Central Subway

Central Subway San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

San Francisco’s Central Subway is a modern addition to the city’s transit network, designed to connect vibrant neighborhoods such as Chinatown, SoMa, and Union Square. Opened in early 2023, the 1.7-mile extension of the Muni Metro T Third Line revitalizes access to historically underserved areas and offers seamless connections to major commercial, cultural, and residential districts. More than just a transportation corridor, the Central Subway features stunning architecture, permanent public art installations, and full accessibility, making it a gateway to San Francisco’s rich history and diverse communities (SFMTA Central Subway Project; San Francisco Arts Commission).

This comprehensive guide covers visiting hours, ticketing, travel tips, station features, nearby attractions, historical context, and artistic highlights to help you enjoy the Central Subway—whether you’re a first-time visitor or a daily commuter.

Central Subway Overview and Visiting Hours
Tickets and Fares
Accessibility
How to Use the Central Subway: Travel Tips
Stations and Key Features
Nearby Attractions and Connections
Public Art and Architectural Highlights
Safety and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Future Developments and Impact
Plan Your Visit
References

Central Subway Overview and Visiting Hours

The Central Subway is part of the T Third Street line, with three underground stations—Yerba Buena/Moscone, Union Square/Market Street, and Chinatown–Rose Pak—and one surface station at 4th & Brannan. Service operates daily from approximately 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, with trains every 8–10 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes during off-peak times. For the latest schedules and real-time updates, visit the SFMTA Central Subway page.

Tickets and Fares

Riding the Central Subway uses the Muni Metro fare system:

Adult single ride: $3.00
Discounted fares: Available for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities
Children under 5: Free with fare-paying adult

Tickets can be purchased via:

MuniMobile app
Clipper card (reloadable, accepted across Bay Area transit)
Station vending machines

Visitor Passports (1, 3, or 7 days) offer unlimited rides on Muni buses, streetcars, cable cars, and the Central Subway—ideal for tourists exploring multiple sites. For more ticketing information, visit the SFMTA fares page.

Accessibility

All Central Subway stations are ADA compliant, featuring:

Elevators and escalators for step-free access
Tactile paving for visually impaired riders
Wide fare gates for wheelchairs and strollers
Audible and visual announcements
Bilingual signage and ambassadors at Chinatown–Rose Pak Station

For additional assistance, SFMTA offers customer support and real-time service alerts.

How to Use the Central Subway: Travel Tips

Plan Ahead: Use the SFMTA Trip Planner or popular navigation apps.
Purchase in Advance: Buy tickets or load your Clipper card before boarding.
Avoid Rush Hours: Travel mid-morning or early afternoon for a more comfortable ride.
Transfers: Union Square/Market Street Station connects underground to Powell Street Station for easy BART and Muni transfers.
Stay Safe: Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially during busy times.

Stations and Key Features

4th & Brannan Station (Surface)

Serves SoMa and Mission Bay; connects to Caltrain for regional access
Modern canopy and kinetic art sculpture at entrance

Yerba Buena/Moscone Station

Underground; located close to the Moscone Convention Center, SFMOMA, and Yerba Buena Gardens
Open design with wide platforms and natural light

Union Square/Market Street Station

Downtown hub with direct underground access to Union Square shopping and Powell Street BART
Features illuminated LED corridors and glass canopies

Chinatown–Rose Pak Station

Deepest station; delivers you into the heart of Chinatown
Feng shui-inspired design, vibrant art, and bilingual wayfinding
Steps from Dragon Gate, Grant Avenue, and Portsmouth Square

For detailed station maps and features, see the Central Subway Stations page.

Nearby Attractions and Connections

Chinatown–Rose Pak: Explore Chinatown markets, temples, the Chinese Historical Society Museum, and adjacent North Beach.
Union Square/Market Street: Premier shopping, theaters, cable car turnaround, and Westfield Centre.
Yerba Buena/Moscone: Moscone Center, SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, Museum of the African Diaspora.
4th & Brannan: Oracle Park, SoMa nightlife, Contemporary Jewish Museum.

The Central Subway offers rapid access to many of San Francisco’s historical sites and tourist destinations, with easy connections to BART, Caltrain, and other Muni lines (Mapaplan SF Attractions; Secretsanfrancisco Cable Cars).

Public Art and Architectural Highlights

The Central Subway is renowned for its integration of public art and neighborhood-inspired architecture. Highlights include:

Chinatown–Rose Pak Station:
- “Yangge: Dance of the Bride” and “Dance of the New Year” by Yumei Hou (large laser-cut metal works)
- “Arrival” by Tomie Arai (glass artwork narrating Chinatown history)
- “A Sense of Community” by Clare Rojas (ceramic mural inspired by Silk Road textiles)
Union Square/Market Street:
- “Lucy in the Sky” by Erwin Redl (LED light corridor)
- “Silent Stream” by Jim Campbell and Werner Klotz (suspended stainless steel sculpture)
- “Convergence: Commute Patterns” by Hughen/Starkweather (glass topographic artwork)
Yerba Buena/Moscone:
- “Node” by Roxy Paine (spiraling sculpture)
- “Arc Cycle” by Catherine Wagner (granite and glass, Moscone Center-inspired)
- “Face C/Z” by Leslie Shows (pyrite and gold rush motifs)
4th & Brannan:
- “Microcosmic” by Moto Ohtake (kinetic sculpture)

For images and virtual tours, visit the San Francisco Arts Commission Central Subway Art Program.

Safety and Etiquette

Allow passengers to exit before boarding.
Yield priority seating to seniors and people with disabilities.
Keep noise moderate and use headphones for audio.
Dispose of trash properly.
Remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
Respect cultural customs, especially in Chinatown; signage and announcements are bilingual (English and Chinese).

Stations are equipped with emergency call boxes, security cameras, and staff assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Central Subway’s operating hours?
A: Approximately 5:00 AM–12:30 AM daily. Check the SFMTA website for updates.

Q: How much does it cost to ride?
A: $3.00 for adults, with discounts for seniors, youth, and disabled riders.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: At station vending machines, via the MuniMobile app, or using a Clipper card.

Q: Is the Central Subway accessible?
A: Yes, all stations meet ADA standards with elevators, tactile paving, and wide fare gates.

Q: Can I transfer to BART or other Muni lines?
A: Yes, especially at Union Square/Market Street (direct connection to Powell Street BART and Muni).

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, local organizations offer art and architecture tours; check the San Francisco Arts Commission for events.