness Ave & Clay St station.

Where does the San Francisco to San Rafael bus arrive?

San Francisco to San Rafael bus services, operated by Golden Gate Transit, arrive at San Rafael Transit Center-Platform B station.

Can I drive from San Francisco to San Rafael?

Yes, the driving distance between San Francisco to San Rafael is 18 miles. It takes approximately 26 min to drive from San Francisco to San Rafael.

Where can I stay near San Rafael?

There are 397+ hotels available in San Rafael.

San Francisco to San Rafael - 4 ways to travel via ferry, line 101 bus

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

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

Ferry
best
1. Take the ferry from San Francisco-Gate C to Larkspurferry Lssf
35 min
$6–15
Drive 18.3 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from San Francisco to San Rafaelcar 18.3 mi
26 min
$4–5
Line 101 bus
1. Take the bus from Van Ness Ave & Clay St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus 101
36 min
$6–9
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from San Francisco to San Rafaeltaxi 18.3 mi
26 min
$70–85

San Francisco to San Rafael by ferry

101Weekly Ferries

35 minAverage Duration

$6Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

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

Launch map view

Distance: 13.3 mi
Duration: 35 min

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

Golden Gate Ferry operates a ferry from San Francisco-Gate C to Larkspur hourly. Tickets cost $6–14 and the journey takes 35 min. Golden Gate Transit also services this route 5 times a week. Alternatively, Golden Gate Transit operates a bus from Van Ness Ave & Clay St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform B every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $6–9 and the journey takes 36 min.

Bus operators

Ferry operators

Other operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How to get from Stansted Airport into central London, Which London airport should I choose?, and Want to know more about Flixbus? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.