VISITOR GUIDE

Cross the Bay the ferry way! Explore the region with convenient routes that connect waterfront attractions in San Francisco to dining and entertainment in Oakland and Alameda. Ride across the Bay to Vallejo and Richmond to experience a taste of maritime history and local innovation.

WHERE WE GO

POPULAR DAY TRIPS

Rich maritime history and vibrant local businesses create the perfect atmosphere in Alameda, an island city with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay.

  • Spirits Alley – Discover distilleries and tasting rooms along Monarch Street.
  • USS Hornet – Travel to the southernmost pier of the former Alameda Naval Air Station, where the museum houses exhibits from the NASA Apollo Moon exploration missions and retired WWII aircraft.
  • Alameda Point Antiques Faire – Go on a treasure hunt at the largest antique show in Northern California. 

Plan your trip using the terminal pages: Alameda Seaplane, Main Street Alameda, Harbor Bay

Discover Oakland’s rich history and strong community atmosphere, from its storied role in civil rights movements to its cultural landmarks and thriving arts scene.

  • Jack London Square – Ride across the Bay to Oakland’s mixed-use waterfront and marina that offers a bustling hub of outdoor recreation, special events, and a connection point to East Bay landmarks.

  • USS PotomacThis restored 165-foot vessel is a floating museum and national historic landmark. Docked in Jack London Square, the Potomac hosts Bay cruises and dockside tours.

  • Swan’s Market – Home to some of Oakland’s most popular restaurants, Swan’s Market is located in Old Oakland, a historic area that blends artistic, cultural, and culinary traditions with late century architecture.

Our ferry terminal is a 20-minute walk to Downtown Oakland and is near lots of AC Transit connections to get you to Temescal, Lake Merritt, Berkeley, and other communities.

Want more ideas? Check out Visit Oakland’s resources

Richmond is located 16 miles northeast of San Francisco, directly across the San Francisco Bay. The earliest inhabitants of Richmond were the indigenous Ohlone people, a community who cultivated strong connections to the land and a culture of rich artistry. Today, Richmond is a growing maritime, industrial, and residential community.

  • Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park – Honor the legacy of American workers at Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter Museum. The story of women’s contributions during World War II is front and center with engaging exhibits and a visitor center located in the historic Ford Assembly Plant.
  • San Francisco Bay Trail – Stroll or ride along the water’s edge on this 350-mile trail circling the Bay, where breathtaking views and tranquil paths create the ideal setting for nature walks and cycling adventures.
  • Point Richmond – From regional parks to scenic beach access, visit this charming town while enjoying tasty local eats including small-batch ice cream, family-owned restaurants, and artisan coffee.

Plan your trip using the terminal page: Richmond

The City of Vallejo blends history, adventure, and culture, beginning with its brief stint as California’s first state capital in the early 1850s. The establishment of Mare Island Naval Shipyard opened the West Coast to becoming a vital naval and shipbuilding hub. Visitors can explore the city’s historic charm through waterfront attractions, museums, and local events.

  • Downtown Vallejo – Shop small on historic Main Street, where visitors can enjoy unique dining experiences, vintage and antique shops, and vibrant public art.
  • Vallejo Naval and Historical MuseumExplore thought-provoking exhibits and engaging programs that dive into Vallejo’s naval history through fascinating displays, artifacts, and restored buildings from the shipyard’s active years.
  • Napa Valley – Travel via the Vallejo route to connect to local buses like Vine Transit that link to the Napa Valley region known for hundreds of hillside vineyards and gourmet food.

Plan your trip using the terminal pages: Vallejo, Mare Island

Want more ideas? Check out Visit Vallejo’s resources.

San Francisco, once the heart of the Gold Rush and a gateway for immigrants from around the world, is a site of innovation, diversity, and resilience. The city maintains its deep roots in the alleyways of Chinatown, public murals around the Mission District, and lively celebrations taking place in neighborhoods like SoMa and Japantown.

  • Ferry BuildingTake in breathtaking views of the Bay along the Embarcadero in Downtown San Francisco while exploring artisan bakeries and unique boutiques at this bustling marketplace and waterfront hub.
  • Pier 39 – Go for a bike ride along the Embarcadero to visit the California sea lions and explore Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Exploratorium – Let your curiosity run wild at the Exploratorium, an interactive museum blending science, art, and human perception.

Plan your trip using the terminal page: Downtown S.F.

TICKETS & PAYMENT OPTIONS

There are three ways to pay fares.

  1. Clipper Card or Mobile Clipper 
    Using your Clipper Card or mobile Clipper is the easiest way to pay your ferry fare. Tag On during boarding and Tag Off upon arrival in each direction.
  2. SF Bay Ferry app
    If you’re a riding with a family or group, you can purchase mobile tickets using the SF Bay Ferry app (available to download on iOS and Android). When using your mobile tickets, remember to activate a ticket for each passenger prior to boarding.
  3. Paper tickets
    Paper tickets are sold at Bay Crossings in the Ferry Building. You can also purchase paper tickets onboard the ferry using cash or card. You may be required to wait in a second line, so this is the least recommended option.

Ticket Prices

RouteClipper, Paper,
or Mobile Ticket
Discount Clipper,
Paper or Mobile Ticket
Children under 5
Oakland & Alameda,
Alameda Seaplane,
Harbor Bay,
Richmond
$4.90$2.40FREE
South San Francisco$7.40$3.70FREE
Vallejo$9.90$4.90FREE
Short Hops$1.10$0.50FREE

Discount Clipper

Includes Clipper START, RTC Clipper, Senior Clipper and Youth Clipper. For mobile tickets, use the discount paper ticket categories and verification methods listed below. Learn More

Discount Paper and Mobile Tickets

Can be used by those 65 or older, 17 or younger or those with Medicare cards or DMV disabled parking placards.

RIDER TIPS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

If you are traveling alone, no. We encourage you to use Clipper to pay your fare. If you are traveling in a group, tickets can be purchased before boarding on the SF Bay Ferry mobile app. Tickets are sold as one-way only so if you are making a round-trip, simply purchase 2 one-way tickets for the ferry route you will be riding. All ferry trips are first-come, first-served.

We suggest arriving 10-15 minutes before the scheduled ferry departure. All ferry trips are first-come, first-served and may fill up. 

To board, you will need a valid Clipper card or Clipper on your phone. If you don’t use Clipper, you must have a valid ticket on the SF Bay Ferry app to board. Tickets may also be purchased onboard.

Yes. All vessels have snack bars with food and beverage offerings.

Yes. All vessels and terminal facilities are ADA accessible. 

Yes. All vessels can accommodate bikes and scooters as long as they follow our bikes & scooter guidelines. Bike and scooter stowage is first come, first served. Please remember that vessels have limited capacity for stowage. 

No. All passengers must disembark upon arrival at the vessel’s destination terminal. If you are making an immediate round trip, we ask you to disembark and line up for the ride back. We appreciate your cooperation! 

ROUTES NOT OPERATED BY SF BAY FERRY

See below for links to information on Bay Area ferry service not operated by San Francisco Bay Ferry.

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