How to Buy BART Tickets is a simple guide to using one of San Francisco’s most popular public transportation systems. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) makes it easy to travel across the metropolitan Bay Area on fast elevated and underground trains. With just a quick tap, you can reach major destinations throughout the region. This article explains how to pay your fare using a reloadable Clipper Card, the most convenient way to ride BART.
Steps
Step 1: Order a Clipper Card Online for Maximum Convenience
The easiest way to get started with BART fare payment is to order a Clipper Card online. Visit the official Clipper website to place your order. A standard adult Clipper Card requires a one-time $3 purchase fee. After completing your payment, the card will be mailed to your address, which can take up to 10 days to arrive. This option works best if you’re planning ahead and don’t need to travel immediately.
While on the Clipper website, take a moment to review the information in the “About” section to understand where, when, and how the card can be used across Bay Area transit systems.
Important BART Ticket Update
As of recent years, many BART stations no longer accept paper tickets and require a Clipper Card for entry. Stations that are Clipper-only include:
- Embarcadero
- Powell Street
- 19th Street Oakland
- Downtown Berkeley
- Pittsburg Center
- Antioch
Paper BART tickets are no longer sold. Any existing paper tickets may be exchanged for credit, but they are no longer accepted at fare gates.
Tip: Save the $3 Card Fee with Autoload
If you sign up for Clipper Autoload when purchasing your card, the $3 card fee is waived. With Autoload enabled, a preset amount is automatically added from your linked payment method whenever your balance drops below $10.
References:
- Clipper Card Official Website: https://www.clippercard.com
- BART Clipper-Only Stations: https://www.bart.gov/tickets/clipper
Step 2: Buy a Clipper Card from a Vending Machine
If you’re already traveling, you can purchase a Clipper Card at any BART station using a Clipper vending machine. Simply pay the $3 card fee with cash or a valid debit or credit card, then retrieve your card from the machine.
One-Stop Convenience
A major advantage of vending machines is that you can load travel funds immediately, saving time before boarding.
You can also buy Clipper Cards at participating retailers such as:
- Walgreens
- Whole Foods
Reference:
- Where to Buy a Clipper Card: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/get-a-card.html
Step 3: Load Your Clipper Card Online Anytime
Once you have your card, you’ll need to add value. The most flexible option is to load funds online by creating a Clipper account and registering your card using the 10-digit serial number on the back.
You can transfer funds from:
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank accounts
You may store up to $300 on a Clipper Card at one time.
Minimum Balance Note
There is no official minimum balance, but if your balance falls below $2, you won’t be able to enter BART fare gates unless you qualify for discounted fares.
Reference:
- Clipper Card Balance & Reloading: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/manage.html
Step 4: Add Money at a Clipper Vending Machine
If you’re already at a station and running low on funds, you can reload your Clipper Card at any vending machine. Scan your card, choose an amount, and pay using cash or card. Once the transaction finishes, your card is ready to use immediately.
Payment Limitations to Know
- Not all machines accept debit or credit cards
- Cash payments are limited to $20 bills
- Machines dispense a maximum of $4.95 in change
Reference:
- Clipper Vending Machine Info: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/help.html
Step 5: Use Discounted Clipper Cards for Youths and Seniors
BART offers reduced fares for certain age groups:
- Youth (ages 5–18): 50% off regular fares
- Seniors (65+): 62.5% off regular fares
Eligible riders can apply for a Youth or Senior Clipper Card either online or in person at BART stations and participating retailers.
Important Discount Rules
- Discount cards must be obtained in person
- Valid ID or age verification is required
- Children under age 4 ride BART for free
Reference:
- Discounted Clipper Cards: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/discounts.html
Step 6: Scan Your Clipper Card at the BART Fare Gate
BART uses a “tag and go” system. To enter, simply hold the back of your Clipper Card against the circular reader at the fare gate. When the screen displays “OK”, the gate will open and the correct fare will be deducted automatically.
You must repeat this process when exiting the system to complete your trip.
How BART Fare Pricing Works
BART fares are distance-based. The farther you travel between stations, the higher the fare will be.
References:
- BART Fare Gates & Payment: https://www.bart.gov/tickets
- BART Fare Calculator: https://www.bart.gov/tickets/calculator