I love mass transit. I use it because it is efficient and effective. In most instances, it is competitive with driving a personal vehicle. and during rush hour it typically is faster for the destinations I am headed to. But I also believe in the concept. We have become cynical about the public good, and that is a loss; the social contract is made real through infrastructure projects. I have used the Civic Center station probably a couple hundred times. It used to be, for a decade, the closest to my workplace. I am quite familiar with it. That includes at all hours. Despite my fondness for mass transit, I have to report that this station is probably the single worst of those I know well. I swear this is true, and you can confirm it easily enough on the internet: the elevators have broken down due to human feces being stuck in the machinery. There is just an overwhelming population of troubled souls in the neighborhood. They need help; I describe the situation not to condemn the individuals but to lament the state of our diverse democracy. I still use Civic Center. I would not warn people away. I would say that if you are not comfortable with the Muni or BART to begin with, you will have qualms about this specific site. That is all. read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

Centrally located, with both Muni and BART lines. Provides access to several key theatres and museums in the Civic Center area. Putting up the gates for BART seems to have helped considerably. Remaining issues are common to the surrounding area hard to solve. read more

I had a really bad experience at Civic Center BART today. I entered from the UN Plaza side with my stroller (a small travel one that normally fits perfectly through the gates). When I scanned my Clipper card, the gate only opened halfway, making it impossible to get through. I politely asked the station agent sitting right next to the gate for help: "Excuse me, the door's not fully opening, I can't get in." Instead of assisting, he dismissively told me to use the other side next time. When I explained that my stroller usually fits fine here, he replied in an unfriendly tone: "Let me put it another way, use the other entrance, not everybody is here to open the door for you as always." Excuse me?? Isn't that literally his job -- to help passengers when the system doesn't work? I wasn't asking for free entry. I paid my fare. I just needed basic assistance. This kind of attitude is unacceptable, especially in a public transit system where families, seniors, and people with accessibility needs rely on staff support. The station itself is already one of the least welcoming, and experiences like this make it worse. BART needs to train their staff to treat riders with respect. read more

It's been years since I've ridden BART, but Civic Center station was ultra convenient to the Orpheum Theater for the closing day of the Wicked tour. My mom and aunt and I felt safe on the train from Bay Fair. The train cars themselves are newer to me, digital line maps and seats clean. Clipper Card tap system as well. Civic Center also had different fare doors, full height to prevent hop overs. When my auntie had trouble with the Clipper Card tapping, an agent was there to assist. Took the stairs and not the escalator, but for a Sunday at noontime the station wasn't bad in terms of crowds or cleanliness. Nor was it bad after the show got out around 4ish. Since the expansion, I wasn't familiar with the lines going to "Antioch" (for me that used to be Pittsburgh/Bay Point terminus) or "Berryessa" (Fremont). read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

Clean - oh what a relief it is!!! We went to the Opera- beautiful, thrilling. I t was easy! This BART & Civic Center can return to a great city. Not accosted, only 2 small groups of homeless, no urine smell! WOW SF can clean up! Thanks BART, and station agents, BART Police and the cleaners. Date: Sunday 11/19/2023 So grateful for a clean, safe city... the CITY I love. read more

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This is most likely the worst BART station. Unfortunately I have to go through this station several times a week. It's dirty, old, and smelly. The escalator is always broken. So many people jump the gate. After living in SF for 7 years, BART is finally installing the "next generation" fare gates... read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Civic Center Bart has recently been making an effort to clean up the station and it really shows! Would you like to be in charge of that? Hell NO! Yikes! Civic Center Bart station has to be the most challenging station on the line, when it comes to keeping it clean. There was a lot going on in and around that station. With some law enforcement up top on the street at the entrances, law enforcement even walking the platform! There are some upgrades downstairs, lighting replacement (some, but lots more need replacement consideration), and a generally cleaner station! It has been shown to increase ridership occurs when you give them a clean and safe place! Someone is caring! read more

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like that girl in the new york movie promo or ad for girls taking the subway in new york city--i always arrive with a sunny outlook and leave running off into the distant outer neighborhoods---mysteries of Van Ness...Van Ness DC to SF! carried away by the roaring city and walking off into your own shadows read more

