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.

To Downtown S.F. | The Basics 

  1. Get to your closest ferry terminal in Vallejo, Richmond, Oakland, Alameda or Harbor Bay. 
  2. Arrive approx. 10 minutes prior the ferry's scheduled departure. 
  3. Terminals provide free parking (except Vallejo: park for a fee). 
  4. Download the San Francisco Bay Ferry mobile app to purchase tickets. 
  5. Tickets are checked upon boarding. Be ready show the crew your Mobile or Paper ticket. If using Clipper, simply Tag on at the card reader on the gangway. Remember to Tag Off when you exit the vessel on the card reader at your destination terminal.  

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

System Map

Which Ferry Route do I take? 

Oakland to Downtown SF: 

If you're heading into the San Francisco from Oakland, the Oakland & Alameda ferry route is the quickest ferry option to The City. A one-way adult fare from Oakland to S.F. is $4.70. More fare info can be found on our Tickets & Fare page. 

The Oakland Ferry Terminal in Jack London Square is located at: 10 Clay Street, Oakland 

  • Riders receive free validated parking at the 101 Washington Street garage near the ferry terminal.
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Oakland & Alameda Ferry schedule here.

OAKLAND TERMINAL PARKING:  We suggest arriving to park 20 minutes prior to vessel departure as the garage is two short blocks away from the terminal pier. Parking can be validated at validation machines onboard the vessel. 

Alameda to Downtown S.F. 

If you're heading into San Francisco from Alameda, the Alameda Seaplane and Oakland & Alameda ferry routes are the quickest ferry option into The City. A one-way adult fare from Alameda to S.F. is $4.70 on both routes. More fare info can be found on our Tickets & Fare page. 

On weekdays only, the quickest ferry service to S.F. is available from the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal located at: 1701 Ferry Point Road, Alameda.

  • Riders can park for free at the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Terminal. 
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Alameda Seaplane Ferry schedule here. 
  • Return trips back to the Alameda Seaplane Lagoon Terminal will depart the Downtown S.F. Terminal at Gate F. 

On weekdays & weekends, ferry service is available from the Main Street Alameda Terminal located at: 2990 Main St., Alameda. 

HARBOR BAY: Weekday-only ferry service is also available on the Harbor Bay ferry route between Downtown S.F. (Gate F) and Bay Farm Island. More details on this service can be found on the Harbor Bay Route Page. 

Richmond to Downtown S.F. 

If you're heading into the San Francisco from Richmond, the Richmond ferry route is the quickest ferry option to The City. A one-way adult fare from Richmond to S.F. is $4.70. More fare info can be found on our Tickets & Fare page. 

The Richmond Ferry Terminal is located at: 1453 Harbour Way S, Richmond

Vallejo to Downtown S.F. 

If you're heading into the San Francisco from Vallejo, the Vallejo ferry route is the quickest ferry option to The City. A one-way adult fare from Vallejo to S.F. is $9.60. More fare info can be found on our Tickets & Fare page. 

The Vallejo Terminal is located at: 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

  • Paid parking is available at the Downtown Vallejo parking garage across from the terminal area. 
  • Refer to terminal signs for real-time next departure information. 
  • View the Vallejo Ferry schedule here. 
  • Bus connections to the ferry are available from the Vallejo Transit Center (2 blocks away).
  • Return trips back to Vallejo will depart the Downtown S.F. Terminal from Gate E. 

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. 
     

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.