The Muir Woods Shuttle from Larkspur
Where it starts
The shuttle leaves from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal at 101 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Larkspur, Marin County. The reservation site names the Larkspur Ferry, Marin Transit routes 17 and 228 and the SMART train as transit links, so the terminal can be reached without a car. Transit timetables are on marintransit.org.
When it runs
From early spring through September the shuttle runs on weekends, counted as Friday to Sunday, and on federal holidays. In October it runs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Outside those days there is no shuttle, and a car-free visit relies on the other options on the without-a-car page. The last departure time changes with the season, and the current timetable is published with the reservations on gomuirwoods.com.
Reservations for both directions
A shuttle reservation is required for the ride to Muir Woods and for the ride back. Like the parking reservation, it is booked in advance and is a separate charge from the entrance fee, which applies to riders aged 16 and older. There is no cell signal at the forest, so the return booking needs to be downloaded or printed before leaving Larkspur. The reservations page sets out the whole system.
Bikes and accessibility
Bicycles are not allowed on the shuttle, and they are not allowed in the monument either. ADA shuttle reservations exist for visitors who need an accessible vehicle. On arrival, the Bridge 2 and Bridge 3 loops of the Main Trail are wheelchair and stroller accessible; the wheelchair access page has the details.
Is there a shuttle from San Francisco to Muir Woods?
No. The Muir Woods shuttle starts in Larkspur, so a visitor staying in San Francisco first has to reach the ferry terminal. The options that leave from the city and return there are the guided tours sold on GetYourGuide. Five of them include Sausalito, and one, the ferry-option tour, can end with a ferry from Sausalito to Pier 41 in about 20 minutes. That ferry is part of the tour and has nothing to do with the Larkspur shuttle. The half-day tours page sets out the four half-day itineraries.
How long is the shuttle ride?
The ride time is not published in the sources this site uses. The current timetable, including the last departure back to Larkspur, is shown when a reservation is made on gomuirwoods.com.
Planning the day around the shuttle
The monument opens at 8 am and closes at sunset. The Muir Woods Trading Company café opens at 9 am and serves hot food from 11 am, and eating is limited to the entrance plaza and the café patio. Between the ride out and the ride back, the flat Main Trail loops take 30 minutes to 1.5 hours; the Ben Johnson and Dipsea loop takes about 3 hours with 925 feet of gain. The hike-by-time page sets the routes against the hours available.
The last shuttle back sets the length of the visit. A rider who books the return first and then works back to the Main Trail loop that fits avoids a rushed walk out.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a shuttle from San Francisco to Muir Woods?
No. The shuttle starts at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal. From the city, the guided tours on the half-day tours page run door to door.
How long is the Muir Woods shuttle ride?
The ride time is not published in this site’s sources; the current timetable shows when booking on gomuirwoods.com.
Does the Muir Woods shuttle need a reservation?
Yes, for the ride out and the ride back. See the reservations page.
Are bikes allowed on the Muir Woods shuttle?
No. Bikes are not allowed on the shuttle or inside the monument.