Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all San Francisco places

San Francisco, California / Landmarks

Castro Street Muni Metro Station

A vital transit hub in the heart of the Castro District, this Muni Metro station blends mid-century architecture with the powerful legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneer Harvey Milk.

Open prototype Official site Get directions

Where is the Castro Street Muni Metro Station located?

The station is located at 2401 Market Street at the intersection of Market Street, Castro Street, and 17th Street in San Francisco’s Castro District.

Which transit lines serve the Castro Street Muni Metro Station?

The station serves the K Ingleside and M Ocean View lines. Additionally, the historic F-Market streetcar stops at the intersection of Castro, Market, and 17th Streets.

How do I enter the station?

There is one entrance on each side of Market Street. The southern entrance is located in Harvey Milk Plaza, and the northern entrance, which includes a street elevator, is on the northwest corner of Market and 17th.

What is the station known for or what is nearby?

The station's southern entrance is in Harvey Milk Plaza, which features a plaque and photo display detailing the life and accomplishments of Harvey Milk.

What are the hours for the streetcars and shuttles?

Vintage F-streetcars operate daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekday shuttle service at the station runs from 7 a.m. to 8:20 p.m., with additional service for special events.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Castro Street Muni Metro Station serves as a primary gateway to one of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods. Located at the intersection of Market Street, Castro Street, and 17th Street, the station officially opened for service on June 11, 1980. Its architectural design was completed earlier, in 1976, by Howard Grant AIA of Reid & Tarics Associates. The underground facility features a mezzanine concourse level that overlooks two side platforms located on the level below. Beyond its function as a transit stop for the K Ingleside and M Ocean View lines, the station is deeply integrated into the civic identity of the Castro. The southern entrance is situated within Harvey Milk Plaza, which honors the first openly gay elected official of any large city in the United States. Visitors entering from this side will find a plaque and a display of photos detailing the life and accomplishments of Harvey Milk, who lived and worked in this neighborhood. Surface transit also converges here, as the station marks the Castro end of the F-Market historic streetcar line. These vintage streetcars connect the neighborhood to the Bay and Fisherman's Wharf, operating daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The station's presence at 2401 Market Street ensures that the district remains highly accessible via light rail, historic streetcars, and numerous bus lines. Access to the station is provided via two main points: the southern entrance in Harvey Milk Plaza and a northern entrance featuring a street elevator at the northwest corner of Market and 17th Streets. This layout allows commuters and tourists to easily transition between the subterranean Metro and the vibrant street-level culture of the Upper Market area.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the southern entrance in Harvey Milk Plaza to see the photo display and commemorative plaque.
  • If you prefer vintage travel, catch the F-Market historic streetcar, which runs daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Use the street elevator at the northwest corner of Market and 17th for the northern entrance.

Nearby context

The station is the central transit anchor for the Castro/Upper Market neighborhood. It is positioned just a short walk from other transit nodes, including the Church St & 18th St light rail stop and various bus stops at 18th St & Noe St.

Sources

Evidence and links