Planning a first trip on the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry in California? Here’s everything you need to know—from when and where the boats depart, how much it costs, how to get to the terminals and what to see in Sausalito and San Francisco.
A brief history and overview of the San Francisco to Sausalito ferry route
The ferry route between San Francisco and Sausalito is run by the Golden Gate Ferry. It connects the Ferry Building in San Francisco on the Embarcadero to the Sausalito Ferry Landing (downtown Sausalito, at Humboldt and Anchor Streets). The service runs every day and has long been used both by commuters and visitors. In recent decades the ferry has become a convenient alternative to driving over the Golden Gate Bridge, especially during heavy traffic hours, and also a way to enjoy views of the Bay.
The route takes about 30 minutes one way under normal conditions. The service is frequent during weekday daylight hours and less frequent in evenings and on weekends. It also operates using a fare system that distinguishes between adult full fare and discounted fares for Clipper card users, youth, seniors and disabled riders. The terminals offer basic amenities, ticket machines, and accessible access.
Ferry terminals: Locations and how to get there
San Francisco terminal (Ferry Building):
- Located on the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street behind the historic Ferry Building, near the Exploratorium.
- Public transit is the easiest way: BART, Muni, and streetcars reach the Ferry Building or nearby.
- There is no public parking at the terminal itself. Private paid garages and metered street parking are available nearby.
Sausalito terminal (Sausalito Ferry Landing):
- Located downtown at Humboldt and Anchor Streets.
- Parking: there are for-pay public lots adjacent to the ferry landing and metered street parking.
Departure times and journey time
- Weekdays: Departures from San Francisco Ferry Building (Gate B) for Sausalito at 7:40 am, 10:15 am, 12:10 pm, 2:45 pm, 4:20 pm, 5:45 pm and 7:15 pm.
- Weekends and holidays: First departure at 10:15 am, then roughly every two hours until last departure around 5:50 pm.
- The one-way journey takes about 30 minutes under normal conditions.
Ticket prices and payment
- Adult single ride (age 19-64): US$14.00 one way.
- Clipper card adult fare: US$8.25 one way.
- Youth (5-18), seniors (65+), disabled: US$7.00 one way.
- Children under 5: free (limit of two per full fare adult).
- Tickets can be bought at ticket vending machines at terminals; Clipper card is recommended for savings.
- Tickets are valid for 90 days after purchase (nonrefundable, cannot be exchanged).
All times and ticket prices are correct as of January 2026, but are subject to change in future.
5 San Francisco experiences worth booking
- 🌉 Combine the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz on a packed day tour.
- 🌲 Take a day trip to the Giant Sequoias and the highlights of Yosemite National Park.
- 🌃 See the city lights at night on a San Francisco Bay cruise.
- 🍷 Go wine-tasting in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys on a full day wine tour.
- ✌️ Hit the hippie hotspots in a colourful VW bus on the San Francisco Love Tour.
Parking and accessibility
Parking:
- In San Francisco: Very limited near the Ferry Building; rely on paid garages or metered street parking a few blocks away.
- In Sausalito: Multiple public lots near the terminal, as well as street meters. Rates and maximum daily limits vary by lot.
- Note: Overnight parking is not generally available in the terminal lots; many lots have maximum durations.
Accessibility:
- The terminals are equipped with accessible boarding ramps or lifts; Golden Gate Ferry is ADA compliant.
- Bicycles are allowed, but during busy times (especially summer), bike space can fill up; check bike-boarding rules in advance.
Booking tips and useful advice
- Arrive early: at least 20 minutes before departure if buying tickets; gates often close shortly before scheduled departure.
- Use the Clipper card or app to get the discounted fare. Buying single ride cash or non-Clipper tickets is more expensive.
- Check weekend/holiday schedule ahead of time because last departures tend to be earlier, and frequency is lower.
Things to do near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal
Sausalito waterfront – The ferry landing is in the centre of town, making it easy to explore the waterfront, browse the shops and galleries and stop at one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Sausalito Boardwalk – The waterfront path provides views across Richardson Bay and the surrounding hills and is an easy walk immediately after arriving by ferry.
Bay Area Discovery Museum – At Fort Baker on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, this hands-on children’s museum combines indoor exhibits with outdoor play areas and can be reached from Sausalito by road.
Golden Gate Bridge – The bridge is only a short drive from the ferry terminal, with several viewpoints on the Marin County side offering different perspectives on the structure and San Francisco Bay.
Battery Spencer – Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this former military battery has one of the best elevated views towards the bridge and San Francisco skyline and can be added to a wider Marin Headlands visit.
Alternative attractions
Alcatraz Island – The former prison island in San Francisco Bay makes a natural alternative Bay Area boat trip, with the Cellhouse audio tour forming the main part of a visit.
Fisherman’s Wharf – San Francisco’s waterfront district has restaurants, shops, sea lions and access to several bay cruises and boat trips, making it another option for a day beside the water.
Walt Disney Family Museum – In the Presidio, this museum traces Walt Disney’s life and career through animation artwork, photographs, films and other exhibits.
Exploratorium – On Pier 15, this hands-on science museum has hundreds of interactive exhibits and provides an indoor alternative if the weather is poor.
Fort Point – Beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, this 19th-century brick fort is a National Historic Site with views of the bridge and San Francisco Bay.
FAQ
| What is the last ferry back from Sausalito to San Francisco? | On weekdays, the final return trips are at 6.30 pm. At weekends, it’s 6.55pm. Always check the current schedule for the date of your travel. |
| Can I buy tickets online in advance? | No – tickets are sold at terminal vending machines or via Clipper card/app. No fully online booking for single-ride tickets. |
| Do I need exact change for machines? | The machines accept credit card and Clipper; cash options are more limited. Using Clipper simplifies payment. |
| Is the ferry wheelchair accessible? | Yes, both terminals and the vessels provide accessibility features. Boarding ramps or lifts are used. |
| What if I’m bringing a bicycle? | Bikes are allowed but space is limited during busy times. If possible, plan bike usage ahead; some terminals manage bike reservations or lines. |
| Is there service late at night? | No. The last service typically departs San Francisco at 7.15PM on weekdays. If you miss the last ferry, alternative transport (bus, rideshare) is required. |
Planning ahead – and using Clipper, checking schedules, and knowing where to park or arrive – will make your San Francisco to Sausalito ferry trip go without a hitch.
More San Francisco travel
Other San Francisco travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Tonga Room tiki bar in San Francisco.
- Why the audioguide makes a visit to Alcatraz Island special.
- Embracing touristy San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Complete guide to day tours to Monterey and Carmel from San Francisco.
