Aquarium
of the Bay
CityPASS saves you 48% on admission to San Francisco’s top 5 attractions plus unlimited cable car rides.
Aquarium of the Bay CityPASS ticket includes general admission.
VIDEO: See, Touch, Discover
Watch to learn what awaits you at Aquarium of the Bay.
Walk on the Wild Side
Walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of filtered bay water and 20,000 aquatic animals. With sevengill and leopard sharks circling overhead, and bat rays gliding by, it’s almost like going skin diving without getting wet.
There’s a strong message of conservation in the aquarium’s story telling. Young and not-so-young will benefit by the beauty and information available at every angle.
VIDEO: Dive deep into the mysteries of San Francisco Bay
Visit the lair of the Giant Pacific Octopus and find out why this flexible denizen of the deep is also one of the smartest marine animals that live in San Francisco Bay.
Touch the Bay… and Beyond
At Aquarium of the Bay, you’ll even have a chance to touch leopard sharks, bat rays, sea cucumbers, and sea stars in two touch pools that re-create California’s rocky shoreline.
PG&E Bay Lab is an interactive climate change exhibit that features live interaction with land animals from across the globe – from soft and furry chinchillas to prickly pygmy hedgehogs.
Extra-special Events Every Day
Fun special events are part of your admission every day at the aquarium. Look for animal feedings, movies and a wide variety of presentations by the Aquarium’s interpretive naturalists.
Visit the aquariumofthebay.com Events Calendar to learn what’s happening on your travel dates.
- Attraction
Details - CityPASS
Details - Reviews
- How
to Buy - Price
Details - Skip Most
Ticket Lines - FAQs
- Map
- Transportation
- Coupons
Aquarium of the Bay Details
| Location: | PIER 39, The Embarcadero at Beach Street |
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| Website: | aquariumofthebay.org |
| Phone: | (415) 623-5300 |
| Hours: | Summer (May 25-Sept. 6): Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Winter (Sept. 7-May 24): Mon-Thurs, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day |
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| CityPASS Admission | General admission to the only aquarium dedicated to the animals native to the San Francisco Bay. Includes underwater glass tunnels and touch pools. | ||||||
| CityPASS Entry | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the CityPASS express window. Look for the CityPASS sign to skip main ticket line. | ||||||
| Special Exhibits & Upgrades | Upgrades for CityPASS Holders
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| On-site Services |
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| Advice for Visitors |
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| Transportation | F line Streetcar: stops right in front of PIER 39. MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39. |
What is CityPASS?
- San Francisco CityPASS includes a Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport plus one-time admission to 5 of San Francisco's most famous attractions
- CityPASS ticket booklets are valid for nine days beginning with the first day of use. Booklets include detailed attraction information, hours, location, insider tips and a map.
- With your CityPASS booklet in hand, you’ll skip most ticket lines.
- CityPASS is available as a shipped booklet or convenient e-ticket.
- Look inside a CityPASS booklet
How do you use CityPASS?
- Exchange your e-ticket for a San Francisco CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. (If you already have your CityPASS booklet in hand, you'll skip this step.)
- Present your booklet at each attraction for admission.
- Each attraction will tear out or scan their ticket. Please do not pull a ticket from the booklet or it will be invalid.
- An Option Ticket allows you to choose admission to one of the two attractions offered.
What’s included with CityPASS?
CityPASS includes admission to 6 San Francisco attractions:
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Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport
Unlimited transportation on all Muni Trolleys, busses and historic Cable Cars for seven consecutive days beginning day of first CityPASS use. Without CityPASS, a single one-way Cable Car ride costs $6 (Muni bus: $2); does not include BART. more
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Aquarium of the Bay
General admission to the only aquarium dedicated to the animals native to the San Francisco Bay. Includes underwater glass tunnels and touch pools. more
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California Academy of Sciences
General admission to all exhibits including the aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, natural history museum, 3D theater, and living roof. more
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Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise
A one-hour narrated Bay Cruise Adventure tours you under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz Island, and past Angel Island, offering sensational skyline views. more
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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
General museum admission including all permanent collections, the rooftop garden, and Making Sense of Modern Art mobile device. more
- OPTION TICKET:
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de Young Museum
General admission to both de Young + Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums, if visited on the same day, and access to de Young’s Hamon Tower Observatory. more
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Exploratorium
General admission to join this museum’s ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception. more
Customer Reviews — San Francisco CityPASS
Overall Rating:
99% recommend this product
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CityPASS was my gateway to San Francisco
posted by BR on Feb-02-2012
Didn't purchase the CityPass until my third day of my week long trip and quickly understood what a mistake!! I should have purchased it the very first day of my trip!!! The ability to travel on many different vehicles through out the city was great! Used the PASS to go to all of the attractions and enjoyed each and everyone of them!!!
