By Taxi
This isn't New York, so don't expect a taxi to appear whenever you need one -- if at all. If you're downtown during rush hour or leaving a major hotel, it won't be hard to hail a cab; just look for the lighted sign on the roof that indicates the vehicle is free. Otherwise, it's a good idea to call one of the following companies to arrange a ride; even then, there's been more than one time when the cab never came for me. What to do? Call back if your cab is late and insist on attention, but don't expect prompt results on weekends, no matter how nicely you ask. The companies are: Veteran's Cab (tel. 415/552-1300), Luxor Cabs (tel. 415/282-4141), and Yellow Cab (tel. 415/626-2345). Rates are approximately $2.85 for the first mile and 45¢ each fifth of a mile thereafter.
By Farry
To/From Sausalito, Tiburon, or Larkspur -- The Golden Gate Ferry Service fleet (tel. 415/455-2000; www.goldengateferry.org) shuttles passengers daily between the San Francisco Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street, and downtown Sausalito and Larkspur. Service is frequent, departing at reasonable intervals every day of the year except January 1, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25. Phone or check the website for an exact schedule. The ride takes half an hour, and one-way fares are $6.45 for adults; $3.35 for seniors, passengers with disabilities, and youth 6 to 18. Children 5 and under travel free when accompanied by a full-fare paying adult (limit two children per adult). Family rates are available on weekends.
Ferries of the Blue & Gold Fleet (tel. 415/773-1188 for recorded info, or 415/705-5555 for tickets; www.blueandgoldfleet.com) also provide round-trip service to downtown Sausalito and Tiburon, leaving from Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 41. The one-way cost is $8.50 for adults, $4.50 for kids 5 to 11. Boats run on a seasonal schedule; phone for departure information. Tickets can be purchased at Pier 41.
