Headed to Outside Lands? This year is slated to be even more spectacular and jam-packed than last year, which means expect a lot of bustle in the city for this three-day extravanganza. It can be stressful and confusing attempting to navigate the city and find the most optimal route to arrive at Golden Gate Park, and so we have crafted a helpful transportation guide for you.
From biking, to trains or buses, no matter the method, here are the best and most efficient ways to both get to and find the right festival entrances. We also recommend getting there early enough to avoid the hectic crowds and to not miss out on any of the delicious vendors and talented live artists!
See also: See Who's Headlining And More At Outside Land's Star-Studded Summer Return
View this post on Instagram
It is first pertinent to acknowledge where the festival actually is and where the entrances are in relation to the park's size. Golden Gate Park is a large swath of greenery that spans almost the entire western half of the city. Actually larger than New York's Central Park, Outside Lands occurs towards the park's western portion and encompasses the Polo Field.
With doors opening at 11 a.m. each morning starting Friday, and the music beginning at noon, entrances will be located at both Middle Drive and Metson Road from the southern point, and 30th Ave and JFK Drive at its northern perimeter. There will also be an ADA accessible entry way at 36th Ave and JFK Drive.
If coming from outside of the city from the East Bay, this is an efficiently speedy choice. Take the BART over to Civic Center Station as the first stop before either continuing onto the N-Line Muni Metro, or the Shuttle. BART Parking at all Bay stations are free after 3 P.M., as well as on Saturday and Sunday.
Caltrain primarily runs on the peninsula, with the last stop at 4th Street and King, which from there you can connect onto the N Line as well.
View this post on Instagram
For those more local living on the northern half of SF, the Muni 5 Fulton Bus is your best option for transportation. This runs from the Embarcadero down Market and through Fulton Street, which flanks the northern edge of the park leading you to the northern entrance. Walk down a few blocks and catch it along its stop, as there are no light rails that run along the northern Marina, Cow Hollow, and NoPa parts of the city.
View this post on Instagram
Along with JFK Drive being recently vehicle-free, the park itself offers several lovely and serene paths on and off festival season. Outside Lands will provide free bicycle parking areas at the eastern and southern ends of its site, which are accessible via Transverse Drive and MLK Jr. Drive, respectively. Come early to secure a spot and bring a lock in case!
See also: Our Essential San Francisco Pride Parade Transportation Guide
Photography by: Dan Wood/Unsplash
