Hire a Guide
Hire a professional guide in San Francisco
We connect tour operators, cruise lines, schools, and private groups with experienced local guides for tours, hospitality/events and transportation programs across the Bay Area.
City tours, Muir Woods/Sausalito, Wine Country, Monterey, Yosemite and more We are local experts who know the Bay Area
Three simple options
How to find the right guide
Choose the option that fits your planning style. Once you’ve identified one or more of our members who meet your needs, you’ll work directly with the guide to confirm service details and payment.
1
Use our automated system
Share some key details such as event date, type of service, and any foreign language needs. We send your request to several Guild-Certified guides. Those who are available will respond to you directly, and you decide who to hire.
Open the Hire-a-Guide automated system
2
Browse or search the Guide Directory
If you'd prefer to review profiles of our members, you can browse our online directory, or search for guides by language, specialty, or neighborhood. You then contact the guides directly to discuss availability and pricing.
Browse the Guide Directory
3
Send us an email that we will forward to our members
You can also email your program details to us, and we'll forward your message to our membership. Because this method is not automated, it may take a bit longer and you may hear from quite a few guides who are interested.
Email Us
Recommended rates
Guideline minimums for tour services
These rates represent minimums recommended by the San Francisco Tour Guide Guild. Individual guides may adjust pricing based on language, experience, season, or the complexity of your program.
Tours & Narrated Programs
English-language tours
$350 minimum (up to 4 hours)
Then $75 per additional hour, rounded up to the next full hour.
Foreign-language tours
$375 minimum (up to 4 hours)
Then $85 per additional hour, rounded up to the next full hour.
Meet & Greet / Airport & Transportation
English-language services
$250 minimum (first 4 hours)
Then $55 per additional hour.
Parking/BART/transportation reimbursement required.
Foreign-language services
$275 minimum (first 4 hours)
Then $55 per additional hour.
Parking/BART/transportation reimbursement required.
Out-of-pocket expenses (parking, tolls, BART, rideshare, and other transportation) must be reimbursed. Additional allowances may apply for travel time to airports, printing signage or manifests, cell phone usage, and meal periods when appropriate.
Terms & conditions
Working with Guild members
SFTGG members work as independent contractors. The Guild connects clients with guides but does not set contracts or guarantee performance. All arrangements are made directly between you and the guide(s) you choose to hire.
- The Guild receives no referral fees or commissions from work assignments.
- All expectations for performance, schedule, scope of services, and payment should be agreed in writing between you and the guide.
- For multi-day or complex programs, we strongly recommend a written agreement that covers cancellation policies, expenses, and special requirements.
Need tour guides in other cities?
Several other tour guide associations have “Hire a Guide” systems similar to San Francisco’s. If your programs extend beyond the Bay Area, you can connect with local guide associations in major U.S. destinations.