Buzz
Bay Area Rapid Transit, abbreviated as BART, stands as one of San Francisco’s most popular modes of public transportation. With a simple tap, you can board one of BART’s rapid elevated or underground trains and swiftly travel to any central destination within the metropolitan Bay Area. Catching a ride couldn’t be simpler! This guide will demonstrate how to pay your fare by utilizing a reloadable Clipper Card.
Steps
Order a Clipper card online for utmost convenience. Visit ClipperCard.com to place your order. Acquiring a standard adult Clipper Card will incur a one-time fee of $3. After payment, your card will be shipped to you via mail. Delivery may take up to 10 days, so this option is advisable if you’re not in a rush to commence your travels.
- While on the Clipper website, take a few moments to peruse the policy information provided in the site’s “About” section to familiarize yourself with where, when, and how you can use your card.
- As of 2019, several BART stations have ceased accepting traditional paper tickets and now only recognize Clipper cards as valid fare payment. These stations include Embarcadero, Powell Street, 19th Street, Downtown Berkeley, Pittsburg Center, and Antioch.
- Paper BART tickets are no longer issued. Existing tickets can be exchanged for credit, but new ones will no longer be printed or accepted at turnstiles and fare gates.
Tip: Clipper will waive the $3 purchase fee if you enroll in their Autoload service during your card purchase. With Autoload, a predetermined amount of money will be automatically added to your card from a linked payment method whenever your available funds drop below $10.
Get a Clipper card from a vending machine if you're on the go. These machines are available at all BART stations. Simply pay the $3 fee with cash or a valid debit or credit card and collect your card from the machine.
- One benefit of obtaining a card from a vending machine is the option to load it with travel funds immediately for convenient one-stop shopping.
- You can also purchase a Clipper Card at select retailers like Walgreens or Whole Foods. Something to consider while you're out shopping!
Top up your Clipper card online anytime. Now that you have your card, it's time to add some funds. The easiest way is to create a user account on the Clipper website and register your card using the 10-digit serial number on the back. Then, decide how much to add and transfer funds directly from a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
- You can store up to $300 on your card at once.
- There's technically no minimum balance requirement, but if you have less than $2, you won't be able to ride (unless you qualify for youth or senior discounts).
Reload your card at any Clipper vending machine to stay mobile. If you find yourself short on travel funds while at a BART station, don't worry. Simply head to the nearest vending machine, scan your card, specify the amount needed, and insert your preferred payment method. Once the transaction is complete, you're good to go.
- Not all machines accept debit or credit cards, so look for one that does if you only have plastic.
- If you're paying with cash, note that Clipper vending machines don't accept bills larger than $20 and will only dispense up to $4.95 in change.
Enjoy discounted fares for youths and seniors. BART offers reduced rates for certain age groups. Kids aged 5-18 receive a 50% discount on per-trip fares, while seniors aged 65 and above get 62.5% off their regular travel costs. You can apply for a special Youth or Senior Clipper card online, at any BART station, or at participating retailers in the Bay Area.
- Discounted Clipper Cards are only available for purchase in person. Make sure to bring a valid ID or similar age verification for the commuter you're buying the card for.
- Children under 4 ride BART for free.
Tap your Clipper Card at the fare gate to pay your fare. BART trains operate on a 'tag and go' system. When you reach your departure gate, simply hold the back of your card up to the disc-shaped reader on the terminal and wait for the screen to display 'OK.' The fare will be automatically deducted from your balance, and the gate will open for you to board.
- You'll need to repeat this process for your return trip, if you're making one.
- BART fares vary based on the distance between stations. Longer trips incur higher fares.
Helpful Tips
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If you're unsure of what to do upon reaching the station or if you encounter technical difficulties, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a BART station agent.
