The Golden Gate Bridge at a glance
The bridge carries US Highway 101 between San Francisco and the counties to the north. Visitor areas sit at the southeast and northeast ends. It is 2,737 m (1.7 miles) long including the approaches, and the towers rise 227 m (746 ft) above the water.
This guide covers the bridge and what you can combine with it: the walk across, the ride to Sausalito, parking and the toll, viewpoints, bay cruises, Alcatraz and Muir Woods. It is an independent site. It is not run by the bridge district, the National Park Service, San Francisco Travel or any tour company. Prices are in US dollars as published in 2026, and they change.
Getting there and getting across
Four ways to reach the south end, where the Welcome Center is.
By Muni bus
Route 28 runs between Daly City BART and Fisherman's Wharf and stops at Golden Gate Bridge/Parking Lot. It operates daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. An adult fare is $2.85 electronic or $3 cash and is valid for 120 minutes.
Parking and access →By Golden Gate Transit
Since 12 April 2026, route 120 replaces the old routes 130 and 150. The toll plaza is a transfer point. Some visitor pages still list the old numbers, so check the current timetable.
Sausalito →By car
The Welcome Center lot has 37 spaces in total. The free Vista Point lot on the north side allows 4 hours. Do not leave valuables in the car; break-ins are a known problem.
Toll →Our picks: Golden Gate tours
A bay cruise, a guided e-bike ride to Sausalito and a half day to Muir Woods.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided e-bike ride over the bridge to Sausalito
A local guide for about three hours, with helmet, lock and a short briefing. Keep the bike all day or drop it off free in Sausalito; the ferry ticket is extra.
Check availability →
Muir Woods and Sausalito half-day by bus
Return bus, Muir Woods entry and about 45 minutes in Sausalito. You walk the forest on your own for about an hour and a half; food and tips are extra.
Check availability →
One-hour Golden Gate bay cruise
Sixty minutes on the bay with an audio guide in 16 languages and seating inside and out. Food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →Golden Gate Bridge tours and day trips
Bike rides, walking tours, bus and boat trips around the bridge, with live prices and availability.
Plan your visit
Start with how you want to cross, then pick the pages you need.
Tours compared
Walking, bike, bus and boat options with lengths and 2026 prices.
Walking the bridge
Sidewalk hours, rules and how long the route is.
Biking the bridge
Which side to use, the ride to Sausalito and the ferry back.
Parking
The Welcome Center lot, Vista Point and the Headlands.
Toll and rental cars
Southbound rates, ways to pay and what rental cars add.
Best viewpoints
Battery Spencer, Fort Point, Baker Beach, Crissy Field and Lands End.
Bridge history
Construction from 1933 and the opening in May 1937.
Facts and figures
Length, tower height, cables and International Orange.
Bay cruises
60 and 90 minute cruises with prices and what they cover.
Alcatraz
Ticket prices, the ferry and the dock closure in autumn 2026.
Sausalito
Ferry fares, the last boat back and the bus alternative.
Muir Woods
Entry fee, parking reservations and the shuttle.
Fog and best time
Monthly rainfall and temperatures, and when fog is common.
Where to stay
Marina, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square or the Presidio.
Good to know in autumn 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
Alcatraz is closed from 26 October
Island visits do not run from 26 October to 18 November 2026 because of dock work. Reopening on 19 November is expected, not guaranteed. Direct bookings are refunded automatically.
Alcatraz guide →The toll changed on 1 July 2026
A car or motorcycle pays $10.25 with FasTrak, $10.50 with a license plate account or one-time payment and $11.25 by invoice. Only southbound traffic pays, and there is no cash lane.
Toll rates →Night lane closures since 5 October
Seismic retrofit work closes lanes at night on weekdays from about 8 p.m. At least one lane in each direction stays open. Expect delays if you drive late.
Weekend lot closures were seasonal
The Welcome Center and Vista Point lots were closed to private cars on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to about 5 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and 12 October 2026. Check the current rule before you drive.
Parking →Muir Woods needs a reservation
Entry is $15 from age 16, and under 16 is free. Parking at $10 for a standard vehicle or the $4 round-trip shuttle is a separate cost. Every arriving private vehicle and shuttle passenger needs a reservation.
Muir Woods →Ferries take contactless cards
Since 10 December 2025, Golden Gate Ferry accepts contactless bank cards at the adult Clipper fare. Each passenger needs their own card.
Sausalito →The suicide deterrent net exists
A continuous physical barrier has been in place on both sides since 1 January 2024. It is not a future plan.
Golden Gate Bridge: frequently asked questions
Is it free to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?
Yes. Walking and biking across are free. Only drivers heading south into San Francisco pay a toll. See the walking page for hours and rules.
Which sidewalk can pedestrians use?
Pedestrians use the east sidewalk only. Cyclists use the east or west side depending on the day and time. The biking page has the schedule.
How much is the toll?
From 1 July 2026, a two-axle car or motorcycle pays $10.25 with FasTrak, $10.50 with a license plate account or one-time payment and $11.25 by invoice. You pay only when driving south, and not in cash. More on the toll page.
Where can I park to see the bridge?
The Welcome Center lot costs $5 per hour with a limit of 3 hours in a row. The Vista Point lot on the north side is free for up to 4 hours. Spaces are limited at both, so a bus or a ride can be easier. See parking.
Can I count on a clear view?
No. Fog is common, especially in summer, and clearer weather often arrives in September and October. No one can promise a view. The fog and best time page has monthly figures.
Is this the official Golden Gate Bridge website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to the bridge district, the National Park Service, San Francisco Travel or any tour operator.