Pacifica Commuter Guide to BART Routes & Highway 1

Wish your Pacifica commute felt simpler? Between bus-to-BART transfers and the twists of Highway 1, it helps to have a clear plan. You want reliable options, predictable timing, and a few backups for stormy days or tunnel closures. In this guide, you’ll learn the quickest BART connections, what to expect on CA‑1, and practical tips that save time and stress. Let’s dive in.

BART access from Pacifica

Fastest routes to Daly City

Most Pacifica riders connect to BART at Daly City Station. The direct links are SamTrans Route 110 (local, all-day) and the PCX (weekday peak express). Route 110 runs between Daly City BART and the Linda Mar area, with frequent trips across the day. For station details, parking, and bike amenities, see the official Daly City BART station page, and confirm bus times on the SamTrans Route 110 page.

Where to park and board

Use the Linda Mar Park & Ride as your main transfer point. It offers free parking and easy access to Route 110 and PCX trips to Daly City BART. Get park-and-ride details and Coastside service notes on the SamTrans Coastside Services page.

Fares and payments

Clipper makes transfers simpler and usually cheaper on SamTrans and BART. Load value or passes and tap on and off where required. Review Clipper options and discounts on the SamTrans Clipper page, and see BART ticket and contactless Tap & Ride info on BART’s tickets page.

Parking at Daly City BART

If you drive to the train, Daly City BART offers daily and reserved parking. Rates and rules can change, and nearby neighborhoods have permit zones. Check current parking options on the Daly City BART station page before you go.

Highway 1 overview

CA‑1 through Pacifica is beautiful and busy. Much of it is two lanes with signals through town and curvy segments north and south. Travel times vary, especially during peaks or bad weather. Plan extra time and keep an eye on advisories.

Tom Lantos Tunnels facts

The twin Tom Lantos Tunnels replaced the old Devil’s Slide road in 2013, improving reliability along the coast. Maintenance and emergency drills still occur, and occasional incidents can close lanes or the tunnels. For background on the tunnels, see the Tom Lantos Tunnels overview.

Closures, drills, detours

Caltrans schedules periodic overnight closures for tunnel drills and maintenance. When closures happen, the standard inland detours use I‑280 and SR‑92 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Review current advisories and detour guidance in Caltrans District 4 notices, like this annual tunnel drill advisory.

Sample commute plans

• Bus to BART, all-day option: Park at Linda Mar Park & Ride → Board SamTrans 110 to Daly City BART → Transfer to your BART line. Confirm times on the Route 110 page.
• Peak express to BART: During weekday peaks, use PCX trips from Linda Mar Park & Ride to Daly City BART for fewer stops. Check the latest schedule before you go.
• Drive then rail: Drive to Daly City BART, park using daily or reserved options → Ride BART. Verify rules and availability on the station page.
• Silicon Valley or SF by car: Use CA‑1 to I‑280 for inland freeway speeds. In storms or incidents, expect slower travel and consider alternate timing.

Timing your commute

Most Pacifica workers drive, and average one-way travel times are typically in the high‑20 to low‑30 minute range depending on route, time of day, and weather. Consider this a baseline, not a promise. For context on commute patterns, see local summaries on Census Reporter.

Tips for smoother trips

• Start at Linda Mar Park & Ride for reliable bus-to-BART transfers. See details on SamTrans Coastside Services.
• Check bus times before you leave. Route 110 runs all day; schedules update seasonally. Use the Route 110 page for the latest info.
• Carry Clipper for faster transfers and discounts. Review products on the SamTrans Clipper page. BART also supports contactless Tap & Ride.
• Watch for tunnel advisories and winter storms. Caltrans posts planned closures and detours such as I‑280 and SR‑92 in District 4 notices.
• Bike plus transit is possible. Daly City BART lists racks and lockers on the station page.

Plan your move with local help

Your daily route shapes how a home feels. If you’re weighing neighborhoods, test your commute at your usual hours and build a backup plan for CA‑1. When you’re ready to buy or sell on the Peninsula, lean on a local team that knows the roads, the buses, and the timing that fits real life. Reach out to Fadi Shamieh for clear, personal guidance.

FAQs

How do you get from Pacifica to BART?

• Take SamTrans Route 110 or PCX from Linda Mar Park & Ride to Daly City BART, then transfer to your BART line; confirm times on the Route 110 page.

Where can you park to catch the bus?

• Use Linda Mar Park & Ride in Pacifica for free parking and easy access to Route 110 and PCX; details are on SamTrans Coastside Services.

Is Highway 1 dependable for daily commuting?

• It’s scenic but variable due to curves, signals, weather, and occasional tunnel maintenance; check Caltrans notices and allow extra time during peaks and storms, including detours via I‑280 and SR‑92 noted in District 4 advisories.

What fare should you use on SamTrans and BART?

• Use a Clipper card for simpler transfers and lower fares on SamTrans and BART; review options on the SamTrans Clipper page, and see BART contactless details on BART’s tickets page.

What happens during Tom Lantos Tunnel closures?

• Caltrans schedules overnight drills and maintenance at times; follow posted detours using I‑280 and SR‑92 and monitor Caltrans District 4 notices for updates.