Free PresidiGo Shuttle connects BART riders to Presidio

Did you know San Francisco’s Presidio is BARTable? Ride BART to Embarcadero Station and transfer to the PresidiGo Downtown Shuttle.

The excursion is fun, fast (25 minutes), and most of all, the most convenient way to visit an urban national park. Spend the day sight-seeing, hiking, picnicking, bird watching and more. You decide!

History and land use of the Presidio

The land known as the Presidio has a rich past, which include Ohlone villages, a Spanish military fort, Mexican pueblo and a U.S. military post. In the last 20-plus years, the Presidio has undergone a transformation to a more “post to park” natural, scenic setting environment for world-wide visitors to enjoy. Today, the Presidio Trust, the National Park Service and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy have restored much of its original glory as a way of preserving its historical past while re-creating a pristine and serene place one can only find in San Francisco.  

Getting to the Presidio from downtown SF

Take BART and exit at the Embarcadero Station. This is the first stop into San Francisco from the East Bay. Exit the station at California/Drumm/Ferry Building. Proceed to the corner of California and Drumm streets where you will see a bus stop in front of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. Look for a yellow sticker on the Muni bus pole that reads PresidiGo. The Downtown Shuttle (camouflage green) express route runs every day from this location. Be sure to check the schedule on weekdays (a pass is required at certain times). On weekends the service runs from 9am to 7:30pm with no pass required. 

Presidio Transit Center

The Presidio Transit Center is located at the Main Post, where you will find the café Transit. The Presidio Visitor Center and Officers’ Club (a short walk away) are a must to gain an understanding and appreciation of all that the Presidio has to offer. Most importantly, the transit center is the hub that connects you to two free PresidiGo Around the Park Shuttle routes that transport you to over 40 destinations around the park.

Hop aboard two different, 30-minute shuttles that loop you around the park for breathtaking scenic overlooks, vistas watersheds, a freshwater lake, residential neighborhoods historic forests, wetlands and marshes.

Crissy Field Route (Lower Route)

Take the Crissy Field Route and enjoy spectacular and majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Here you can stop and stroll across the stunning bridge (1.7 miles) or visit the Golden Gate Welcome Center. There’s Crissy Field Center and Marsh, views of the City Skyline, Angel Island and Alcatraz. You can also stop at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Be sure to have your camera ready throughout this route.

Presidio Hills Route (Upper Route)

Take the Presidio Hills route and see Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire at Inspiration Point, Mountain Lake (a perfect picnic and birdwatching spot), unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean, lush green trees, neighborhoods and numerous historical buildings.

When it’s time to return to downtown San Francisco, head back to the Presidio Transit Center and board the PresidiGo Downtown Shuttle for your quick and scenic ride back (across the street) from where you began. Catch BART just a few steps away at the corner of California and Market streets and before long, you’re back home from a trip of a lifetime.