If you want to breathe secondhand crack smoke, this is the place to do it. This Muni station is sort of like hell on earth. The station agent sits idly as someone cooks up a little crack on the platform. This courteous addict waited until he got in the train to light up. read more

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Times never match Google. Rude staff. They don't open the doors just after they close when you're trying to board. Rude af

This station often has non-functional escalators, which is quite irritating. Also, it is often shut down if there is any kind of police action happening nearby. On the plus side, they do a great job keeping it clean. There is plenty of space for everyone who needs to wait for a train here. There are a good number of exits to get where you need to from this station. read more

This joint BART and Muni Metro train station is located on the eastern edge of San Francisco's Civic Center underneath UN Plaza. It's right across from San Francisco City Hall, the Superior and Supreme Courts of California, as well as museums like the Asian Art Museum and theaters for performing arts such as the SHN Orpheum Theatre, Herbst Theatre, War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall. For tourists/sightseers, those are a few of the neat things to see around here. The station is like others nearby and up towards the Financial District and bay (Powell Street, Montgomery Street, Embarcadero) in that it's made up of three underground levels: * Mezzanine Level with attendants, kiosks, and entry gates to paid areas * Muni Metro Level with island platform * BART Level (lowest level) with island platform Compared to other BART stations, Civic Center station seems dirtier and it's got more bums and panhandlers. There have been some incidents in the past seven months. In August 2016, a man was found stabbed inside the station (http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Man-found-stabbed-at-SF-s-Civic-Center-BART-9184261.php). Last month (January 2017), at least one person was stabbed near the station (http://kron4.com/2017/01/06/2-reportedly-stabbed-at-civic-center-bart-station-in-san-francisco/). Trip times to/from Civic Center station to the San Francisco airport are approximately 27-29 minutes and cost $8.95 one-way per passenger. Note: BART kiosks have a rolling 2-day credit card limit of $69 with a maximum of 2 transactions per card per rolling day. I found this out the hard way. Luckily, I had cash on me. read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - Inside. - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

Take this station only IF have to, because it's conveniently located and may even get you to wherever you're going faster than IF by other transportation means. The station opens relatively late which is good, IF you're out late and IF already in the area. Waiting in the station is still safer than on the streets for a ride. However, 80% of the time the station reeks of bodily wastes, unkempt, unwashed odors - even when there's no cause or reason and just from the outside to the fare gates. Once inside it's similar, where 20% of the area is and smells clean. Move around to find that sweet spot to wait. The best time to use it is IF early in the morning - IF after the clean from the previous night - or randomly IF the station had been empty for awhile. Also, the surrounding streets are dark and unsafe IF you're not a local. Those are a lot of IFs to overlook before this rating goes up. read more

This public transportation hub was filthy the last time I walked through. It didn't matter if a homeless person was sleeping on a corner and another was begging for money. I always say, help people out a little and everyone will be grateful. One time I gave a beggar some change, which included a penny. He complained, What can you get with a penny? Nothing! I took it back. No wonder they closed two entrances to the station on Market and 8th Street. read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - I took this picture 3 years ago. Last week, I noticed this entrance has been closed. Memories! - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the station where you can get off and get onto the Muni. Bart station is a bit run down and old but its fast and cheap and get you where you want to go. They charge by each way. The train is fast and convenient as well. read more

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"Here have a dollar In fact, brother, here have two Two dollars means a snack for me But it means a big deal to you..." "Mr. Robert, that's his name No one ever knew his name cuz he's a no one Never thought twice about spending on a old bum Until I had the chance to really get to know one"... These lyrics from Arrested Development with my twist applied perfectly here in Civic Center Bart. I would pass by Robert and his dog Ginger while he played the Accordion everyday and not even think of talking to him. In my mind I said "He's just another Bart hobo. And look, he's playing the Accordion, a sure sign of not being hip. And he wears a funny hat, a sure sign of trouble". But I guess Ginger got the conversation started with Robert. His dog has the talent of laying on her back with her paws up and when you drop a dollar in she wags her tail. How cool is that?!?! I ended up asking Robert where he learned to play. Where he is from originally. What I was really surprised is how broad and diverse his music knowledge is. Anybody who knows me, knows I love music, so I asked him: Play "When doves cry"- Prince. He started playing it.. Play "Bon Jovi, shot through the heart" Robert played that.. Play Girl from Ipanema. It turns out Robert can play a limitless amount of songs without notes. As my friend and I walked away, we talked about how impressive Robert is on the Accordion and his knowledge. My friend plays the Bass and was saying how difficult it is to play the Accordion. Final Thought: Robert is doing what he loves. Playing the Accordion. How many of us wish we could do what we love?? I just came from the Ritz Carlton and heard a band play. I requested Marvin Gaye and they looked at me with a blank stare. Who would have thought better music comes from the Civic Center Bart station than the Ritz Carlton. In the words of Arrested Development: "Now that I know 'em to him to give money isn't charity.. And to think we spend all our money on big colleges Still most of y'all come out confused".. GO AHEAD Mr Robert!!! read more

