Location
Our hostel is located in the North Beach neighborhood (Little Italy), famous for entertainment, bookstores and Beat Generation history. You come to San Francisco to explore, and the hostel is only a few moments walk to Chinatown, a short walk along the San Francisco Bay to Fisherman’s Wharf, as well as located one block from public transportation to take you all over the Bay Area. From your room to any part of the City, it’s easy to see the sites you want to see, and our friendly staff will take the time to give you free maps and directions anywhere you wish to spend your day. We’ll also as give you suggestions on what’s cool to do in San Francisco that day! There’s more to it than Alcatraz!
What’s North Beach? It’s only the best spot in the City! Our location puts you right where you can navigate by foot, public bus or bicycle (yes, bicycle!) in San Francisco! North Beach is well known for its eclectic cafe culture, Beat Generation history (we’re right around the block from Vesuvio’s, Jack Kerouac’s beloved watering hole!), great Italian restaurants, book stores, colorful characters, and that friendly, laid-back attitude that makes San Francisco a great place to be. Want to dance? Just steps from our doors are the best clubs in San Francisco: Fuse – Red Dragon – Velvet Lounge – Bamboo Hut – Jitney’s – Beat Lounge – V X N and great Italian-style see-and-be-seen spots. Need more? Check out our photo gallery and see what it’s really like here…
Directions
San Francisco International Airport or Oakland Airport
BART (Metro System): From San Francisco International Airport: about $5, takes 45 minutes. From Oakland: about $4 + $2 for Air Bart shuttle ride from the airport to the BART station. The last train is at about 23:40 so if you are later than this, please take the shuttle. Get off at Montgomery Station and exit to Market Street. Walk one block away from the clock tower to Kearny and turn right. You can walk 1 mile up Kearny or take the #9X, 9AX, or 9BX Muni bus for an additional $1.50 to Broadway.Shuttle Van: From San Francisco Interational Airport, you can take a shuttle van that will take you straight to the hostel. You do not need a reservation - just walk up to one and tell the driver you want to go to Green Tortoise - 494 Broadway. Cost is $16. Shuttles from Oakland Airport can run from $25 to $35 and the BART option is much more efficient and takes about the same amount of time.
Taxi: A taxi is a bit too expensive and will cost from $35 - $45 from San Francisco International Airport. If you have three persons, it ís not a bad deal compared to the shuttle vans and will save about 10 minutes off the time.
Amtrak
Amtrak will drop you off in San Francisco at the Ferry Terminal on a street called Embarcadero.Walking (1 mile): When you get off, walk along Embarcadero away from the Bay Bridge until you come to Broadway. Turn left and walk to 494 Broadway.
Public Transportation: Take the #12 bus inbound ($1.50) and exit at Sansome St. Walk one block north to Broadway, turn left, and walk to 494 Broadway.
Taxi: A taxi from here will cost about $6.00 to our door.
Greyhound:
The Transbay Terminal is on Mission @ First Street.Walking (1.3 miles): Walk up First Street to Market Street (the direction is against the flow of traffic on the one way street). Cross Market and First Street changes names to Battery Street. Continue walking north up Battery until you come to Broadway (10 minutes). Turn left on Broadway and walk 3 blocks to 494 Broadway.
Public Transportation: Walk to Third Street and catch the #9(X, AX, BX), #45, or #30 Muni Bus for $1.50. Get off at Broadway and walk to 494 Broadway.
Taxi: There is a Taxi lane directly in front of the station. A taxi directly to the hostel will cost about $6.00.