San Francisco CityPASS is too good to pass!
posted by CL on Jan-29-2012
If you're going to go San Francisco for some fun, this is a pass you have to have for sure! My friends and I went to San Francisco for 6 nights during the Winter Break and boy did we have a blast, thanks to San Francisco CityPASS. The CityPASS is well worth the money. All the attractions tickets are wonderful, and we used up all of them. Using the MUNI bus is as simple as flashing the CityPASS, making transportation an ease. There are so many places and sites to go and visit in San Francisco. So we planned our trip based on the CityPASS. Everything offered in the San Francisco CityPASS has its own uniqueness and specialty. Well, it wouldn't do justice to reveal everything, just get one for yourself and start exploring San Francisco!
Exceptional Value!
posted by michaelohio on Jan-26-2012
Wow! Our CityPasses are worn out! Folded over, a little water damaged (rain in San Francisco), and empty! After planning our trip to San Francisco, we kind of had an idea of what we wanted to do during our time there. Came across CityPass through a blog, looked it up and went for it. The best decision. Easy to use, from the cable cars, the muni, the buses, we went everywhere! Just flashed our CityPass. Our hotel was near the cable car line which made it ideal for movement within the city. The admission to the attractions was easy. We did it all. Price-wise, the smartest thing we did! Our CityPass paid for itself more than we could have imagined!
travel amongst the City by the Bay
posted by rocky on Jan-26-2012
OMG What a great way to travel around, so many wonderful ride choices to choose from. Cutos to the staff, they run all the different nations around this city with a smile and most helpful, directions; to those of us that sometimes have a lapse in the siteseeing on where to walk or catch the next ride. Thanks San Fran, for the great service and wonderful people who drive us safely... Rocky ") PS: I feel sorry for the tourist that doesn't take up the city pass its the best price for a vacationer on a budget!!!!!
San Francisco CityPASS
posted by mtylke on Jan-22-2012
The most bang for your buck! I highly recommend purchasing the San Francisco CityPASS if you are visiting for more than three days. There are a variety of things to do in San Francisco and this PASS takes to you many of the greatest places to visit. The best part about it is your transportation is practically free, MUNI and CableCar services are covered by the CityPASS booklet (due to time limitations on MUNI and CableCar tickets, this in itself will save you a good amount of $$).
How to Buy
Buy now and, at checkout, you'll choose to either print an e-ticket or to have CityPASS booklets shipped to you. For payment, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or PayPal.
Print e-ticket
Print your e-ticket at time of purchase or later by accessing the e‑ticket attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All e-tickets must be printed. An on-screen view of your e-ticket, using your mobile device, will NOT be accepted at the attractions. Once printed, you take the pre-paid e‑ticket to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet, which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed right on the e‑ticket. Exchange e-tickets within 6 months of purchase. Your CityPASS booklet's 9-day validity period will begin the day you visit the first attraction.
Ship Booklets
Having a CityPASS booklet in hand can often save you time by skipping ticket lines. We ship booklets to the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii, and Canada using UPS. Additionally, we ship to United Kingdom using Royal Mail. Shipping costs vary by delivery type selected. You'll be shown the estimated delivery date for each shipping type during checkout. For Southern California CityPASS orders only, someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery.
Buy at an Attraction
San Francisco CityPASS is available for sale at all San Francisco CityPASS attractions for the same low price.
