Alameda Ferry FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Passengers boarding a San Francisco Bay Ferry at the Seaplane Lagoon Terminal in Alameda, with the pier stretching over the water and the former naval air station and industrial buildings visible in the background.

Where can I take the ferry from Alameda?

Alameda has three terminals:

Seaplane Lagoon Terminal – Located at 1701 Ferry Point Road, this is a newer, modern terminal near Alameda Point, offering service to the San Francisco Ferry Building during peak commute hours and select off-peak sailings, and select connections to Oakland’s Jack London Square during commute hours.
Main Street Terminal – Located at 2990 Main St, this is for routes to Service to the San Francisco Ferry Building, Pier 41, and Oakland Jack London Square.
Harbor Bay Terminal– Located at 215 Adelphian Way, this ferry is primarily for commuters heading to Downtown San Francisco.

Is it a good option for commuting?

Absolutely!The ferry is one of the most efficient and scenic ways to commute between Alameda and San Francisco. Users appreciate:

Consistent 20–25 minute travel times avoid bridge and highway congestion.
Onboard Wi-Fi lets you work or relax during the ride.
Monthly passes make it cost-effective for regular commuters.

What are the ferry schedules?

Always check San Francisco Bay Ferry schedules for the latest times and holiday changes.

Weekdays: Frequent departures during morning and evening commute hours, with reduced mid-day service.
Weekends: Main Street and Seaplane Lagoon offer limited weekend service for leisure riders; Harbor Bay typically runs commuter-only service on weekdays.

How long is the ride?

Travel times may vary slightly depending on tides and terminal activity.

Seaplane Lagoon to San Francisco: About 25 minutes.
Main Street to San Francisco: About 20–25 minutes.
Harbor Bay to San Francisco: Around 25 minutes.
Main Street to South San Francisco (Oyster Point): About 45 minutes.
Alameda to Oakland (Jack London Square): About 10 minutes from Main Street or Seaplane Lagoon.

How much does it cost?

Single-ride fares are typically $5–$8, depending on route.
Clipper Card users get discounted rates.
Monthly passes and discounted fares are available for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

Wait, what's a Clipper Card?

A Clipper Card is a reloadable, contactless transit card used for paying fares on public transportation systems throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. It works like a digital wallet: you load money or transit passes onto the card and simply tap it at card readers when boarding ferries, buses, trains, or entering stations.

Is parking available at the terminals?

Seaplane Lagoon: Free and paid parking options nearby, with additional spaces under development.
Main Street: Limited parking that fills quickly during peak hours.
Harbor Bay: Dedicated commuter parking, including options for monthly permits.

Can I bring my bike?

Yes. Ferries have designated bike racks, but space is limited during rush hour. Bike storage is also available near the terminals.

What’s the onboard experience like?

The ferries offer comfortable indoor seating with climate control, outdoor decks for fresh air and scenic Bay views, snacks and drinks for purchase, and free Wi-Fi on most boats.

Is the ferry accessible?

Yes, the ferries and terminals are ADA accessible, with ramps, elevators, and priority boarding.

What happens in bad weather?

Ferries run in most weather, but heavy fog, high winds, or mechanical issues can cause delays or cancellations. Check real-time updates on the Bay Ferry alerts page before your trip.

How do I get around once I arrive in San Francisco?

The Ferry Building is steps away from Muni, BART, and bike-share stations. Pier 41 offers easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf attractions and walking paths along the waterfront.

What are the most common destinations people use it for?

Downtown San Francisco: Average trip time: 20–25 minutes from Main Street, 25 minutes from Harbor Bay.
Ferry Building Marketplace: Perfect for shopping, dining, or weekend outings; 20–25 minutes from Main Street.
Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39: Direct route from Alameda Main Street takes 25–30 minutes.
Oakland (Jack London Square): Quick 10-minute ride from Main Street or Seaplane Lagoon for dining, shops, and easy connections to Amtrak or downtown Oakland.
South San Francisco (Oyster Point): Common for biotech and corporate commuters; about 45 minutes.
Oracle Park (Giants Games): The ferry provides special event service during home games; 20–25 minutes plus a short walk or Muni transfer.
Chase Center (Warriors Games & Events): Seasonal or event-specific routes available; about 30 minutes from Alameda, including transfers.
Richmond: All-day service—great for visiting the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park or biking nearby trails. Travel time from Alameda varies by route but typically ranges around 35–40 minutes (depending on stops and departure point).
Vallejo (including Mare Island): A scenic longer ride ideal for weekend getaways to the Vallejo Farmers’ Market or historic Mare Island. Estimated travel time is ~60 minutes from San Francisco; from Alameda, expect a similar full‑bay crossing time.