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Unfortunately, this is where the BART traffic starts to go downhill in a bad way. We had a passenger board here with an amplified speaker system rapping and hustling for money--it really detracted from the riding experience. read more

Quick take: Dirtiest BART station First off I appreciate the Civic Center stop very much. Very, very convenient for many many places by the City Hall area. It just smells aweful here. Really strong urine smell. This station is the dirtiest stop ever. Please clean up this station. read more

After reading some of the other reviews I would have to say that I do agree with 90% of the reviews. Okay, I go off the train at this stop yesterday to head to an event and I was in for a surprise that I did not anticipate at all. I arrived at the Civic Center station around 8:00 am and walked upstairs to the main level and was greeted by a homeless guy trying to sell me a newspaper. I told him that I did not need a newspaper. (Keep the conversations short when engaged in dialog with homeless here). After my brief encounter with him I waited for some friends to arrive. As I waited I found myself highly amused and confused. The same homeless guy that I saw earlier was going around to passengers getting off MUNI and BART trying to sale newspapers and asking for change. Ok. I get it. You are probably looking for a meal but you have to be somewhat tactful in your approach. As I stood watching I was reminded of how AWFUL this station smells. It is almost like a mix of urine, concrete, and diarrhea. That is the only way I can describe it. Sorry to all of you with sensitive stomachs. But, that is the smell. I could not wait to get to the street level to get some cleaner air to breath. Back to the homeless guy, he was eventually approached by a station agent you yelled out, "Hey bro...wha cha doing over there...you do that all the time...don't have me come over there". The response that followed was,"Hey man, I got rights..President Obama got my back...you can't do that to me...I mess you up....I got rights....*tiger growl*". The most insane part about this conversation was the growl. That was hilarious. But the confusing part was the threatening of the homeless guy from the station agent. Just a very odd and strange morning. Everyone probably just needed some coffee or something to get their mornings started. Needless to say, I eventually met with my friends and we left quickly. They were not subject to the hellacious scent seeping from the station. Just another San Francisco treat I guess. Hopefully the city can address the issues at this station at some point soon. read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - Fresh early morning START! - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dirty and unsafe station. Avoid station if you can. There are other ways of getting to this area without taking the Muni/Bart trains (I suggest the F-line). Although the city claims that crime has gone down, the homeless crisis has NOT, and it shows here. Very dangerous area, no matter what time of day. I don't see a lot of cops here, and clearly there should be. This station is located by City Hall, The SHN Orpheum Theatre, and the Bill Graham Civic Center. read more

Easy access to San Francisco Public Library Main Branch, Civic Center/United Nations Plaza, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the Asian Art Museum. FYI: The correct zip code for this address is 94102 read more

Best place to score drugs it seems like. This is probably the most dank and dilapidated of all BART stations. The escalators are constantly out of order for months at a time, the platforms are covered in human waste, and the stairways are havens for those looking to do whatever drugs require a needle or syringe. The platforms get incredibly congested in the afternoons with all the Fremont/Warm Springs and Dublin Pleasanton passengers riding backwards to secure a seat for the long, long trip back home. read more

I've been taking BART to Oracle Arena for the majority of the Warriors' games I've attended. Since I work in Downtown, I always go to the Powell Street station. This last Sunday, June 5th, I left from home and went to the closest station, Civic Center. Although I adore the convenience of BART, this is my least favorite station. It's rather smelly and there are a lot of people setting up camp inside the station. Not just around it. How they got through the turnstiles, I'm not quite sure, but it does add to the scent of the station. I do appreciate that it only costs me $4.20, roughly a 24 min ride, and a 9 min walk to get to Oracle Arena. And I don't have to deal with their $40+ parking. But I'd rather leave from the Powell Street station. It's a lot more pleasant. read more

