Written by Julia de Oliveira, J-1 exchange student
As an international student, moving to San Francisco was both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. The city’s famous landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and constant energy were things I had seen in movies and heard about from friends, but experiencing them firsthand was a whole different story. One of the things that threw me off the most, however, was figuring out the public transportation system. Coming from a small town where public transport wasn’t much of a thing, I had no idea what I was getting into. But little by little, through trial and error, I learned the ins and outs of getting around the city.
The first thing I was told to get after arriving in San Francisco was a OneCard. My university provided this card to all students, and it was pretty much the golden ticket to navigating the city’s public transport. The OneCard worked for all forms of public transportation—buses, trains, and even ferries—so I could just load it up with money and tap in and out as I went. At first, it seemed easy enough, but when I was standing in front of my first Muni bus, I was a little unsure of how to use it. I didn’t know exactly where to tap or if I was doing it right, and honestly, I felt pretty lost as I watched locals go through the motions effortlessly. But after a few tries, I got the hang of it. The OneCard became part of my daily routine, and I could rely on it to get me anywhere in the city without thinking twice.
The Muni buses were my first real introduction to San Francisco’s public transport. I’d heard a lot about them, but nothing prepared me for the actual experience. One of the first buses I rode was the 49-Mission, and I’ll never forget how packed it was. It was a rainy afternoon, and the bus was full of people—commuters, students, tourists—everyone trying to get somewhere. At first, I had no idea which route to take because there were so many different numbers on the bus stop signs. Should I take the 49-Mission or the 14-Muni? What’s the difference? I found the bus schedules on the signs to be a bit confusing, too—sometimes they didn’t match up with reality. My first few rides left me feeling unsure, but as I used the system more, I started figuring it out. I learned the key routes that I would take regularly, and while the buses could get crowded, they were often the cheapest and most efficient way to get around the city.
There was also the experience of interacting with people on the buses. I quickly realized that the Muni buses were a microcosm of the city’s diversity. From people of all walks of life, to the range of accents and languages spoken on a daily basis, I got a real sense of what San Francisco was all about just by riding the bus. People were mostly respectful, though I did encounter a few characters who would talk loudly or be less than polite. Still, it didn’t bother me much; it was part of the experience.
The Muni light rail trains, which cover areas farther out from downtown, were another mode of transport I soon came to use. They were a faster alternative when I needed to get to places like Glen Park or the Castro. I particularly enjoyed riding the K Ingleside line, which passed through neighborhoods with a lot of character. It was nice to get away from the crowds of downtown and explore other parts of the city in a more relaxed way. The trains, though not as frequent as the buses, were often a welcome change from the sometimes-stressful nature of the bus system. They were usually quieter and more comfortable, even if they sometimes had delays or maintenance issues.
Then there’s BART, which connects San Francisco to the wider Bay Area. When I first encountered BART, I wasn’t entirely sure how it worked. The stations were big and confusing, with trains arriving and departing in all directions, and I felt a little lost trying to figure out the maps. Unlike Muni, BART felt like a real subway system—underground and fast. But after a few rides, I began to appreciate how efficient BART was. It took me to places further outside the city in no time, and the trains ran regularly, making it easy to travel without stress. I also loved the view from the elevated tracks when crossing the Bay Bridge; it was always a treat, especially during sunset.
That said, public transportation in San Francisco isn’t without its frustrations. There were times when buses would be late, or the trains would be overcrowded. I learned to plan ahead, checking the schedules and routes to avoid the worst of the rush hours. But even with the occasional delay or overcrowded ride, I found the system to be quite reliable. San Francisco’s public transportation may not always be perfect, but it’s definitely convenient for getting around the city and beyond.
Despite the occasional hiccups, I became comfortable with the system over time. I began to understand which routes were the most efficient, and which ones to avoid during peak hours. I started to enjoy the experience of riding the Muni or BART, not just because they got me where I needed to go, but because they gave me a window into the city’s everyday life. There’s something about sitting on a crowded bus or train that makes you feel connected to the place you’re living in. Through public transportation, I got to know the city and its neighborhoods in a way that I never would have if I’d just relied on taxis or rideshares.
In retrospect, navigating San Francisco’s public transport system has been an important part of my experience as an international student. It’s helped me discover the city’s rhythm, and it’s allowed me to interact with people from all different walks of life. More than just a way of getting from point A to point B, public transportation became a way for me to immerse myself in the everyday culture of the city. From the bustling Muni buses to the scenic BART rides across the Bay, every form of transport has given me a deeper connection to San Francisco that I couldn’t have gained any other way.
Looking back on my time here, I’m grateful for all the lessons I’ve learned about urban life. At first, it was overwhelming, but now it feels second nature. The OneCard, once a foreign concept, has become an indispensable part of my daily routine. What seemed like a huge challenge has turned into something I now take for granted. Public transportation, with all its little frustrations and surprises, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience in San Francisco. It’s taught me not just how to get around, but how to truly live in a big, vibrant city.