Riding the Ferry During Transbay Disruptions

Ferry Service to S.F.   |   Ferry Service from S.F.

When transbay transportation is disrupted due to major incidents on the Bay Bridge or on BART, we often see an influx of passengers beyond our typical high ridership, particularly during peak commute periods. Information on this page aims to help both frequent ferry passengers and first-timers get across the Bay comfortably and easily when disruptions strike.

From Downtown S.F. | The Basics

  1. Get to the San Francisco Ferry Building (Embarcadero at Mission Street, San Francisco)
  2. Queue at gates E, F or G for all East Bay & Vallejo departures (right side of the Ferry Building).
  3. Tag on/tag off with a cash value Clipper Card, buy tickets onboard, or buy a ticket on your phone.

Where do I catch the ferry? Where does it go?

System Map

Which Ferry Route do I take? 

Heading to Oakland: 

If you're heading to Oakland, the Oakland & Alameda ferry route is the quickest ferry option from Downtown S.F. 

Trips on this route will arrive at the Oakland Ferry Terminal in Jack London Square at: 10 Clay Street, Oakland

BART RIDERS: Most BART commuters will want to go to the nearest East Bay BART station so they can continue their normal commute. For these passengers, the Oakland & Alameda ferry route offers direct service between Downtown S.F. and Oakland Jack London Square. The 12th Street Oakland BART Station is just 0.7 miles from there.The Oakland Ferry Terminal is also convenient to Capitol Corridor (just 0.5 miles east).

Heading to Alameda:

If you're heading to Alameda, the Alameda Seaplane ferry route is the quickest ferry option from Downtown S.F. 

  • Weekday departures to Alameda leave from Gate F at the Downtown S.F. Ferry Terminal. 
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Alameda Seaplane Ferry schedule here. 

Trips on this route will arrive in Alameda at the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal at: 1701 Ferry Point Road, Alameda

Heading to Richmond: 

If you're heading to Richmond, the Richmond ferry route is the quickest ferry option from Downtown S.F. 

  • Weekday departures to Richmond leave from Gate E at the Downtown S.F. Ferry Terminal. 
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Richmond Ferry schedule here. 
  • AC Transit Route 74 runs between the Richmond ferry terminal and Richmond BART. 

Trips on this route will arrive in Richmond at the Richmond Ferry Terminal at: 1453 Harbour Way S, Richmond

Heading to Vallejo:

If you're heading to Vallejo, the Vallejo ferry route is the quickest ferry option from Downtown S.F. 

  • Weekday departures to Vallejo leave from Gate E at the Downtown S.F. Ferry Terminal. 
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Vallejo Ferry schedule here. 
  • Bus connections are available at the Vallejo Transit Center (2 blocks away) with transit connections to Fairfield, Benicia & Napa.

Trips on this route will arrive in Vallejo at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal at: 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Where do I line up?

Queuing Map

How do I pay?

1). Clipper Card/Mobile Clipper - Tap On as you board and Tap Off at your destination terminal. 

2). Mobile Tickets - Purchase a mobile ticket on the San Francisco Bay Ferry mobile app for Apple & Android devices. Have your ticket ready to show the crew upon boarding. 

3). Paper Tickets - Tickets can be purchased with cash onboard the vessel after board. After boarding, please locate the ticket booth at the front of the vessel. 

How do I find out about ferry delays?

Delays In Service | Service Status

  • Sometimes extra crowding from transbay disruptions leads to minor delays on the ferry system. Guest Assistance Representatives will be available at the terminal to answer questions and guide queuing. 
  • Depending on the severity of rail or bridge disruption, we may offer additional service to assist with the influx of ferry passengers during a major event. Information on extra trips or major delays will be shared via the official San Francisco Bay Ferry Twitter (X) page @SFBayAlerts. 

Sign Up for Rider Alerts 

  • Sign up for Rider Alerts via text or follow @SFBFBayAlerts on Twitter to receive notifications and information about delays. During major transbay rail or bridge disruptions, we will keep riders informed on ferry service status via our Twitter (X) page at @SFBFBayAlerts.
  • Rider notifications and vessel locations can be found on the San Francisco Bay Ferry mobile app for Apple & Android devices. 

The line is so long! Will I get on?

San Francisco Bay Ferry queues can look intimidating but in most cases everyone will board. If we reach our U.S. Coast Guard-established capacity limit, you'll be near the front of the line for the next ferry. Next departure information is displayed on terminal digital signs and on the San Francisco Bay Ferry ap. 

I'm a regular ferry commuter. Do I get boarding preference?

Sorry, no. We're all in the same boat (literally) and there is a single queue for each departure.

 

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE
See our Rider Guide page or call (877) 643-3779.

SERVICE COMMENTS and QUESTIONS
Service suggestions are welcome. Please visit our contact page.