Golden Gate Bridge – Toll, Length, Photos and Fun Facts

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 01/15/2025 California, San Francisco, Tips for Trips

Golden Gate Bridge is more than just a regular bridge connecting San Francisco with Marin County. The red suspension bridge, measuring 8,981 ft, is one of the main symbols of San Francisco, alongside Alcatraz and cable cars. It was completed in 1937 and originally was not intended to be red.

1. Table of Contents

   1. Facts About Golden Gate Bridge – Length, Map, and Toll
   2. Visitor Tips for the Golden Gate Bridge
   3. Fun Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge
   4. History of the Golden Gate Bridge
   5. The Golden Gate Bridge: A Sad Statistic
   6. Photos of the Golden Gate Bridge

   Facts About Golden Gate Bridge – Length, Map, and Toll

   Length, Height, and Color of Golden Gate Bridge

   Golden Gate Bridge is made of steel, with a total length of 8,981 ft. Its total height is 746 ft, and it is 90 ft wide. The red color of the bridge is officially called “International Orange,” and the closest match from existing color palettes is Pantone 173. This shade was chosen to ensure visibility in fog and to harmonize with the surroundings.

   Where Is the Golden Gate Bridge Located?

   The Golden Gate Bridge in California connects the northern part of San Francisco with the southern edge of Marin County near Sausalito. It carries U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1.

   • Golden Gate Bridge Map

   Golden Gate Bridge Toll

   The toll on the Golden Gate Bridge is charged only when traveling into San Francisco. There is no toll for the return journey.

   The toll rates are as follows: $9.25 with FasTrak, $9.50 for a one-time payment, $10.25 via invoice, and $7.25 for Carpool. These prices were last updated on January 15, 2025.

   Carpool discounts are available for vehicles with three or more passengers, Monday to Friday, from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A FasTrak account and use of the designated carpool lane are required.

   Most rental car companies charge tolls to customers via systems like Pass24, eToll, PlatePass, or TollPass. Drivers can use FasTrak, and the fees will be deducted through the rental company.

2. Visitor Tips for the Golden Gate Bridge

   How to Get to the Golden Gate Bridge

   Golden Gate Transit buses can take you to the bridge. A ticket costs $5.50 in cash or $4.40 via the app. These ticket prices were last updated on January 15, 2025. Get off at the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza, served by lines 101, 114, 130, 132, 150, 154, 164, and 172.

   An Uber ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge costs between $30 and $45. Pedestrians can walk on the Golden Gate Bridge free of charge.

   You can also drive to the Golden Gate Bridge in a rental car, but parking can be a challenge. Hourly parking costs $5.00, and spaces are limited, with a 3-hour maximum parking time.

   When to Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

   The Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, visiting during midday or afternoon is recommended, as the morning fog might obscure the view. In the visitor center, you can simulate how weather conditions affect the bridge.

   Best Spots to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

   Most photos of the bridge are taken from the visitor center at Golden Gate Vista Point South, offering a full view of the bridge, its towers, and the bay.

   You can also take photos directly from the bridge using pedestrian paths. Another popular spot is Baker Beach, which provides the necessary distance for stunning photos.

   The best times for photography are early morning or during sunset.

   • Official Golden Gate Bridge Website
   • Golden Gate Bridge Map

3. Fun Facts About the Golden Gate Bridge

   How the Bridge Got Its Name

   Why is it called the Golden Gate Bridge when it’s red? The name Golden Gate Bridge refers to Captain John C. Frémont of the U.S. Army. On July 1, 1846, two years before the discovery of gold in California, he looked at the strait separating San Francisco from the ocean and declared it a “golden gateway” for trade with the Orient. He named it “Golden Gate,” and the bridge was later named after the strait.

   Why the Color Was Chosen

   The Golden Gate Bridge was originally planned to be black or gray, according to the architect’s designs. The now-iconic red was chosen because it complements the surrounding terrain and remains relatively visible in fog.

   How Many People Work on the Bridge

   Today, the bridge’s maintenance employs 36 full-time workers, including 28 painters, 7 ironworkers, and one supervisor. Painting the bridge is a continuous process, as workers start over as soon as they finish at the opposite end.

   The Golden Gate Bridge and Earthquakes

   Before the Golden Gate Bridge was officially opened, it was hit by a relatively strong earthquake. In June 1935, workers reported that the southern tower swayed from side to side by as much as 16 ft.

   A Ferry Preceded the Bridge

   The first connection between the two shores was provided by ferries, starting in 1826. Regular ferry service began in the 1840s, primarily to transport drinking water to San Francisco, which seems like an odd reason today.

4. History of the Golden Gate Bridge

   The idea to build a bridge connecting San Francisco with Marin County was proposed in 1923. Preparations for construction took seven years, culminating in architect Joseph B. Strauss submitting his design on August 27, 1930. Over the next three years, the project focused on securing funding. The Golden Gate Bridge cost $27 million at the time, equivalent to $507,161,856 in 2025.

   Construction began on January 5, 1933, and lasted four years. Remarkably, only 11 workers died during the project—a relatively low number compared to other projects of similar scale at the time, which typically saw 2.5 times more fatalities.

   The Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrians on May 27, 1937, with 200,000 people walking across it. The following day, the bridge opened to motor vehicles. Tolls were initially set at 50 cents ($10.89 in 2025 dollars) for one-way travel, with an additional 5 cents for vehicles carrying more than three passengers.

5. The Golden Gate Bridge: A Sad Statistic

   The Golden Gate Bridge remains a vital connection between San Francisco and Southern California and the northern part of the state. Since its opening in 1937, over 2 billion vehicles have crossed it, with the one-billionth vehicle crossing on February 22, 1985. On average, approximately 112,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

   The unique bridge has earned several awards and recognitions. In 1994, it was listed among the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” and ranked second on the list of the greatest construction achievements of the 20th century. Unsurprisingly, the Golden Gate Bridge is also the most photographed bridge in the world.

   However, the bridge holds a somber record. Alongside the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in China, it is one of the most common bridges for suicides. By 1995, when suicides stopped being officially counted, more than 1,500 people had jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge—roughly one person every three weeks. Today, special telephones directly connecting to counselors are installed on the bridge.

6. Photos of the Golden Gate Bridge