Muir Woods Shuttle Guide 2025

I've been to Muir Woods more than a dozen times, and I've tried all the different ways to get there. I've driven, taken guided tours, and ridden the official shuttles. 

Each option has its pros and cons, but the Muir Woods shuttles are one of the most affordable ways to get there if you know how to make them work for you.

Since I live in San Francisco, I've had the opportunity to test the shuttle routes on more than one occasion. Over time, I've picked up a lot of tips, including how to avoid missing your shuttle connection, which stop is easier to reach, and how to easily plan out your entire visit.

Standing beneath these towering trees in Muir Woods, many hundreds of years old, always stops me in my tracks. It's quiet, cool, and humbling in the best way. 

This is one of the reasons I created this guide for you. My experience allows you to skip the confusion when planning your visit, so you can focus on the fun part, thinking about your unforgettable experience ahead! 

My guide offers details on what you need to know and what to expect from the experience before you book.

• Muir Woods Shuttle Routes & Stops
• 2025 Schedule
• How the Muir Woods Shuttle Works
• How to Get to the Shuttles from San Francisco
• Pros and Cons of Taking the Muir Woods Shuttle

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Shuttle Routes and Stops

There are two places you can pick up the Muir Woods shuttles. Both offer direct service to Muir Woods with no stops along the routes.

• Sausalito Shuttle: This shuttle picks up in downtown Sausalito at the corner of Bay and Bridgeway.
• Larkspur Shuttle: This shuttle picks up in the parking lot of the Larkspur Ferry.

2025 Shuttle Schedule

Both of these shuttles are seasonal. Here is their schedule for 2025:

• Sausalito Shuttle: This shuttle is currently running weekdays and holidays. Reservations available through August 8, 2025. The first departures are at 8:30 am. Return shuttles run until around 5 pm.
• Larkspur Shuttle: This shuttle is currently running weekends and most holidays. Reservations are available through October 13, 2025. The first departures are at 8 am or 8:30 am. Return shuttles run until around 5:30 pm or 6 pm.

Each year, the schedule for these shuttles changes with little communication on dates when they will start and stop for the season. These dates are what is currently available in the reservation system.

They may extend out later in the season, but I have no way of knowing until they make the changes in the reservation system. I check frequently to make sure I have the latest dates available.

How the Muir Woods Shuttle Works

After taking the Muir Woods shuttle several times myself, I’ve learned exactly what works and what can trip you up if you’re not prepared. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown based on my own experience to help make your visit as smooth as possible:

1. Reserve Your Seat Online

You will need to reserve your shuttle online through GoMuirWoods. This is the only official site for the shuttle.

Be careful not to confuse it with guided tours that use the word "shuttle" in their names (the tours are great, but offer a different experience).

The cost is $3.75 for anyone 16 and older. Kids 15 and younger ride free, but still need a reservation.

2. Choose Your Departure and Return Times Carefully

You’ll be asked to select both your departure and return times.

They recommend giving yourself about 3 hours total, and I’ve found that to be a good baseline. It gives you around 2 hours inside the park, which is usually enough for the main trails.

If you’re planning a longer hike, I suggest booking your return shuttle for 4 to 5 hours after your departure.

3. Pay in Advance for Muir Woods Visit

Once you select your times, you'll be prompted to pay for park admission. I usually pay in advance using the online system, as it's one less thing to think about when I arrive.

Alternatively, you could pay at the ticket booth upon arrival or use your America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for entry.

4. Arrive Early, Really Early

Don't cut this close. I've seen people miss their shuttle because they end up arriving just a few minutes late. 

I always try to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early. If you miss your shuttle time, you may end up waiting a few hours for an open seat on another shuttle.

You are not guaranteed a later ride, because shuttle times often sell out.

5. Enjoy the Ride (But Be Ready for the Twists)

The Muir Woods shuttles (from either the Sausalito or Larkspur location) take about 30 to 45 minutes. The seats are super comfortable, and it's a nice ride into the park.

The first part is a smooth highway drive, but the second half is completely different. This part of the ride feels like driving through a hidden path carved through the hills.

The last several miles are on a narrow, twisting road that weaves through coastal forests, with glimpses of deep ravines and dense trees.

The ride in is stunning, but be warned: if you're prone to motion sickness (which I am), it's a good idea to come prepared. This is what I usually take.

6. Explore Muir Woods at Your Own Pace

Once the shuttle drops you off, you're on your own. There are no guides or tours.

Walk up to the entrance, show your ticket (or buy one there), and enjoy the redwoods.