Price Details
Compare the cost of separate admission to each attraction to what you'd pay with CityPASS:
| Attractions | Adult Price | Child (5-12) | ||
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| Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport unlimited rides on Muni cable cars, street cars, and buses for 7 consecutive days (compare: a single regular-fare cable car ride is $6) | $27.00 | $27.00 | Ages 4 & under, free | |
| Aquarium of the Bay general admission | $16.95 | $10.00 | Ages 3-11, $8.50; Ages 2 & under, free | |
| California Academy of Sciences admission to 3-in-one attraction (natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium) includes exhibits and 3D theater | $29.95 | $19.95 | Ages 12-17, $24.95; Age 4, $19.95; Ages 3 & under, free | |
| Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise a one-hour narrated cruise or a RocketBoat Ride (May-Oct. only) | $25.00 | $17.00 | Ages 12-18, $21; Ages 4 & under, free | |
| San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) general admission | $18.00 | - | Ages 13-17, $9; Ages 12 & under, free | |
| and your choice of | ||||
| de Young Museum general admission to both de Young + Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums, if visited on the same day, and access to de Young’s Hamon Tower Observatory | $10.00 | - | Ages 13-17, $6; Ages 12 & under, free | |
| Exploratorium general admission | $15.00 | $10.00 | Ages 13-17, $12; Ages 3 & under, free | |
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Total Combined Price:
CityPASS Price:
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$131.90
$69.00
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$83.95
$39.00
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Skip Most Ticket Lines
Often, CityPASS booklet holders can skip main ticket lines. Below, find details about how to enter each attraction as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some lines, such as security checkpoints, are unavoidable. You may encounter a line when you exchange a CityPASS e-ticket for a CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit.
| Where to enter using your CityPASS ticket | |
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| Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport | Present validated CityPASS booklet to the driver on any Municipal Railway passenger vehicle. Exchange e-ticket for a CityPASS booklet at any included attraction prior to using MUNI. Your e-ticket is not redeemable or accepted for use aboard MUNI vehicles or at Cable Car Kiosks. Please plan-ahead; if arriving after normal attraction hours with an e-ticket, you'll have to wait until morning to exchange it for a CityPASS booklet to use to board the cable cars. |
| Aquarium of the Bay | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the CityPASS express window. Look for the CityPASS sign to skip main ticket line. |
| California Academy of Sciences | Present CityPASS booklet at the regular admission gate to skip the main ticket line. Exchange e-ticket for a CityPASS booklet at the main ticket office, then proceed to the regular admission line. |
| Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the PIER 39 box office ticket window to exchange for a boarding pass. |
| San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the information desk located on the right, just inside the main entrance to skip the main ticket line. |
| de Young Museum | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the general admissions desk at either the de Young Museum or Legion of Honor. |
| Exploratorium | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the regular admissions desk. On days when the membership kiosk is open, you may present your booklet there to skip main ticket line (look for the CityPASS logo). Exchange e-ticket for a CityPASS booklet and purchase Tactile Dome tickets at the regular admissions desk. |
FAQs
Find answers to questions most frequently asked about San Francisco CityPASS below. Click on the questions to show or hide answers.
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How do I know if San Francisco CityPASS is a good deal for me?
You'd get your money's worth even if you only visited three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself. Price Details displays CityPASS prices right next to full attraction admission prices and the extras you get with CityPASS. You can tell at a glance if the price and value are right for you — even if you don't visit every attraction.
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If I want an Alcatraz tour, how do I get it with CityPASS?
We offer an Alcatraz Option. Purchase San Francisco CityPASS directly from Alcatraz Cruises by calling (415) 981‑7625 – or buy at their ticket booth in San Francisco.
Note: The Alcatraz tour will replace the CityPASS booklet’s Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise ticket. The Blue & Gold ticket will be removed from your booklet; you will not be eligible for a bay cruise.
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When does the 9‑day validity period begin?
If you purchase today, you may begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2013. Exchange e‑tickets for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months from date-of-purchase.
San Francisco CityPASS tickets are valid for one‑time use within nine consecutive calendar days. The first attraction you visit stamps or scans your booklet to activate the booklet's nine‑day validity period. For example, if you visit the Adler Planetarium on Monday, you have the rest of that day, plus the following eight days to use the other four tickets in your booklet.
Your booklet serves as your 7‑day Muni passport starting the day it is activated.
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Are there ever any blackout dates for using CityPASS?
No, there are no black-out dates associated with using CityPASS. You're welcome use your CityPASS anytime within regular attraction operating hours. Please note that some attractions may periodically close all or a portion of their attraction for private events or due to weather conditions. We recommend contacting the attractions directly to verify availability during your travel dates.
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What is an option ticket?
San Francisco CityPASS includes one option ticket that gives you the choice to visit either de Young & Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums OR Exploratorium. No need to decide between them now – choose when you get there.
Don't miss this - your booklet contains a coupon for a special CityPASS savings to use at the attraction you don't visit using your option ticket.
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What do I do if my child is younger than the CityPASS child ticket price range?
San Francisco child booklets are priced for ages 5‑12. Children under age 5 may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some attractions, however, you are often required to stand in line with them to secure a free child’s ticket. You may save money, but you will spend time in ticket lines.