I can not agree anymore with some of the reviews. Taking BART is very convenient and the Civic Center BART is the perfect for trying to get to the Union Square, Downtown San Francisco and some of the notable San Francisco destinations that include: The City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and the Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library. The workers in the station are helpful if you ask them a question but usually they are minding there own business. The smell is unbearable and terrible! I wish the city would take some time and clean the HELL out of this station. If you can, take Powell and just walk the extra mile. read more

Someone please tell the person who only plays "Wonderwall" by Oasis that he should probably learn at least one other song if he wants any change from me. I'd actually rather give money to the guy who "plays" the violin near the escalator, strictly based on his dedication. That dude is always there. Aside from that, once you take the escalator, be prepared to get pooped on by a seagull, shop at the farmers market, or see a bum fight. read more

Why aren't these so call bart agent do anything about fare invader ! I was at civic center bart and saw a few guys just Hopped over and didn't paid their fair share, she didn't do anything . When I asked why, she asked if I want to do a citizen arrest and told me to report it? Why is bart wasting money to hire these agent for doing nothing and keep raising fairs??? Horrible and unfair to tax payers. read more

Gayle and I last used Civic Center BART on the way to see Wicked at the Orpheum. Otherwise, I'd rather be passing through either on Muni towards West Portal or onward on BART to the Mission, Glen Park, or SFO. Part of reason that this place gives me the creeps, is due to the experience of a professional colleague who was seriously assaulted here several years ago. Of course, one should always be mindful of one's safety in any public space and I personally haven't had any problems here. Yet hunches are a powerful individual force, regardless of crime statistics or other facts. Take the16th and Mission Station, which is arguably a more dicey place, but is a place that I currently feel safer and more comfortable. read more

Well, I mean really, if you don't like homeless people then you should probably just avoid taking public transportation altogether. That's just part of the experience here. That's what a lot of the complaints about this station stem from, so know ahead of time that you'll probably be approached for money, or approached to buy a ticket "that has $10 on it, I swear," or something. Be smart. Being alone at night may not be a terrific idea. Assaults do happen, so be smart. With that said, this is a pretty convenient stop. I found it especially handy, as my hotel was pretty close by, and I could mount up and go to the Oakland Airport or to SFO. And it's close to all the bus lines you need to see touristy stuff and locals-only alike. read more

Thank god I don't have to be at this location as much anymore. While I rarely use the underground (BART is quicker, cheaper and on time) my main issue with using BART here is that more often than not the escalator is out of service. I also hate that they don't have a change machine for fives and it drives me nuts that people constantly either jump the BART gates or shove behind you to get through without a ticket. This station is usually overflowing with homeless people yelling, singing or playing instruments, and not in the down on your luck way that Powell seems to attract. More security and less dirt please, thank you. read more

How this station gets anything more than 1 star is beyond me. If I couldn't speak, but could only see, I could describe this station to the T. If I couldn't speak, but could only smell, I could describe this station to the T. Now put sight and smell together, and your sensory overload goes into overdrive. Coming out of my east bay train, im usually towards the back. Doors open and instead of greeting me with fresh aroma of coffee, i get urine. This has to be unhealthy. The escaltors going up have been out for 16 days now. And i only complain because i have to treat the bottom of my Cole Haans to a staircase full of dried feces, urine, food wrappers, and the ocassional narcotics paraphernalia. Hi bart workers...here are some items to consider: 1) add lines or stantions for crowd control during rush hour 2) block off escaltors after hours so homeless and druggies cant use it 3) clean the platforms more often than once a month 4) drench the platforms with boric acid then power wash. Rinse and repeat. read more

This review is for Robert and Vera, the amazing musical duo that brightens our mornings. I've been seeing Robert in the CC station for nearly a decade. He's always there with his fun tunes, colorful accordions, festive outfits, and trusty sidekick. Although his beloved Ginger recently passed, he has continued his tradition of playing through the mornings at Civic Center, and I know that all of us commuters are thankful he's there. He is so much a part of my daily routine, that it seemed fitting to have him a part of our wedding this past weekend. Robert and Vera hit it out of the park! He filled the courtyard with beautiful, classic songs pre-ceremony, and then kicked it up a notch and threw-in some pop and more recognizable tunes for the cocktail hour. Guests absolutely loved his music, and petting Vera :) who sat sweetly by his side the entire time. Robert and Vera showed up on time, prepared, and put on a great show. As I got ready to walk down the aisle, they were the first two I saw when I turned the corner. Their big smiles warmed my heart. If you are looking for a truly talented performer who will bring some character and charm to your event, Robert is your man. We could not have imagined our wedding without him. Thank you Robert and Vera! read more

