Clipper Card 2.0: Free & Discounted Transfers San Francisco Bay Area
Discounted BART transfers, free MUNI transfers, discounted Golden Gate Ferry, AC Transit, Caltrain transfers, Clipper Card 2.0 rollout, prices, transfers, clipper card news
Clipper Card 2.0 Bay Area Public Transportation Transfers, Fees & More
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BART High Value Discount (BART HVD)
Clipper Card 2.0 Rollout, Delay Update
Free & Discounted Transfers With Clipper Card 2.0
On December 10, 2025, Clipper Card will introduce another improvement that will offer free multi-agency transfers utilizing Clipper Card systems.
Users will only pay the first leg of the fare (within a 2 hour window). Transfers across agencies will be capped within the Cipper Card eco-system will receive up to a $2.85 per this recent BART press release.
This was initially planned for earlier in the year but after a series of setbacks, we finally have a date and a press release from the largest operator in BART!
Why Is This Important? Clipper Card 2.0 Fares, Prices
This can be a huge game-changer as it will encourage more folks to take public transportation instead of driving, especially if traveling in pairs or groups as it can often be cheaper even after factoring gas and tolls.
Currently, most people have to pay full fares when connecting across multiple agencies (with the exception of some MUNI transfers, see below).
Discounted Transfers BART, Caltrain & MUNI w/ Clipper Card 2.0
Sample Itinerary #1 w/ Clipper Card 2.0 Pricing
From San Francisco To Lake Merritt Ride via MUNI & BART
Current Price: $7.10: $2.85 for Muni Ride + $4.25 for BART Ride
Ride Under New Rollout: $4.25 ($2.85 for MUNI Ride + $1.40 BART transfer)
Savings of $2.85
Return Ride From Lake Merritt To San Francisco via BART & MUNI
Current Price: $6.60 each way ($4.25 for BART Ride + $2.35 for MUNI Ride)*
MUNI offers a $0.50 discount when transferring to MUNI from another agency within a specified timeframe.
Ride Under New Rollout: $4.25 ($4.25 for BART Ride + free MUNI ride transfer)
Savings of $2.35
The current round-trip price is $13.70, but after the rollouts, it will be $8.50. It might not seem that much, but if you are a daily commuter, that could be a savings of $104 a month (based on 20 rides per month).
Please Note:
These prices with the above scenario are valid with agencies that accept Clipper Card or contactless payment
Roll-out of new system will begin with contactless bank cards on December 10, 2025 and then roll-out of Clipper card is 8-12 weeks, however, people can expedite the process per the BART press release on October 21, 2025:
“For faster transition to the new system, customers may initiate the upgrade by logging into the Clipper website, using the Clipper mobile app, or calling the Clipper customer service center to speak with an agent who can start the upgrade process.”
Since MUNI does not accept contactless bank cards, one would not receive the free transfer to/from BART if using said payment method.
You must complete your ride within 2 hours start to end
Discounted Transfers AC Transit, Golden Gate Ferry w/ Clipper Card 2.0
Sample Itinerary #2 w/ Clipper Card 2.0 Pricing
From San Francisco To Jack London Square via MUNI & AC Transit
Current Price: $9.35 each way ($2.85 for Muni Ride + $6.50 for AC Transit Ride)
Ride w/ New Rollout: $6.50 ($2.85 for MUNI Ride + $3.65 AC Transit transfer)
Savings of $2.85!
Return Ride From Lake Merritt To San Francisco via AC Transit & MUNI
Current Price: $6.85 each way ($6.50 AC Transit Ride + $2.35 for MUNI Ride)
Ride Under New Rollout: $6.50 ($6.50 AC Transit Ride + $0.00 MUNI ride transfer)
Savings of $2.35!
For daily commuters, this can mean a savings of $104 a month (based on 20 rides per month).
*Currently, MUNI offers $0.50 discounts on transfers when transferring to MUNI from another agency within 2 hours so this new system will offer an additional $2.35 off which would come to a $2.85 savings (total).
IMPORTANT CLIPPER CARD NOTICE!
Please be sure to register your Clipper Card online!
Clipper Card login: https://www.clippercard.com/ClipperWeb/login
Sources:
https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2025/news20251021-2
https://www.futureofclipper.com/
Bay Area Public Transportation Agencies That Accept Clipper Card
Some of the regional lines that accept Clipper Card:
BART
SFMTA (MUNI)
AC Transit
Golden Gate Transit (Ferry, Bus)
Caltrain
SamTrans
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
San Francisco Bay Ferry
County Connection
SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit)
Sonoma County Transit
Full list here: https://www.kqed.org/news/12008877/bart-riders-free-discounted-transfers-bay-area-transit-systems
Bay Area Clipper Card Fare Calculator
https://clipper2.hikingbytransit.com/
Clipper Card 2.0 FAQ’s
Q: Will I receive discounts on BART if I have a MUNI monthly pass?
A: Doesn’t seem like it but if you do the calculations, it might make sense to pay for Clipper CARD instead vs getting a monthly MUNI pass in addition to BART fees.
Q: Are Clipper Card 2.0 discounts automatically applied?
A: Yes, they should be similar to the automatic discounts you see on your activity log when transferring to MUNI from other agency (on Clipper Card) in the specified time.
Q: Can I get the transfer credit if I use bank card tap to pay?
A: You can but only if the agencies accept it bank card tap to pay. For example, if you pay with you bank card on BART and use a MUNI pass, MUNI app to pay for the connection, you will NOT receive a discount. MUNI does not accept bank card tap to pay.
Q: How To Use Clipper Card On Caltrain
You have to tap on at the station and tap off upon exiting or else you will get charged the full-rate.
Q: Will Clipper Card Discounts Still Work With Credit Card Use?
Some may not if you get monthly discounts i.e senior, disability or students etc.
Q: What Is The MUNI Transfer Window?
The window is 2 hours but you have to complete your transfer(s) within that time otherwise you can get cited for not paying amount.
Q: Can I use my credit/debit card on Caltrain, BART & MUNI.
Yes, starting on December 10, 2025, you can use credit card anywhere Clipper Card is accepted.
Q: Is there a fee for using credit/debit card in lieu of Clipper Card?
I contacted Clipper Card and they mentioned there are no credit/debit card fees added to fare rates.
Q: Unable to access Clipper Card Account - Clipper Card Login Issues
Clipper Card is having issues on first day of roll-out on December 10, 2025 and that includes folks unable to login into their account, unable to request forgot password etc. They are not able to do anything over the phone as of 8:17AM, December 10, 2025 so hang time and check back later.
Q: How To Use Contactless Bank Card with Clipper Service?
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