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How to Take the Muir Woods Shuttle

Updated: April 17, 2023

This post contains logistics, prices, and everything you need to know about the Muir Woods shuttle reservation system. 

Be sure to also read our post on Muir Woods Tours.


WHAT IS THE SHUTTLE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Muir Woods shuttle is a seasonal service that takes visitors from several off-site locations up to the Muir Woods National Monument.

It’s the easiest way to get to the park outside of driving your own car or taking a guided tour.

The tickets can be purchased for just $3 round-trip for adults 16 years old and up.

Passengers under 16 can ride for free but will still require a reservation.

Admission to the forest is $10 for guests 16 years old and up, which makes your total cost $13 per adult.


WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE MUIR WOODS SHUTTLE RUN?

The Muir Woods shuttle runs on all weekends and holidays year round!

Shuttles start running between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM depending on the day.

The last shuttle of the day typically departs at 2:30 PM - check the reservation schedule for availability.

Muir Woods Shuttle

Most shuttles depart every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

In addition to weekends, on summer weekdays between June 18th and August 10th, the shuttle runs from Sausalito Ferry Terminal and Marin City Hub.

June, July, and August see the most visitors, so be prepared for afternoon crowds.  


Where are the Muir Woods shuttle stops?

There are three (3) shuttle pick-up and drop-off locations around the Sausalito area.

While there is no direct Muir Woods shuttle from San Francisco, you have simple public transportation options for all three locations.

All tickets purchased are round-trip and will bring you back to your original location.

While you need to be on time for your shuttle pick-up, you can take as much time exploring the forest as you want before getting on your return shuttle.


Sausalito Ferry Terminal

Bay & Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965

Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for your exact departure time.

We suggest arriving 15 minutes early or more, as the Muir Woods shuttle from Sausalito is the busiest pick-up location.

Parking is not available.

Public Transport:


Pohono Park & Ride

100 Shoreline Hwy, Sausalito, CA 94965

Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for a 30-minute window.

Free parking is available - no parking reservation needed. This is the easiest shuttle stop to access for drivers with their own cars.

Public Transport:


Marin City Hub

Donahue & Terners, Sausalito, CA 94965

Ticket reservations for this shuttle stop are made for your exact departure time. We suggest arriving 15 minutes early.

Parking is not available.

Public transport: Here’s the link to a possible route from Fisherman’s Wharf that would arrive at 9:30 am.


Is the shuttle ADA or wheelchair accessible? 

Yes. All shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs through lifts or ramps.

Additionally, service dogs are allowed on the shuttle and within Muir Woods itself. No other dogs or pets are allowed on the premises.


PLAN YOUR TRIP

This section will give you tips on your reservation and how to plan your day.


Tips to Secure Your Reservation

Reservations for the shuttle or car parking can be made up to 90 days in advance through the official website, gomuirwoods.com, or by calling 1-800-410-2419.

Tickets are automatically made available on a rolling basis at 12:01 AM.

While the system does allow for same-day reservations, demand is high, so we recommend you book as far in advance as possible.

Muir Woods Parking

If you are making last-minute plans and want to try your luck, Muir Woods does hold a small number of reservations to be released five (5) days in advance.

These sell out quickly during peak summer months and are released at 12:01 AM each day.

All parking and shuttle passes are electronic and will be checked before entering the shuttle (or parking lot, if driving).

If you reserve your spot online you will get an email confirmation.

If you reserve your spot over the phone you will receive a confirmation number and can give your email address to receive the pass. You may bring a printed copy with you on the day of.

If shuttle tickets for your chosen day are sold out, you can join an inclusive tour and let the tour company handle all of the travel logistics.

Remember: There is no wifi or cell phone reception at Muir Woods. Download your tickets before arrival.  


How long will the whole trip take? How far away from San Francisco is Muir Woods? 

Muir Woods is only 16 miles from the center of San Francisco proper.

Where is Muir Woods

It’s much closer than the well known Redwood National Forest, but you should still budget at least half a day to enjoy the smaller forest.

The Muir Woods shuttle takes approximately 30 minutes from the drop-off locations to get to the park entrance.

Most park guests spend 1 - 2 hours exploring and walking the trails. If you enjoy browsing gift shops, tack on another 30 minutes.  

When you’re ready to hop on a departing shuttle, make sure you have your round-trip ticket close at hand.

The shuttle drivers will check it again as you board to make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

Keep in mind - during busy summer months, there may be a wait to get on a return Muir Woods shuttle.

In total, it might take 4 - 5 hours to leave San Francisco proper, enjoy your time at Muir Woods, and return to San Francisco.


CAN I GET TO MUIR WOODS WITHOUT TAKING THE SHUTTLE?

There are several ways to get to Muir Woods without using their shuttle service.

You can travel via public bus routes, inclusive tours, and with your own car.

Since there are no bike paths on the winding road up to the Muir Woods entrance, we suggest you do not walk or ride a bicycle.


Tours

If you prefer someone else handling your travel logistics, going on a tour that includes entry to Muir Woods is a convenient option.

CitySightseeing, TowerTours, and Gray Line have combination tours available, and San Francisco Shuttle Tours have exclusive Muir Woods tours.

Some tours offer complimentary hotel pickup, and others allow you to combine Ferry fare from San Francisco with your Muir Woods entrance ticket.

Muir Woods Tour City Sightseeing

If there are no shuttle or parking reservations available for the day you want to go, inclusive tours are a great last-minute Muir Woods option.

Every tour company has guaranteed spots to bring visitors, so there will always be space for you to enjoy the redwood trees.

Keep in mind, however, that this option will limit your time in the park as the schedules are usually strict.

View our in-depth comparison of the guided tour options. 


Public Bus

If the Muir Woods shuttle doesn’t run on the day of your trip, it might be a long ride.

It takes approximately 2 hours to get from downtown San Francisco using the public transit system.

You don’t have time for this!

But, if you insist, then click here to get your bus routes.


Drive a Car

1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

If you have your own car or want to rent a car, it is a 40-minute drive to Muir Woods from San Francisco.

Heavy traffic can significantly add to your travel time, so give yourself plenty of time to make your parking reservation time.

Driving to Muir Woods National Monument will give you the most freedom to take your time on the trails.

Remember: If you drive, you must make a parking reservation in advance. Reservations cost $8 and are available to purchase up to 90 days before your travel date.

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

Stephen is the CEO of Free Tours by Foot and has overseen the transformation of a local walking tour company into a global tour community and traveler’s advice platform. He has personally led thousands of group tours in the US and Europe, and is an expert in trip planning and sightseeing, with a focus on budget travelers. Stephen has been published and featured in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, BBC, Yahoo, Washington.org, and more.
Updated: April 17th, 2023
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