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I really don't like this BART Station even though it's the closest one to my flat and the one I'm most familiar with. It gets high marks for its intuitive layout and basic no-nonsense exit system. I've also had really good luck here with the station attendants, who seem to be different each time but who also are much more helpful than any other BART employees I've ever dealt with. I also like the weird statue faces by the tracks, although I think they might have taken some of them out. It's a dirty station, though, and I get hassled much more often here than even at the Mission Street stations. I also think it's dumb that they "changed" the name to Civic Center/U N Plaza for two reasons. First, if you're going to change a name, change it. Don't add an idiotic slash. Second, why is there a space between the U and the N? They don't call it B A R T, so why do they call it U N Plaza? That kind of stuff annoys the crap out of me. read more

Always a deranged scenario of people watch, foul smells, and possible escalator cloggage of excrement and who knows what. If it werent for the fact that parking and getting to this area is a pain in the ass. I'd never take this stop here read more

I would probably say that it is stinky but my nose doesn't work that well. I would say that it's dirty, but it isn't horrible, and if you've used public transportation anywhere else, especially in the Northeast, you might not notice. It's close to a great many things, and if you don't want to stop at those things, use another station. (If you want to stop at the San Francisco Visitors Center, use the Powell Street station.) BART works, and having a connection to MUNI helps. It may not be great but you'd be surprised how good it really is. read more

Arrived safely. Used the handicapped gate to exit and my ticket got stuck requiring intervention. Then there was the long flight of stairs up the street. (Sigh) read more

My first time! And what a trip! So quick to get from one place or another. Would be amazing if the train came up north! How awesome would that be? The smells that range between urine, pot, food and machine are sensory juggling. There is an info booth but nobody seem to be around in the middle of the day to help with information. Overall it was a pretty neat experience and great to get by the traffic and not worry about parking! read more

When my early 90's bmw is more reliable than bart thats when you know it's bad. There is a lot of delays , police activities, and million other things that ruin your public transportation. If you have to be somewhere and you need to take bart, add 2 hours to the ETA because bart will mess you up. read more

Civic Center Bart Station this morning. This is both sad and disgusting. Bart obviously doesn't care about the safety of it's passengers. At least 20 used syringes just laying on the floor in the station entryway. I asked the attendant if she knew about it and she said yes but nothing about it being cleaned up. These Bart employees make way to much money and don't care about anything. This problem has gotten out of control. How many people were doing drugs here to have that many syringes. Was 915am. An hr and 15 min after being open and not cleaned up. Bart employees way over paid. read more

MUNI / BART Station - Civic Center - BART this morning. Disgusting.Bart obviously doesn't care about the safety of it's passengers. At least 20 used syringes laying on the floor - Train Stations Near Me - San Francisco, California

The SF Civic/UN Plaza BART Station is ideally located. As a Bay Area native, I have pleasant memories walking to a number of historic locations in the area. In writing this review, I did a quick search to find some history on the station, but haven't been able to find anything substantial. If I'm not mistaken there are a number of transportation stations which various groups have taken efforts to recognize or preserve immediately or in the future because of cultural or historic significance, although I'm not entirely sure who they are or how this process works. The Civic Center itself seems to have been recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. Not sure if this includes the BART Station. Anyway, five stars. Though there is room for improvement. Please feel free to email me with questions or concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration. read more

The reviews here have already done a pretty good job of how horrible this station is. I don't really have much to add besides corroborating the reviews. The second you step out of the BART train, you can already smell the pungent urine stench. Great. The stairway leading up to the street level was littered with trash. I know San Francisco lacks trash cans sometimes, but seriously? The street level immediately outside has your usual scene of people wandering around looking quite disheveled and aimless. Definitely come to this station if you want to see some of the dirtier parts of San Francisco. read more