I love wandering off the main paths into hushed corners, where the only sounds are your footsteps on the trails and the occasional creak of a redwood swaying hundreds of feet above.

Even on busy days, there are peaceful pockets.

Here are a few things you'll want to bring along:

• Collapsible Water Bottles
• Walking/Hiking Shoes
• Lightweight Jacket
• Small Backpack

All of these items are also great for the days you are exploring San Francisco.

7. Be Early (Again) for Your Return Shuttle

The same rules apply for your return ride. Don't be late!

Shuttles leave right on time, and they won't wait for stragglers. However, they are a bit more flexible on this end.

If you finish early or want to stay longer, you can hop on a different shuttle as long as there’s space. I’ve done this a few times with no problem.

8. Ride Back the Way You Came

The return ride follows the same winding road back to your original stop.

By this point, you’ll probably be tired and ready to relax like I usually am. I like to just sit back, look out the window, and soak in the scenery.

How to Get to these North Bay Shuttle Stops from SF

I think one of the biggest challenges with taking one of these Muir Woods Shuttles is planning out how to get to your departure stops. I'm familiar with all the buses and ferries used to get here, and it still took me about 30 minutes to figure out the best timing.

I didn't want to arrive too early. I also didn't want to sit around for a long time waiting for either the shuttle or the public transit back to San Francisco. I changed my mind a few times on when I wanted to leave and return from the shuttle stops based on when I could get to and from the shuttle stops by bus and ferry.

I highly recommend spending a little time thinking through this part of the process before you book your shuttle times. It will make for a more pleasant journey on the day of your visit.

Sausalito Shuttle to Muir Woods

You have three options to get to the Sausalito Muir Woods Shuttle from San Francisco. It leaves from the corner of Bay and Bridgeway in downtown Sausalito.

1. Sausalito Ferry from San Francisco: You can take the ferry from either Fisherman's Wharf or the Ferry Building. Find the schedule for each one here.
2. 130 Bus from SF: This bus picks up along Mission, Van Ness, and Lombard Streets in San Francisco.
3. Uber/Lyft: This is an option if you don't mind paying a bit more or if you have three or four adults in your group (which makes it cost-effective).

Sausalito Ferry from SF

You have two ferry options to get from San Francisco to the Sausalito Ferry Terminal (purple star on map).

1. The Blue and Gold Ferry Company runs the ferry service from Fisherman's Wharf. 
2. Golden Gate Transit runs the ferry service from the Ferry Building. 

Both arrive in the same location in Sausalito.

These ferries run on a limited schedule throughout the year. In the summer, there are typically around 5 or 6 ferry rides from each location to Sausalito and back. Be sure to check the schedule to see if you can arrive in time for your shuttle if you select this option.

The good news is that it only takes about 5 minutes to walk from the ferry terminal over to where the Muir Woods shuttle picks up. I've added a walking path to the map above, so you can get a sense of how far you'll need to walk. It's all flat.

Here are the schedules for the ferries:

• Blue and Gold from Fisherman's Wharf - You can also pre-book your tickets on this ferry.
• Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building (Use the drop-downs as the ferry schedule is different on weekdays and weekends)

Also, double-check the service times for the day you plan to head over in case they make a last-minute schedule change, are running late, or have a last-minute cancellation.

130 Bus from SF

Another option to get you to the Muir Woods shuttle is the 130 Golden Gate Transit Bus.

This bus starts at the Transbay Terminal in the South of Market District, picks up along Mission Street, in the Civic Center area, along Van Ness, and along Lombard Street.

It then drives over the Golden Gate Bridge and through downtown Sausalito.

You will want to exit at the Bridgeway and Bay Street stop, which is just a short walk away from your Muir Woods shuttle stop.

The first bus leaves San Francisco around 6:00 am and runs approximately every hour. This makes it a great option if you have morning shuttle tickets to Muir Woods.

Here is a map with the best stop in San Francisco for those coming from Fisherman's Wharf.

The map above shows two stars. The red star is a generic star showing you the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. The purple star in the lower left corner is the best bus stop to pick up the 130.

This stop is on the northwest corner of Lombard and Fillmore Streets. It's about a mile and a half from the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.

You can reach this stop by walking, taking the 28 bus (which will drop you off directly at the stop), or using an Uber or Lyft.

Here is a map with the best stop for those staying in Union Square (red star) and downtown San Francisco.

The best stop to pick up the 130 if you are staying in Union Square is along Mission Street (purple star).

This stop is on Mission Street between 4th Street and Jessie East. 

It is just a few blocks from Union Square, so you can walk or take a quick Uber/Lyft to catch this bus.