See Price Details to decide whether CityPASS is a good choice for your child. Your family’s vacation experience may be improved by zipping past main ticket lines to the CityPASS entrance — even if it costs you a few extra dollars.
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What is an e‑ticket and how do I use it?
An e‑ticket (electronic ticket) is a one-page paper voucher that you print at the time of purchase or later by accessing the e-ticket attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All e-tickets must be printed; attractions will not accept an on-screen view of your e-ticket, using your mobile device. (At check out, you also have the option to have actual booklets shipped to you by UPS.)
Once printed, you take the pre-paid e-ticket to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed on the e-ticket. Keep in mind that you may encounter a ticket line when exchanging your e‑ticket.
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May I redeem my e-ticket at a Muni kiosk or by presenting to cable car, trolley or bus drivers?
San Francisco CityPASS print‑at‑home e‑tickets must be exchanged at one of the CityPASS attractions, or at the San Francisco Visitors Bureau at 900 Market Street for a booklet prior to use aboard Muni vehicles.
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Do I skip every line with San Francisco CityPASS?
The Skip the Lines tab tells you how to enter each attraction with a CityPASS booklet in hand and with an e-ticket to — if possible — avoid the main ticket line. We've also printed brief instructions on each ticket in your booklet to remind you where to go. Also, each attraction displays signs indicating where CityPASS ticket holders go to present their ticket booklets to avoid most entrance ticket lines. Keep in mind that these are the most-popular attractions in San Francisco and there may be lines in summer, on weekends and holidays.
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How do I know when attractions open/close and where I should start?
Planning is easier when you see all the attractions' locations and hours in one place. Click on Attraction Details to find the Location & Hours tab and more attraction information tabs designed to help you plan your trip.
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How do I buy a CityPASS if I live outside the U.S., Canada or U.K.?
International buyers will find the print‑at‑home e‑ticket purchase their most efficient solution. If you prefer to wait until arrival, you will find booklets available for the same low price at every participating CityPASS attraction.
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Where can I buy a San Francisco CityPASS when I get to San Francisco?
Purchase a San Francisco CityPASS at all participating San Francisco attractions or at the Muni cable car turnaround kiosks, Muni office (11 South Van Ness Ave. at Market), or San Francisco Visitors Center (900 Market Street, Mon‑Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.).
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Where are Muni kiosks and when are they open?
Corner of Market and Powell
Open: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon‑Fri
Closed: 1-1:30 p.m. (lunch)Corner of Beach and Hyde
Open: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., every day
Closed: 1-1:30 p.m. (lunch)Corner of Bay and Taylor
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon‑Fri
Closed: 12:30-1 p.m. (lunch) -
Is San Francisco CityPASS available at the airport? May I use Muni transportation from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
CityPASS is not sold at SFO. The 7‑day Muni Passport does not include travel to and from the airport.
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Can you recommend the least expensive transportation from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
Luggage-toting San Francisco visitors can avoid steep taxi charges and multiple-stop shuttles by taking BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Follow these steps:
- Follow SFO signs to AirTran/Bart.
- AirTran (complimentary) delivers you to the International Terminal – Garage G / BART Station.
- Select and purchase the ticket that will get you closest to your hotel or downtown destination; There are four downtown stops.
- Trains depart every 15 minutes; travel to downtown San Francisco is approximately 30 minutes.
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Is it safe to buy a CityPASS from private sellers on Ebay, Craig's List or other similar entities?
CityPASS does not endorse or support the purchase of CityPASS products from eBay, Craig’s List or directly from any individual. In the event that you purchase stolen or invalid CityPASS products, CityPASS will be unable to offer any compensation
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How does shipping work for citypass.com orders?
We ship to continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. MT, Mon-Fri will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Fri afternoon, Sat, Sun or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for shipment of 1-15 booklets:
UPS 3-Day Select (Continental U.S.) $12.40 UPS 2nd Day Air (Continental U.S.) $13.25 Next Day Air Saver (Continental U.S.) $15.25 Next Day Air (Continental U.S.) $16.00 UPS 3-Day Select (Hawaii) $31.00 UPS 2nd Day Air (Alaska) $23.00 UPS Standard Ground (Canada) $21.00 UPS WorldWide Express (Canada) $29.50 United Kingdom (U.K.) orders are fulfilled within the U.K. and are sent via Royal Mail. Orders placed prior to 11 a.m., Mon-Fri will ship that same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received on Fri, Sat, and Sun will ship on Mon, save for bank holidays. Note: Royal Mail will deliver to post boxes; signatures may be required for residential or commercial delivery. The following rates apply for a U.K. shipment of 1-15 booklets:
Royal Mail (U.K) $13.00 All Other Shipping Destinations: Shipping to other destinations is not presently offered. You may purchase an e-ticket online now, print it, and exchange it for a booklet at the first participating CityPASS attraction you visit. If you prefer, wait until you arrive in the city to purchase. You will pay the same low price when you buy at any participating CityPASS attraction.
