Walking the Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District says pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, use the east sidewalk, the side facing San Francisco. Gates close at 9:00 pm and reopen at 5:00 am during Pacific Daylight Time (early March to early November), and close at 6:30 pm during Pacific Standard Time (early November to early March). The Welcome Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The west sidewalk may close unexpectedly for special events or high winds. During construction of the Suicide Deterrent System, the east sidewalk may close one hour early for pedestrians on some weeknights.
Golden Gate Bridge: Bikes & Pedestrians
Biking Across
Cyclists have toll-free sidewalk access 24 hours a day. Which sidewalk you use depends on the time and day, as shown below. Between closing and opening times, cyclists use the east sidewalk through remotely controlled gates: press the buzzer, wait for security staff to find you on camera, and repeat at the far gate.
| Season and day | Hours | Sidewalk |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight Time, weekdays | 5:00 am to 3:30 pm | East |
| Daylight Time, weekdays | 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm | West |
| Daylight Time, weekends and holidays | 5:00 am to 9:00 pm | East and west |
| Standard Time, weekdays | 5:00 am to 3:30 pm | East |
| Standard Time, weekdays | 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm | West |
| Standard Time, weekends and holidays | 5:00 am to 6:30 pm | West |
| Either season, after closing | Until 5:00 am | East, through remote gates |
Yield to pedestrians. The speed limit on the sidewalks is 15 mph, and 5 mph around the towers. All classes of e-bikes are allowed. Electric scooters, roller blades, skateboards, roller skates, pushcarts, drones and non-service animals that are led, ridden or driven are not. Indicator lights at the West Parking Lot show where to ride. There are no bicycle rentals at the bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge: Bikes & Pedestrians
Parking
The district strongly encourages visitors to skip driving. If you drive, it lists two lots:
| Lot | Cost | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Side Visitor Lot | $5 per hour | 3 hours | 37 spaces, including 3 accessible; 7am to 9pm daily; pay at meters or with Parkmobile |
| Northeast Side Lot | Free | 4 hours | Restrooms; exit "Vista Point"; from the south, cross the bridge, pay the toll and double back |
The parking page carried an alert that lots were closed on weekends and holidays from May 25 to October 12, 2026. That date has passed, but the page still lists it, so check the page before you go. Accessible parking at the southeast lot is for visitors with disabled placards.
Golden Gate Bridge: Directions & Parking
Tolls
Tolls are collected southbound only, into San Francisco, and cash is no longer accepted at the bridge. Rates effective July 1, 2026 for a 2-axle vehicle or motorcycle are $10.25 with FasTrak, $10.50 with a license plate account or one-time payment, and $11.25 by toll invoice. Carpools pay $8.25 with FasTrak. The district warns that FasTrak will never ask for payment by text.
Golden Gate Bridge: Tolls & Payment
Getting There Without a Car
The district lists Golden Gate Transit routes 101, 130 and 150 from the Salesforce Transit Center and from Mission Street downtown, and from 7th & Market or McAllister & Polk at Civic Center, to the south end. From Fisherman’s Wharf, it lists routes 114, 132, 154 and 172 on weekday afternoons; at other times, take Muni’s 49 and transfer. To reach the north end Vista Point, ride Route 130 to the first stop after the bridge and walk back along the walkway. Fares are on separate bus fare pages we did not check. For comparing city options, see Muni, BART and cable cars.
Golden Gate Bridge: Public Transit
Views Near the Bridge
We did not verify viewpoint details on the NPS pages for this guide. For places to look at the bridge from the shoreline and hills, see views in San Francisco, Crissy Field East Beach, the Presidio with kids and the Palace of Fine Arts.
What We Could Not Verify
- Whether walkers pay anything. The district pages we read state no pedestrian charge and no pedestrian fee.
- The exact date daylight time ends this year, which sets the change from 9:00 pm to 6:30 pm gate times. The district says early November.
- Accessible-route and restroom details on the bridge. The district’s accessibility page did not load.
- Viewpoint, trail and parking details on the National Park Service’s side (nps.gov/goga). The page we tried returned an error.
- Transit fare amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Pay a Toll to Walk or Bike Across?
The district’s bikes and pedestrians page says cyclists get toll-free sidewalk access 24 hours a day. It does not state a charge for walkers. The vehicle toll is collected in the southbound direction only.
Can I Rent a Bike at the Bridge?
No. The district states that bicycle rentals are not available at the bridge.
Are E-Bikes and Scooters Allowed?
All classes of e-bikes are allowed on the sidewalks and follow the same rules as other bikes. Electric scooters, skateboards, roller skates and roller blades are prohibited.
Can I Bring a Dog?
The district prohibits non-service animals that are led, ridden or driven on the sidewalks. Service animals, such as guide dogs, are always permitted.
Checked on 27 October 2026 against the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District’s bikes and pedestrians, parking, tolls and public transit pages. Hours, gate rules and rates change, so confirm on the district site before you go.
Sources
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Do I have to pay a toll to walk or bike across?
The district's bikes and pedestrians page says cyclists get toll-free sidewalk access 24 hours a day. It does not state a charge for walkers. The vehicle toll is collected in the southbound direction only.
Can I rent a bike at the bridge?
No. The district states that bicycle rentals are not available at the bridge.
Are e-bikes and scooters allowed?
All classes of e-bikes are allowed on the sidewalks and follow the same rules as other bikes. Electric scooters, skateboards, roller skates and roller blades are prohibited.
Can I bring a dog?
The district prohibits non-service animals that are led, ridden or driven on the sidewalks. Service animals, such as guide dogs, are always permitted.
More to Explore
Happening Soon
- Treasures of the Pharaohs Sat, Aug 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027 · de Young Museum
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Sat, Sep 12 – Dec 31 · Ferry Building Plaza
- Heart of the City Farmers Market Sun, Sep 13 – Dec 31 · Fulton Plaza, Civic Center
- SF State Observatory Public Nights (Wed–Fri, through Dec 4) Thu, Oct 1 – Dec 4 · SF State Observatory, Thornton Hall
Places to Check Out
- Aquarium of the Bay Attractions
- Asian Art Museum Museums
- Balmy Alley Murals Attractions
- Berggruen Gallery Art Galleries
Cite this page: Project SF, “Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge: Walk, Bike, Park”, projectsf.com/guides/golden-gate-bridge-visitor-guide/ (updated ).