Uber/Lyft from SF to Sausalito

You can also take a Lyft or Uber to Sausalito. The drive takes about 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco and about 20 minutes from Fisherman's Wharf.

The cost will vary based on the time you head over and the traffic, but I'd estimate it's about $35 to $50 for the ride before tax and tip.

Larkspur Shuttle Stop

You have three options to get to the Larkspur Muir Woods Shuttle from San Francisco. Each one takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The ferry leaves from the northeast side of the Larkspur Ferry parking lot.

1. Larkspur Ferry from San Francisco: The only ferry to Larkspur leaves from the Ferry Building in San Francisco. This Golden Gate Ferry option is offered several times a day, beginning around 6 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends.
2. 130 Bus from SF: This bus picks up along Mission, Van Ness, and Lombard Streets in San Francisco.
3. Uber/Lyft: This is a bit more expensive, but it is a good option if you don't want the hassle of taking public transit to get to Larkspur.

Here is a map showing details for the ferry and the bus stops.

It takes about two minutes to walk from the ferry stop to the Muir Woods shuttle stop.

The Golden Gate Transit's 130 bus drops you off at the Lucky Drive Bus Pad. It's about a 10-minute walk from this stop. There is a walking path located just next to the Redwood Highway/101, which you can use to safely walk to the shuttle stop.

The northbound stop is on the eastern side. You can access the southbound stop by walking over 101 on the Lucky Drive Pedestrian Bridge and south about three blocks to find the southbound Lucky Drive Bus Pad.

Pros and Cons of Taking the Muir Woods Shuttle

I wish I could say that taking the Muir Woods Shuttle is the best option. It is for some and not for others.

Here are a few things I recommend you think about before booking your shuttle tickets.

Cost for the Muir Woods Shuttle

The cost of taking the shuttle is WAY less expensive than taking a tour. But the $3.75 price tag only covers the shuttle ride.

Here are all the associated costs without a car:

• Shuttle Ride Only: $3.75 for those 16 and older. Free for 15 and under.
• Muir Woods Entry: The admission cost to Muir Woods is $15 for individuals 16 years of age and older. Free for those 15 and under.
• Bus Fares: The one-way fare for adults 19 and older is $8.75 when paying with cash and $7.00 when paying with the Clipper Card. The cost is $4.25 for kids 5 to 18, free for kids 4 and under.
• Golden Gate Ferry Fares: The one-way cost for adults 19 to 64 is $14 in cash. Using the Clipper Card, you will pay $9.25 to get to Larkspur or $8.25 to get to Sausalito. It's $7 for kids ages 5 to 18. 

Below are some estimated total costs for getting to Muir Woods without a car. I calculated this using the cash cost for each one, so it will be a bit cheaper if you use a Clipper Card.

I also used the Golden Gate Ferry prices, so add $.75 per ride if you plan to use the Blue and Gold Ferry from Fisherman's Wharf.

• Adults 19 and Over: Taking the bus both ways is $36.25. Taking the ferry both ways is $46.75. 
• Kids 16 and Over: Taking the bus both ways is $27.25. Taking the ferry both ways is $32.75.
• Kids 15 and Under: Taking the bus both ways is $8.50. Taking the ferry both ways is $14.

How Long Does it Take for the Muir Woods Shuttles?

The time it takes to arrive by shuttle is the one piece that caught me off guard when I took the Muir Woods Shuttle the first time. While the ride itself is only 30 to 45 minutes, it does take some effort to get to the shuttle stops. 

In addition to the roughly 3 hours to take the shuttle and visit the park, you need to figure in time to get to the shuttle stops: 

• Sausalito: Both the bus and ferry take about 30 minutes. 
• Larkspur: Both the bus and the ferry take about 40 minutes.

Given that both options only run so often, the total time you'll need to visit Muir Woods by shuttle could be anywhere from a minimum of 5 hours to 7 hours. You'll need most of the day set aside if you plan to take the shuttles. 

Is It Easy to Take the Muir Woods Shuttles?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most visitors. With all the tips and details above, you should have a clear idea of how the Muir Woods shuttles work, what to expect, and how to plan around them.

That said, the shuttles aren’t the quickest way to visit. They’re affordable, reliable, and a great choice if you’ve got the time, especially for longer stays or those looking to avoid the cost of a tour or the hassle of renting a car.

But if your visit is short or you’re trying to squeeze in as much as possible, booking a guided tour from San Francisco might be the more efficient option.

However you get there, I hope you take a moment to stop, look up, and let the silence of the redwoods work its magic. It always does for me.

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