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How long does it take to receive a CityPASS by UPS? Can I track it?
You will select UPS shipping when you purchase CityPASS online, with options for delivery timing. An expected date of arrival is provided for each shipping method. By end‑of‑day (or first business day after weekend orders), you will receive an e‑mail from UPS with a tracking number.
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Will you ship CityPASS booklets to a hotel?
CityPASS booklets purchased online in advance of travel may be directed to home, office or hotel addresses in the U.S. or Canada. We recommend that you alert the hotel to your expected delivery when you confirm your reservation.
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Can I substitute or subtract an attraction ticket?
CityPASS is a well-researched collection of the most popular and loved attractions in San Francisco and the attraction line‑up may not be altered. You'll save money with CityPASS even if you only visit three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself Price Details.
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What is your return policy?
CityPASS offers a full refund, within 365 days from date of purchase from citypass.com, on unused CityPASS booklets with all tickets attached or e–tickets that have not been redeemed.
Partially- or fully-used CityPASS booklets are non-refundable. No refunds or exchanges will be provided for any portion of an activated CityPASS booklet.
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When does my CityPASS expire?
E-ticket: Exchange e-tickets for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months of purchase.
Booklet: If you have a previously-purchased CityPASS booklet, look at the inside cover to find the expiration date of your booklet. Purchase today and begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2013.
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What do I do if my CityPASS is lost or stolen?
Think of a CityPASS booklet like cash in your pocket. If lost or stolen, no refund or replacement is possible.
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What about discounts for seniors, military, students or groups?
CityPASS is already a deeply discounted collection of tickets, with significant savings for all ages and interests. In fact, CityPASS is more attractively priced than A.A.R.P. or other comparable offers. Further discounts are not available.
San Francisco Public Transportation — Municipal Railway (MUNI)
A Muni & Cable Car 7-day Passport is included with San Francisco CityPASS.
The Muni passport entitles bearer to ride ALL Municipal Railway transportation within the city limits for 7 consecutive days from the date validated on the CityPASS booklet cover. The CityPASS Muni passport is valid on all Muni vehicles including Cable Cars. CityPASS holders may use the Candlestick BallPark Express for $8 surcharge.
A single one way ride on a Cable Car costs $6 (Muni bus: $2). The 1-day Muni passport costs $14 (3-day: $21 and 7-day: $27). Does not include BART.
How to get to each CityPASS attraction using Muni is listed below and also on the back of each CityPASS attraction ticket.
| Attraction Transportation Information | |
|---|---|
| Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport | MUNI Cable Cars, Street Cars, buses and underground trains access the entire downtown San Francisco area. Route maps & schedules, Details. |
| Aquarium of the Bay | F line Streetcar: stops right in front of PIER 39. MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39. |
| California Academy of Sciences | MUNI Bus lines: 44 stops in front of the Academy; 5 & 21 stop just 2 blocks outside the park. N-Judah Streetcar: stops at 9th Avenue, 4 blocks from Golden Gate Park. |
| Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise | F line Streetcar: stops right in front of PIER 39. MUNI Bus Routes: 15, 10, 47; bus lines go within a block of PIER 39. |
| San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) | MUNI Bus Routes: 30 Stockton bus, 45 Union bus or 14 Mission bus to 3rd and Mission |
| de Young Museum | de Young: MUNI Bus lines: 44 stops in front of the Academy; 5 & 21 stop just 2 blocks outside the park. N-Judah Streetcar: stops at 9th Avenue, 4 blocks from Golden Gate Park. Legion of Honor: MUNI Bus Routes: From downtown SF to the Legion take the 38 Geary bus to 33rd Avenue and transfer to the 18 bus |
| Exploratorium | MUNI Bus Routes: 28, 30, 43 |
Enjoy these great deals and offers from CityPASS attractions and other trusted partners. Provided to you by CityPASS. No purchase necessary.
